I’m not afraid to say it: the importance of a good handbag to elevate an outfit is key. When I’m on my daily social media scroll and spot a particularly chic dresser, my first thought isn’t usually about her jeans or shoes (well, sometimes it is), but it is always: “what bag is that?”
So what makes an It bag significant? First of course is the brand. The most sought after bags typically come from luxury fashion houses renowned for decades’ worth of impeccable craftsmanship. Names like Bottega Veneta, The Row, and Chanel have become synonymous with this status amongst fashion people and celebrities alike for just that. Then there’s the silhouettes and the detailing. Is it practical, boasting ample space and interior pockets, or is it more of a fun, statement piece? When you think of the Birkin or Saint Laurent Le 5 à 7, it’s the design that makes these bags instantly recognisable. And lastly, we must look at the brand “clout”. In an era driven by social-first fashion, an It bag is only as popular as social media says it is. Case and point: the frenzy surrounding Matthieu Blazy’s spring/summer Chanel collection, where demand has reached a fever pitch online and subsequently translated into stores.
Since the start of 2026, we’ve seen plenty of contenders attempt to claim the title of It bag of the year. Think the Saint Laurent Mombas or Chanel’s equally popular Large Tote and Small Flap bags (each with undeniable staying power). But both styles are one of many new designs slung around the shoulders of some of the chicest celebrities, and so clear edit of the same heroes has emerged. These are bags which can withstand the ever-changing trend cycle, and ones which will stay within your rotation for decades rather than being listed on resale sites at the end of the season.
Curious to see what made the cut? Scroll on to see the 5 most covetable It bags of 2026 and find out exactly why they deserve a place in your wardrobe.
1. Chanel Maxi Flap
Style Notes: From Hailey Bieber to Kylie Jenner, Blackpink’s Jennie and Who What Wear UK’s very own Editor-in-Chief Jane McFarland, the Chanel large tote bag is undoubtedly one of the most discussed designer bags of 2026 thus far. Part of the wider large bag revival, it’s wonderfully capacious in size, meaning you can fit everything you’ll need and more inside. Finished with Chanel’s signature delicate gold hardware makes it instantly recognisable, but what sets this bag apart is its nondescript simplicity, an understated quality which ensures longevity. Practical enough that you can fit your life inside yet designed to perfection, it’s one you’d pull out year after year without ever feeling dated.
Shop the Chanel Maxi Flap
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