The 9 New Handbags That Define French-Girl Style

Basket bags have been linked to French-girl style since Jane Birkin made them popular decades ago, and the style isn’t showing any signs of slowing down on the streets of St. Germain or the Marais. Recently, though, I’ve been interested in pinpointing the new bags that are gaining a following among the Parisian fashion set now.

To research the topic, I did a deep dive on Instagram to see exactly which handbags all of the cool French women are carrying on their arms at the moment. From throwback styles that were popular in the ’90s to designer monogram pieces to on-the-rise designers to the just-launched bag that is already selling out, there are plenty of styles we’re spotting on girls in Paris right now. Ahead, see the nine bag styles French girls are wearing and shop them for yourself.

french-handbag-wardrobe-270574-1540166397946-image

THE '90S THROWBACK
(Image credit: @sabinasocol)

Prada’s nylon bags have been making a comeback across the globe and Paris is no exception.

french-handbag-wardrobe-270574-1540166621537-image

THE JACQUEMUS MINI
(Image credit: @fionazanetti)

These bags keep selling out, so order one while you can get your hands on one.

french-handbag-wardrobe-270574-1540167389899-image

THE MONOGRAM BAG
(Image credit: @syderale_)

Louis Vuitton’s monogram bags are popping up everywhere.

french-handbag-wardrobe-270574-1540167911673-image

THE BY FAR BAG
(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

By Far’s just-launched bag collection is already selling out, so act quickly.

french-handbag-wardrobe-270574-1540168101483-image

THE FAUX-CROC BAG

Rejina Pyo’s faux-croc bags are some of the most wanted styles this season.

french-handbag-wardrobe-270574-1540168261168-image

THE BUCKET BAG
(Image credit: @thomsenmichaela)

Bucket bags are huge among French girls, but this version from Staud is no doubt their go-to style.

french-handbag-wardrobe-270574-1540167787730-image

THE BEADED BAG
(Image credit: @susan_alexandra)

Susan Alexandra’s bags swept the fashion scene this year.

french-handbag-wardrobe-270574-1540166449128-image

THE GINGHAM BAG
(Image credit: @adenorah)

Ever since Brigitte Bardot made gingham iconic, it has been linked with French-girl style.

french-handbag-wardrobe-270574-1540167228863-image

THE LEATHER BAG
(Image credit: @leiasfez)

Rouje’s just-launched J Bag is one of the most photographed styles of the season.

Next: the key trends for spring summer 2019. 

Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.