The Fashion Statement: It Bags are Back to Basic

by Kristin Young (RSS feed)
Jul 1st 2010 at 9:00AM

Toss your roomy totes, slim clutches and bohemian bags with hardware and fringe to the back of the closet.

The It bags for fall are small and basic; ladylike, almost to the point of prim; and minimalist. Square-shaped or rectangular, the handbags often have long shoulder straps and feature a very simple fold-over envelope style flap with a simple clasp. Color schemes are fairly basic, too, with most in solid brown and tan leather and black.

These bags resemble the "pocket books" you once plucked from your mother's or grandmother's closet to play dress-up. They are ultra understated and have a conservative '80s power suit feel. With long shoulder straps the bags rest at the hip.

Hermès has resurrected the Constance, a model with an H clasp that can be worn over the shoulder or messenger style.

Phoebe Philo introduced Celine's Classic Box, a small bag with compartments, closed by a square gold clasp. The fashion flock has been seen with the bag in black, brown and red leather.

Ralph Lauren has one in shiny brown croc with a gleaming round gold clasp. Fendi has also brought back a classic: the Logo Square bag emblazoned with Fs.

Gallery: The Fashion Statement: Bags are Back To Basics

These retro handbags represent big movement among fashion houses to get back to basics. Heritage and identity is suddenly important post Great Recession and so is bringing back the tried and the true. People still want luxury, but if they're going to throw money around, they're probably going to throw it at a classic.

Chanel's classic black quilted flap bag is commanding almost $2,000 on EBay these days. (Just beware of the fakes!)

Basic styles are also showing up on celebs, too. Lindsay Lohan may be sporting over-the-top platinum locks these days, but her simple shoulder bag offsets the look. Madonna draped a shoulder bag over her body, à la '70s style, at a recent benefit.

Or maybe Carla Bruni-Sarkozy has something to do with it. The ex model and signer always looks ladylike, if not a little prim and proper, on the arm of the French President. The look for the photo ops? Simple 60s shifts, kitten heel pumps and a simple shoulder bag. Knees and feet together, handbag held front and center.

Tags: carla bruni sarkozy, Celine, Chanel, handbags, Hermes, It bags, Lindsay Lohan, Madonna, Ralph Lauren, shoulder bags

Filed under: Handbags, The Fashion Statement

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Knych Keller Jul 1st 2010 12:10PM

Bravo for the Classics! I work for a luxury ladies' Swiss watch line and the consumer response to our timepieces is approvingly constant.

Vivi Jul 1st 2010 12:07PM

At last- handbags as they should be.
I adore these vintage inspired ladylike handbags- so chic!

www.vivivintage.com

Kara Jul 2nd 2010 10:14AM

The 'It' bag is a thing of the past. No one cares anymore, and few are willing to have 'must have' purchases dictated to them. No matter how drastically the designers try to change handbags in an attempt to make those carrying an older handbag feel inferior, it just doesn't work anymore. But we can't blame them for trying - their goal is to separate you from your money, and put it in to their pockets.