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New York City style is all about attitude and confidence, so naturally, NYFW attendees managed to make the loudest silver designer handbags look effortlessly cool and wearable. Everyone from fashion buyers to influencers like Mary Leest, Tamara Kalinic, Miki Cheung, Emili Sindlev, Sai De Silva, and more were quick to tote these glam bags on New York’s gritty city streets.
Sure, metallic evening bags have maintained timeless popularity for decades, but the newness of the purse trend is shown in a variety of shapes that were styled from day to night, like bowlers and structural clutches that add some shine to straight-leg jeans, cocktail dresses, mini skirts, trousers, and everything in between.
Not only were these shiny silver bags seen on the streets of New York, but they were also on the fall 2023 runways last season, too. For example, labels such as Balmain, Luar, and Coperni showed new, fresh interpretations of classic bag silhouettes that looked like they were dipped in liquid metal for a night out on the town. Other designers like Molly Goddard suggested that these showstopping bags could be worn in daylight with a midi skirt and a cute sweater.
Fashion week aside, the best silver handbags have also made their way into the hands of the most stylish celebrities. Most recently at stadiums for Beyoncé’s “Renaissance” tour, everyone from Kim Kardashian to Nicole Richie were spotted with a metallic purse in hand. Even at Diddy’s VMAs After Party, A-listers like Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez partied the night away with shiny purses. And with the holiday season ahead, you can expect to see plenty more sleek silver bags before we ring in the new year.
While minimalist fashions dominate most designer collections, the silver bags we saw during New York Fashion Week make a bold-yet-refined statement that instantly elevate even the most mundane ensemble. If you need extra encouragement to try the silver bag trend this season, take a peek below for plenty of outfit inspiration from the fashion crowd.
Metallic Handbags on the Streets of NYFW Spring 2024
Left to right: Mary Leest outside Michael Kors on September 11, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Christian Vierig/Getty Images); Tamara Kalinic outside Area on September 10, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Christian Vierig/Getty Images); Tamara Kalinic outside Michael Kors on September 11, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)
NYFW guest seen wearing a shiny Gucci Horsebit bag before the AREA fashion show on September 10, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images)
8 Other Reasons It Girl Shoulder Bag
- Revolve Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
This 8 Other Reasons It Girl Bag is sleek, lightweight, and priced under $200, which will make it your new go-to purse. It comes in many colors, but the metallic silver is a standout. This bag will be spotted on the arms of all our favorite fashion girls (hence its name), so make sure to secure the bag before it sells out.
What reviewers say: “Super cute, shiny, and nice size. The zippered outside pocket is small, though, it won’t fit a phone. The shoulder strap has a nice drop. Hasn’t scuffed up in normal use. Always get compliments on the color.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $150
Courtesy of Revolve
Gucci Horsebit Chain Shoulder Bag
- Gucci Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.9/5 stars
For fall 2023, Gucci brought back Tom Ford’s Horsebit clutch design from the fall 2003 and spring 2004 collections. Featuring the Italian fashion house’s signature horsebit hardware, the updated chain bag comes in a variety of colors, like this sophisticated silver hue. Beloved by celebrities from Kendall Jenner to Rihanna, the cult Gucci Horsebit clutch ensures an unforgettable after-dark look. Style it with a crystal-embellished mini skirt and a shimmering tank top and you’re ready to hit the dance floor.
Price upon publish date of this article: $3890
Courtesy of Gucci
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Cassip Evening Bag
- 600+ bought in past month
- Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Thankfully, a number of affordable handbag brands have come along to perfect the silver bag look for less. Amazon’s favorite Cassip Evening Bag is a flawless option, made from faux leather with a strap for over-the-shoulder wear.
What reviewers say: “I am so happy with this bag. I’ve been stuck on incorporating chrome/metallic into my wardrobe, but I was struggling to find a simple sleek design. This purse has perfect lines and is very versatile with the crossbody strap. It is a good size, I can fit my phone, several tunes of gloss, my setting spray, keys etc inside and it tucks under my arm nicely.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $24.99
Cult Gaia The Caldera Metallic Clutch Bag
- Saks Fifth Avenue Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4/5 stars
When it comes to statement accessories, no one does it quite like Cult Gaia. Its Caldera clutch is sleek, chic, and effortlessly versatile, combining organic sculptural shapes with the grown-up sophistication of a structured style. The result? A style chameleon that looks both impeccably refined for casual drinks with friends and adds a dash of flash for black-tie events. It features a top clasp snap closure and one main compartment for storing several lip glosses, a few cards, and a small phone.
Price upon publish date of this article: $598
Courtesy of Neiman Marcus
Themoire Bios Knots Laminated Clutch Bag
- Bloomingdale’s Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Themoire is a Milan-born brand that keeps sustainability at of mind with fashion-forward offerings. Its Bios Knots Laminated Clutch Bag features vegan leather on the exterior and an interior lining made of recycled materials from PET plastic bottles and threads. While we’ve seen it worn as a clutch by many fashion tastemakers, like Miki Cheung, it can also be styled as a crossbody bag with its adjustable long strap.
Price upon publish date of this article: $610
Courtesy of Neiman Marcus
Alo Yoga Keep It Dry Fitness Bag
- Alo Yoga Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
On the hunt for a gym bag that’s actually cute? End your search here with Alo Yoga’s Keep It Dry Fitness Bag in silver. This bag has a crinkled, foiled look made of a durable Tyvek material with a zippered and buckled closure that keeps everything secure. While one may think it looks like a chic garbage bag at first, with a little bit of style inspiration, this bag will become your favorite way to make carrying dirty gym clothes a style moment. For example, it would look super cute — whether heading to the gym or not — with a matching sports bra and workout leggings, a sweatshirt tied around your shoulders, or with an oversized white T-shirt, track shorts, calf-high white socks, and a baggy leather jacket.
What reviewers say: “Just as expected: perfect size for my pilates outfit (as no shoes are needed); looks stunning, silver color is not too shiny or metallic, being really elegant and easy to match with any outfit, and love the practical buckle closure. Just perfect for me! :)”
Price upon publish date of this article: $58
Courtesy of Alo Yoga
Gap Puffer Tote Bag
- Gucci Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
Let’s be honest: most women don’t change their everyday bag often, but Gap’s Puffer Bag might convince one to tote this shiny, affordable accessory. This silver padded and plush style is both durable and large enough to carry all your daily essentials. Whether you’re looking for a stylish diaper or an overnight bag, this versatile metallic accessory fits it all.
Price upon publish date of this article: $55
Courtesy of Gap
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Osoi Silver Small Brocle Shoulder Bag
Osoi’s Silver Brocle Shoulder Bag will satisfy your nostalgia for Y2K-era purses. The bag features a functional statement buckle that gives this otherwise simple silhouette an edge. Plus, it has a rounded shape that nods to the crescent fad from the early aughts. Throw it over your shoulder and pair it with a slinky slip dress or a baggy jeans and heels outfit.
Price upon publish date of this article: $295
Courtesy of Ssense
Jil Sander Goji Small Metallic Leather Top-Handle Bag
- Bergdorf Goodman Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
The vintage bamboo top-handle bag is back for 2023, and while it has a bit of a retro, ladylike feel, Jil Sander proved its lasting modernity with a boxy shape and futuristic silver finish.
Price upon publish date of this article: $2700
Courtesy of Bergdorf Goodman
NYFW guest wears a silver bag, outside Alice & Olivia, during New York Fashion Week, on September 09, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)
Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
How We Selected the Best Silver Handbags
To select the best silver bags of 2023, we combed through offerings from dozens of retailers to find top-rated silver bags that are both practical and stylish while reading hundreds of online customer reviews. Our shortlist comprises a mix of clutches, crossbody bags, designer tote bags, and bucket bags from luxury, contemporary and affordable bag brands to suit a range of budgets.
Meet the Author
Nikki Chwatt is the Style Commerce Editor for Footwear News and WWD, where she writes and edits stories on the latest clothing and shoe trends (like the rising sheer clothing trend). She is at the forefront of all consumer trends with a keen eye for the latest, greatest, and classics of what people wear, buy, and love. Additionally, she always keeps up with celebrity and influencer styles, whether on the streets, the runways, or the red carpets, so she can forecast trends and share them with readers.
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