Bag Fashion: Small Bags vs. the Large Bag Trend

According to some fashion experts, one of the handbag trends for 2021 is large bags. Not just large, but oversized. Think of bags that not only will hold your laptop for work, but also your clothes for the gym, or other necessities for...well, to take your life with you on the go.

I've carried everything from large totes to small crossbody bags that hold barely more than my phone (and even that was a tough fit), so it's always interesting to see what direction purse trends are going, then dig into my closet and see if I have anything that might match at least ONE trend.

For Christmas 2018, I asked for (and received) a nice laptop bag that I could carry to work and forego needing to carry a purse. I got about two and a half months of use from it (including one business trip where it proved its worth), then my company had us all begin to work remotely. I emptied that laptop tote and haven't used it since.

Contrary to the "Bigger is better" trend, PurseBop constantly blogs about the mini trend that has been big with bag enthusiasts lately. Personally, I have to agree.

With the pandemic still keeping us from travelling as we used to, there simply is less of a reason to carry more than your phone, wallet, and a mask. Most of the time you can fit those items in your jacket pockets. (Back to purses when it warms up, though!)

I find myself asking what kinds of bags I should focus on making when I haven't been carrying a purse most of the time when I go out. But I also want to believe that things will get better and I will be able to hang out at the local pub with friends again. When that day comes, I'll want to have a bag on hand.

With that in mind, I have a feeling it will take a while before people are demanding large bags again; the need will return for bags capable of holding a laptop, or mothers carrying the essentials (everything but the kitchen sink) when they're back to herding their kids from school to activities while also hauling their own necessities around. Larger bags are always good for travel when that opens up again, too.

But for now?

I'm personally sticking with small bags, myself, and what's on the bench will likely reflect that need. However, if you feel a big bag is for you, congratulations! You're matching one of 2021's trends!