Drawstring bags have come a long way from the polyester backpacks you used to tote to gym class. The simple closure has become a bona fide street style trend, turning up on everything from embellished pouches to sturdy leather carryalls.
It's a natural evolution from the ultra-minimal handbags of recent seasons (think Mansur Gavriel's bucket bags or Everlane's market totes), eschewing heavy hardware while giving your valuables a little extra security. It's also surprisingly versatile: Nylon and leather styles look sleek and sporty, while satin and velvet versions recall vintage evening purses. Some, like Alexander Wang's rhinestone-encrusted pouch, even manage to do both.
The best part of the trend, though, may be its relative affordability: Even the designer styles ring up well under $1000, and others, like Zara's and Madewell's, are less than $200.
Below, shop 16 of our favorite drawstring bags of the season.
Between the metal ring and the satin exterior, this little pouch is very on trend.
Meet your new everyday bag.
A twinkly alternative to your typical clutch.
This bag only looks expensive.
A little glitz never hurt anybody.
This style is an instant classic.
Prada's nylon bags never go out of style.
Any excuse to add a little more shearling into our lives.
These clever straps can be worn two ways.
Elegant enough for the opera but cool enough for downtown drinks.
Yes, you need a pink bag.
How to take your basket-bag obsession into fall.
This has a glam-rock vibe we can't get enough of.
So cozy, you'll want to use it as a pillow.
Bold and graphic yet totally easy to wear (even better, the sturdy leather strap is detachable if you want to carry the bag around your wrist).
Clare V.'s timeless bags are editor staples.Up next, the handbag styling trick that's supermodel-approved.
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