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Chunky Chain Bags Are Shaping Up to Be Fall’s #1 Handbag Trend

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In previous years, most fall must-have lists would tell you to stock up on new jeans, lightweight jackets, trendy boots and at least one (or maybe multiple) new handbags to add an exciting pop to any outfit. Of course, 2020 isn’t like other years, and a lot of us just want to live our lives in cozy sweatsuits, luxe pajama sets and all the bike shorts we can get our hands on. But if you do decide to treat yourself to a new autumnal goodie, we suggest you make it a chunky chain bag.

This punk-adjacent trend has been steadily growing in popularity and won’t be as quick to age or date itself as last year’s beaded totes or clear carryalls. Whether you prefer a classic metallic chain, minimalist black and white or something a little bit on the quirky side, here are 18 chunky chain bags that will look as good in five years as they do now.

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1. jw Anderson Chain Midi Anchor Bag

This easy shoulder bag might just be the one that started the chunky chain craze. And while it doesn’t come cheap, it is about as timeless as this trend gets and comes in both black and tan.

charles and keith chunky chain bag 1
Charles & Keith

We love the combination of wild zebra stripes with a classic ladylike silhouette. The animal print plus a black chain strap give this retro shape a modern refresh.

Buy it ($96; $49)

3. stella Mccartney Pastel Chain Bag

We came for the gorgeous pink vegan leather crossbody but stayed for that pastel rainbow chain. Bonus: Incorporating so many delicate hues means this cutie will go with just about anything in your wardrobe.

4. marge Sherwood Lizard-effect Leather Top Handle Bag

Pair this pumpkin spice-inspired orange handbag with shades of tan, camel and caramel brown to amplify its luxurious appeal.

atp atelier chunky chain bags
Lane Crawford

5. atp Atelier Fateo Chunky Chain Handle Leather Bucket Bag

Perfect for the minimalist who prefers easy-to-wear black over trendy patterns or vibrant hues. The gold links and delicate S curve of the pieced leather add just enough detail to take this classic from boring to beautiful.

Buy it ($545)

6. yuzefi Daria Leather Color Top Handle Bag

If you’re going to opt for an oversize chain why not supersize the buckle too? All the better when they’re part of a delightful mini tote to emphasize their exaggerated design.

7. ganni Croc-embossed Leather Handbag

This bubblegum pink bag can be carried three different ways—as a crossbody, as a belt bag or as a top handle with the contrasting chocolate brown chain.

8. house Of Want Newbie Micro Mini Baguette

Don’t let the style name worry you—this petite shoulder bag still has plenty of room for your phone, wallet, keys, hand sanitizer and even an extra face mask.

9. yuzefi Bom Mini Chain-embellished Leather Tote

This gorgeous satchel combines two of fall’s biggest trends: a chunky chain strap and a scrunchy, cloud-like silhouette.

10. Danse Lente Ela Chain-detailed Leather Top Handle Bag

The rose-colored plastic coating on the metallic chain handle adds an interesting and unexpected detail while preventing the links from clanging together if you’d rather not make a ruckus.

11. Studio 33 Woke Croc-embossed Newbie Pouchette

Sunflower yellow may not seem the most obvious color choice for a fall bag, but worn next to shades of red, orange, beige and brown, it evokes falling leaves and stunning autumn sunsets.

12. Angela Valentine Handbags Mallory Top Handle Circle Bag

Tuck the chain strap under the body of the bag and carry it from the half-circle opening to switch up the look.

elizabeth and james chunky chain bag
Kohl’s

13. Elizabeth And James Croco Shoulder Bag With Chunky Chain

A chunky chain may not feel so minimalist to some, but when paired with an easy geometric silhouette in either all black or all white (which this bag also comes in), it suddenly looks all the more sleek.

Buy it ($20; $17)

14. Na-kd Chain Detail Baguette Bag

A classic beige shoulder bag goes with just about any and every outfit, but we love the addition of a few more autumnal hues in the acetate chain links. (Psst, we promise the pops of green, creamy white and tortoise shell are every bit as versatile as the solid camel base.)

15. Topshop Boston Yellow Bucket Bag

If you’d rather treat the chunky chain as a decorative feature rather than as a practical strap, look for a carryall that has multiple options like this bright bucket by Topshop.

charles and keith chunky chain bag 2
Charles & Keith

16. Charles & Keith Croc-effect Chunky Chain Handle U-shaped Bag

Who says a chunky chain strap can’t look girly? Coat it in matte ballet-slipper pink and attach it to a dainty U-shaped bag and you’re good to go.

Buy it ($49; $39)

17. Na-kd Chunky Chain Baguette Bag

While many of the styles on this list are better suited for weekends and more casual workspaces, this simple, elegant option can absolutely work for a more conservative office environment.

18. Bowtique Paris Acrylic Chain Handbag

The combination of pale tortoise shell chain links and the wooden closure give this mini purse a vintage vibe we just can’t get enough of.



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Editor

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