7 days ago
Suddenly, Every Cool Girl Is Carrying This Embellished Bag
Western-inspired fashion is having a major renaissance. Suede, flashy buckles and fringe abounded on the spring/summer 2025 runways and are now a mainstay on the street style scene, too. But you don't need to go full-on cowgirl to get in on the trend. One of the easiest ways is via a studded bag.
Studded bags are surprisingly versatile. Available in a wide range of silhouettes, they can be at once playful and utilitarian, or relaxed yet elevated, as demonstrated on the SS25 catwalks at Valentino, Bally, Khaite and Isabel Marant.
Designers showed their versatility by pairing them with everything from breezy A-line dresses in a pastel palette at Khaite to Western shirts tucked into fringed plaid mini skirts in burgundy and violet at Marant.
Meanwhile, starlets Bella Hadid and Alexa Chung have chosen a version of Valentino Garavani's studded suede shopper to instantly elevate their daytime looks. Hadid paired her beige fringed shoulder bag with a black jersey v-neck knit and beige trousers while Chung opted for a mannish blue shirt, distressed brown leather jacket and jeans with the larger rectangular tote, each showcasing how the style has quickly become summer's most desired accessory.
Ready to try the trending item for yourself? Scroll on to shop the best studded bags below.
Debuting with Alessandro Michele's first Valentino collection, the archival-inspired Nellcote quickly became an editor and celebrity favorite. Striking fringe and stud details make it a shining example of the current Western craze, while a timeless silhouette and genuine suede finish ensures it'll outlast the trend cycle.
Dimensions: Height: 21cm; width: 19cm
Material: Suede
Not all studded bags scream cowgirl core. Case in point: this edgy, cult-loved shoulder bag from Khaite, crafted in matte black leather with chunky round studs. Bonus: it has plenty of room for your phone, wallet, keys, and sunglasses.
Dimensions: Height: 13cm; width: 19cm
Material: Leather
Beloved by both Hadid and Alexa Chung, Valentino Garavani's Nellcote tote offers a roomier silhouette that is ideal for work, running errands, and everything in between. Detailed with oversized studs and miniature grommets, this slouchy suede style can easily fit a laptop, and then some.
Dimensions: Height: 16.5cm; width: 20.5cm
East-west silhouettes are also one of this season's biggest bag trends. Alaïa's Le Teckel arguably sparked the obsession, and this studded suede version is a fun update on the classic.
Dimensions: Height: 27cm; width: 9cm
Try the studded bag trend in a more unexpected, sumptuous green. This sharp mini bag from A.L.C. – crafted with sleek lambskin and a twisted handle – will instantly take your look from good to great.
Dimensions: Height: 17cm; width: 29cm
Lean into the noughties boho revival with Isabel Marant's slouchy shoulder bag. It's half-moon shape is embellished with silver-tone studs and swishy fringing, and offers enough space for your phone, wallet and makeup bag for everyday essentials.
Dimensions: Height: 39cm; width: 33cm
Add a sculptural twist to your looks with this chrome-embellished croissant bag from Mango. The slouchy fabric means you can fill it to the brim without it ever feeling bulky.
Dimensions: Height: 14.9cm; width: 13.39cm
Material: Polyurethane
With a sleek saddle silhouette embellished with silver studs, Isabel Marant's Oskan bag channels the brand's signature Western vibe. It's made from leather and has a spacious interior to stow away your essentials, with a wide strap to wear on the shoulder.
Dimensions: Height: 22.5cm; width: 32cm
&Other Stories offers a more affordable take on the trend with this curved tote bag. With a strap to rest on your shoulder and in genuine leather, it looks far more premium than its high street price tag. Pair with light shades of linen and denim now and rich tones of camel or burgundy come winter.
Dimensions: Height: 34cm; width: 37cm
For a minimalist take, try Stella McCartney's smart burgundy tote. Studded with small silver rivets, it can be carried using the two flat top handles or detachable shoulder strap and secured via the magnetic fastening to the top.
Dimensions: Height: 20cm; width: 40cm
Material: Polyurethane
Samantha is a lifestyle commerce editor at Hearst magazines, where she covers fashion, fitness gear, tech, and viral products. She has over six years of editorial experience, including writing, editing, and hands-on product testing for commerce stories—whether it be an in-depth running shoe review or a curation of the latest Prime Day deals. As an avid runner and former Division I athlete, Samantha has particular expertise in fitness gear, apparel, shoes, and tech. (In fact, when she's not at her desk, she's probably out for a run.)
You can find Samantha's work in Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping, House Beautiful, Country Living, Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, PEOPLE, and more.
Esther Coombes is the Senior Ecommerce Editor at Harper's Bazaar, ELLE and Esquire, overseeing luxury shopping content across fashion, beauty, travel and homes. She graduated from London College of Fashion with a First Class BA in Fashion Journalism in 2010, and has since worked at Marie-Claire, Easy Living, GLAMOUR and Women's Health.
She held positions as Senior Fashion and Beauty Executive, Senior Lifestyle Executive and Content Lead during her nine years at HELLO! and HELLO! Fashion, creating editorial and branded content across the lifestyle sector and interviewing talent and experts including Lisa Eldridge, Jo Malone and Katie Jane Hughes for print and digital features.
With exacting standards and a critical eye for editing new launches, she enjoys recommending readers best in class products and experiences, be that a glow-giving skin tint, a boutique hotel stay or the perfect slingback stiletto.
In her spare time you can find her at a spin or reformer class or streaming the latest zeitgeisty podcast or television drama. You can follow Esther on Instagram at @esthercoombes.
