The 4 Handbag Styles You Need For Fall 2015

Autumn is a time of sartorial transition, and what better way to celebrate a burgeoning new season than by test-driving a novel handbag design? For fall 2015, handbag trends are all about classic silhouettes with a '70s-throwback twist. Unlike other items in your wardrobe whose popularity might wax and wane, an expertly crafted leather handbag will endure no matter the trend forecast. And as any true fashion devotee is aware, no ensemble is truly street style photographer-worthy without an elegant pocketbook.

Fall 2015 may have no cohesive rhyme or reason in terms of top purse contenders, but there are a handful of handbag styles that appear to be the talk of the town for autumn. Some styles stem from summer's obsession with the edgy urbanity of the '70s, while others harken back to the ultra-feminine refinement of the '50s, and yet others are in an avant-garde league of their own, but each and every style is bound to give your wardrobe a swift kick into fall. If autumn's myriad of clothing trends isn't quite your cup of tea, reach for one of these celebrity and blogger-favored styles for fall — and don't be surprised if you end up on the pages of The Sartorialist or Style.com.

1. The Petite Crossbody Saddle Bag

Silence + Noise Mini Crossbody Bag, $40, urbanoutfitters.com

The crossbody bag has seen a meteoric rise over the past decade, adorning the arms of celebrity style stars from Jessica Alba to Jamie Chung. For autumn 2015, the Chloe Drew Bag and the Chanel Boy Bag are the de rigueur crossbody pocketbooks of choice, closely followed by the likes of the Mansur Gavriel Crossbody and the Gucci Soho Shoulder Bag. Accessibility and utility are evidently, and thankfully, trending for the coming season. Whether you're drawn to buttery quilted leather with chain-link detailing or an unfussy top flap design, snap up a crossbody bag now, and prepare to be amazed at how the hands-free style simplifies your life.

2. The Prim Top Handle Tote

Lulu's Love Lock Taupe Handbag, $44, lulus.com

Unlike the inherent avant-gardism attached to the crossbody bag, the equally on-trend top handle tote suggests a more traditional mien for those who crave the classics. From Fendi's Peekaboo Bag to the Celine Nano, stiffly structured top handle bags are the mark of a woman whose prim professionalism seeps into her personal style. Preferred by such style authorities as Michelle Obama, Taylor Swift, and Miranda Kerr, top handle totes lend the wearer air of unbridled sophistication — and the design typically offers more storage space for the accoutrements necessary for creating said sophistication.

3. The Frayed Fringed Crossbody

Rebecca Minkoff Fringe Mini MAC Convertible Crossbody Bag in Black, $195, shop.nordstrom.com

The frayed, fringed crossbody is bohemianism at its best, and the fashion industry has fallen head over heels for the nonconformist style this year. Celebrity and style blogger proponents of the hippie movement including Nicole Richie and Kate Hudson have long since adopted the free-spirited style, and now it's your turn to walk on the wild side. However, given the style's beatnik allure, you may wish to pair your purse with items other than round sunglasses, flared denim, and platform wedges unless you wish to be mistaken for an extra on Anchor Man 3.

4. The Minimalist Moldable Bag

Kate Spade New York Cobble Hill Wyatt Mini Bucket Bag in Cherry Liqueur, $268, neimanmarcus.com

On the opposite end of the spectrum from the rigid top handle tote lies the malleable, minimalist moldable bag, of which Mansur Gavriel is the paramount example. Highly pragmatic and utterly streamlined, the minimalist moldable bag fares just as well with an office uniform as with more casual weekend wear. Pop this, or any of the aforementioned purse styles, onto your shoulder and watch the Instagram likes roll in.

Images: Courtesy Brands