I work in fashion, so my friends (and strangers I meet at parties) always ask: "I work in fashion. And I always have an answer. After all, this is what I've been prepping for. I skim retailers' trend reports, figure out what happened on the runways, and check shopping sites for the latest product deals. (For more on 2020 trends, click here (opens in new tab). In addition to ready-to-wear trends, must-have jewelry (opens in new tab), shoes (opens in new tab), and bag trends must also be considered.

For those who stick to handbags, let's delve a little deeper into the latter. This year the bags are being redesigned, and we've already gotten a sneak peek of what the spring and fall 2020 collections will look like. To make all this information easier to digest, here are the top bag trends you need to know about for 2020. Bookmark this page or text it to the group chat.

From Alexander McQueen (pictured above) and Burberry to A.W.A.K.E. mode, quilted bags of all sizes and colors hit the runways. This classic style lends a touch of sophistication to the crossbody bag or tote bag you choose for the 2020 season. As with many fashions, what is old will eventually become new. Chanel (Coco Chanel first created the quilted leather 2.55 handbag in 1955.

How to recognize the silhouette of this accessory: Look for a metal frame that supports the textile or leather of the bag. The top of the frame bag often has a "kiss-lock" closure with two interlocking metal beads. Fashion brands such as Chanel, Celine, Erdem, Miu Miu, and Leike Nen have all featured frame bags on their runways, proving that this vintage design is still a favorite today. A quick search of your local thrift store or your grandmother's attic (a great place to find old hidden treasures) may lead you to the perfect frame handbag, but if you're looking for a vintage handbag, you'll have to look no further. Neither of these ideas like 'store the latest styles below.

This style is defined by its crescent shape and slouchy silhouette, complete with handles and straps that make it easy to wear over your shoulder. Even though it was once in the arms of the it-girls of the early 2000s, trends like the micro purse have eclipsed its popularity. But in 2020, hobo bags will make a comeback in all sizes and textures. Seen on Brandon Maxwell's Fall 2020 runway (above) and Zimmerman's runway, designers are poised to get this design back on your shelves ASAP.

Chains are popping up everywhere, from your jewelry (opens in new tab) to shoes (opens in new tab) and now handbags. Look for your favorite tote bag, satchel, or minaudiere to all receive a chain strap as an added detail. Tory Burch's Fall 2020 collection featured a number of chain-studded handbags (pictured above). Meanwhile, Ulla Johnson presented a glamorous thick braided chain bag on the fall runway. If you're feeling ambitious and crafty, you might consider DIYing a gold or silver chain for a bag in your closet.

Having one bag is not enough. Multi-bags, or bags with multiple compartments, are everywhere, as seen in Coach (pictured above) and Staud's Pre-Fall 2020 collection. On a recent visit to the latter's showroom, I spotted a tote with three detachable pouches dangling from the handles; J.W. Anderson (see here (opens in new tab)) and Peter Pilotto (see here (opens in new tab)) are some of the other fashion houses on this multi-bag train. Right now, availability of this style is limited, but expect more retailers to launch this design for 2020.

Smaller bags have had their moment. From Opening Ceremony's super-large tote (open in new tab) that could fit a human being, to the giant croco-embossed (open in new tab) bag on Sies Marjan's Spring 2020 runway (open in new tab), to the Longchamp (open in new tab) bag on the Longchamp Spring 2020 runway (open in new tab), the Longchamp bag on the Longchamp Spring 2020 runway (open in new tab). (opens in new tab) to Longchamp's Fall 2020 creations (opens in new tab), big bags are showing off their size and popularity. Even Jacums, creator of our beloved "Chiquito" mini-bag, has upgraded the size of its bags for 2020, proving that the theme is "bigger is better. Hopefully we won't run into trouble carrying oversized totes through awkward situations like the New York subway turnstiles (opens in new tab).

For spring 2020, designers are looking for ways to incorporate more natural elements into their accessories. On the runways of Miu Miu (open in new tab), Gucci (pictured above), and Prada (open in new tab), bamboo was used for handles. This detail is unique yet easy to wear and gives the handbags a textured look. Sign me up for this design. I will gladly part with my regular leather strap crossbody bag.

Overnight, it seemed like every fashion girl had a Bottega Veneta gathering bag on her arm. It was cool, minimalist, and tasteful. The craze for this style will only grow in popularity as more designers create color and size variations of this cloud-like pouch. Tory Burch unveiled a bright red pouch on its Spring 2020 runway, while Louis Vuitton opted for a more glamorous option (opens in new tab).

For their spring/summer collections, designers always seem to alternate between nautical-inspired details, crochet, and raffia accessories. This summer-appropriate design appeared in the Spring 2020 runway collections of Ulla Johnson (pictured above), Givenchy (opens in new tab), and Valentino (opens in new tab). Pair these handbags with your favorite espadrilles or maxi dress and go on vacation.

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