The Y2K Bag Trend You Really Don't Need to Spend a Lot On

If there's one accessory that epitomises the '90s, it's surely the baguette bag. Just one glimpse at its teeny proportions and dainty shoulder strap will take you thundering down memory lane to a time when jeans were low-slung and crop tops were plentiful. For me, the trend has connotations of chick-flick heroines, glamazon girl-band members and, well, Regina George. As an accessory, it certainly had a particular "look" attached to it.

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(Image credit: @champagnemani)

I prefer low-key silhouettes and practical handbags, so it's fair to say that I was initially dubious about the baguette's return to fame. But before you dismiss it like I did, let me assure you that the current iteration has a different flavour than the '90s and Y2K originals. Along with many other summer trends, the baguette 2.0 has taken on a more minimalist spin, and the majority of styles this season come unprinted in shades of black, brown, cream and faded pastel.

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(Image credit: @jen_wonders)

Designed to sit nicely with tailored shirting, loose-fit jeans, sharp blazers and slouchy sweaters, the bag adds polish to basic outfit pairings, as many of our favourite influencers have been showcasing. If you're worried about the price tags of the designer iterations beloved by Carrie Bradshaw and crew, rest assured that the high street has delivered a bounty of winning styles that can fit into any budget. This is also a trend that lends itself to buying second-hand, so if you fancy a pre-loved look, head over to Vestiaire Collective or Etsy, and keep your eyes peeled. I've also included a few options below.

Scroll down to see and shop the throwback bag that won't cost you the earth this summer.

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(Image credit: @annelauremais)

Throwback to the '90s with a vintage check baguette bag, as seen on Anne-Laure Mais.

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(Image credit: @lefevrediary)

Go tonal with a matchy-matchy skirt and jumper. Then add a colour-coordinated baguette.

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(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

Why not use your baguette to add a pop of colour to a casual weekend look à la Lucy Williams?

Shop the Best Baguette Bags on the Market

Up Next: I'm Convinced These Are the 13 Most Popular Designer Bags Ever

This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.