From Khaite to Zara—The 30 Best Studded Handbags for Fall

If you spend a few minutes scrolling through social media, you’re bound to find something going viral, like a new album, a celebrity’s street style look, or just a trendy new bag. All of these things may or may not leave a lasting impression, but the latter often lingers in the minds of long-time online fashionistas. Even if we quit TikTok, handbags are just as important in real life as they are online. After all, no other accessory has had as much of an impact on pop culture as the much-admired handbag of the past century. Refer to Fendi’s Baguette and Gucci’s Jackie Bag. Whether beloved by fictional characters or inspired by American political fashion icons, some of the most popular wallets keep us informed of what’s happening in the world. Therefore, we think it’s not pointless to try to discern which bags are going viral. It is a tool to understand what is happening around us, or at least to be a part of it. It may be an unconventional approach, but preserving some part of fashion history will always be our favorite pastime.

While there are many wallets that offer a glimpse into the past, none are as popular as the studded bag at the moment. Embellished handbags are not a completely new trend, they have reportedly been around since the Victorian era. However, we’re seeing them reappear, in part because the luxury fashion house has released some of its most popular styles, including Khaite’s Elena Studded Bag. In many ways, the return of this outdated trend is reflective of this moment in fashion and wider pop culture. The bag’s style, for example, embodies the bohemian revival brought about by Chloé’s appointment of Chemena Kamali, and its return coincides with the rise of alternative girl fashion, further popularized by the virality of Charli XCX . boy album this summer. Simply put, studded bags perfectly capture the moment, so there’s no better fall piece than this.

If you haven’t purchased one yet, keep scrolling to see our picks of the 30 best studded bags based on quality, functionality, wearability, brand recognition, and price point. Trust us, studded bags are this Moment, period.