Bucket bags are barrel shaped with a top drawstring closure and shoulder strap. They have been a fringe trend for four years, but have battled to gain momentum. That changed this year, with the style once again going mainstream like it did back in the ’90s.
The bucket bag has its casual and boho chic appeal. Its lack of structure successfully dresses down an outfit much like a slouchy hobo style. The drawstring closure is in itself an interesting, textural and eye-catching detail. But it’s not that easy finding your stuff in this style of bag. You end up digging around a lot, especially when you tend to carry many items in your bag. That said, bag organizers are one way to solve the problem, and some bucket bags are more structured than others.
My first expensive and “grown-up” handbag was a brown and black suede version that I bought in my second year as a fashion buyer back in 1995. I thought it was a good way to dress down my neutral power suit during the week, and dress up my Levis 501’s over the weekend. Polished, yet not overly structured and formal. The suede was bald by the time I stopped wearing it, I loved it so much. Now though, I find the drawstring detailing too maximal for my taste, and prefer a much simpler looking bag. I’m also not fond of carrying bags on my shoulder. But I do like bucket bags on others, and some of my clients have been sporting them for a while.
Over to you. Would you wear a bucket bag?
