Bag Charms Are The Unexpected Accessory Trend Of The Moment

We're embellishing our bags again, friends. If you've felt like you've done this before, you're not having deja-vu. Those of us old enough to remember the Y2K era might recall days when everyone had some sort of embellishment hanging from their backpack or handbag. After years of minimalism, it seems play is the order of the day when it comes to accessories. We're ditching austere looks, and reaching for add-ons that are unexpectedly festive. Quirky, mismatched earrings dominated summer 2024, adding a charming unevenness to a final look. That seems to be the case with the rise in bag charms. It's all about adding something extra to our ensemble, and our purses have been looking a little too serious for our liking.

Per Vogue, retail intelligence platform EDITED saw a 47% spike in purse charms from luxury brands in their online stores in spring 2024. It's clear that the nostalgic urge to jazz up our totes is taking both high fashion and street wear by storm, which means there's an open invitation to combine both luxury bobbles and fun, cheap whimsies according to your pleasure. Like with trendy 3D charm nails, there's no elitism here. The most fun-loving bag wins!

Unleash your playful side by harnessing Y2K nostalgia through bag charms that capture the iconic era. Acrylic lollipops and a Tamagotchi add off-kilter cheerfulness. Tie your whimsical charms together with a few ropes of tonal beads suspended from the straps of your handbag. The candy-toned color palette, energetic through sugar-rush pinks and shellacked lilacs, enlivens any purse. And how easy to check on your digital pet when it's suspended from your bag! 

There's nothing like personalizing a bag, whether it's a luxury shoulder bag or an everyday tote that you love. Get carried away with petite charms stylized in a theme. We love the unexpected playfulness of bodega-inspired purse charms, with pieces as quirky as an OxiClean ornament or a Babybel cheese. And where would we be without a Spam charm? We're enchanted by this miniature scale of arguably unglamorous things, as they add a touch of fun and humor to your handbag.

Veering away from plastic, metal, or acrylic charms, we're loving the effect of soft plush charms. Decals made from leather, vegan leather, and other fabrics are an effortless way to pop some personality onto your favorite satchel. Tiny teddy bears, lanyards, silk scarves, and ribbons all add soft, sumptuous texture. The colorful designscapes offered by these cheerful pieces add personality to your already-snatched outfit.

Crochet is having a major moment in fashion, so harness this trend by incorporating its rich texture in your purse charms. If you're a crafty person, consider treating yourself to a cheerful DIY project. If not, there are plenty of charming options to choose from both online and in brick-and-mortar stores. The playful addition of cherries, flowers, and other designs adds dimension to a tote, and allows you to tell your story. We can't get enough of these characterful bag charms. 

There's something for everyone in the world of bag charms; even the foodies. The playful proportions of itsy-bitsy jars of Nutella and bottles of Rosé catch the eye. Heck, why not throw a shrimp in there? Give the miniature charms something substantial to lean on by fastening them to thick strands of gold loops or pearls. There's something irresistible about the small scale of these guilty pleasures that make any bag a conversation piece. 

Purse charms add a spark of liveliness to the quiet elegance of timeless luxury. Add clutter and whimsy to even the most serious bag, such as a Louis Vuitton tote, by curating a collection of charms rich in dopamine-hitting tones, like green, yellow, and bright blue. The bag is such a statement that you can style the rest of your outfit quite simply.