She's Big, Slouchy and Totally Essential: Hobo Bags Are So Back

It's safe to say that ludicrously capacious bags are still in style and it's no wonder: they're practical, stylish and effortlessly cool. This season, hobo bags are winning everyone over with their slouchy shapes and indie-sleaze appeal. Chloe's Fall/Winter 2024 show played a key role in this -- some could even say it single-handedly brought back boho. Creative director, Chemena Kamali's debut collection brought a fresh take on bohemian elegance with her diaphanous silk chiffon dresses paired with slouchy bracelet hobo bags, which signaled a shift toward a softer, French-inflected version of boho.

But what's the difference between hobo bags and boho bags? While both share a relaxed, slouchy vibe, the hobo bag is defined by its crescent-shaped silhouette and single adjustable strap, often made from soft materials like leather or linen. Boho bags, on the other hand, are inspired by the '60s hippie movement and made a comeback in the early '00s. They're a broader category, with the hobo bag being one of the styles that falls under the boho umbrella. Essentially, all hobo bags can be considered boho, but not all boho bags are hobos -- boho bags can include a variety of shapes and details and more often than not, with a more eclectic, vintage-inspired twist.

Okay, so now we've established that the hobo aesthetic is making a comeback, let's discuss why bags in particular are the focal point. As hybrid work schedules (and for some, the relentless five-day office grind) become the standard, people are on the hunt for a dependable bag that combines practicality with style and the perfect solution to this is a good hobo bag -- it can fit it all. Hobo bags are functionally perfect for fitting a laptop, planner, personal items and hell, probably even a packed lunch, all while offering an aesthetic that feels more relaxed and individualistic than structured, corporate alternatives.

Earlier this fall, the fashion analysis Instagram account, Data but make it fashion even attested to this, with a slideshow on fall fashion essentials, featuring none other than Chloé. And of course, the quintessential Chloé girl was styled with a "big hobo bag that can carry everything."

It's this practical charm that channels a certain vibe, bringing us back to the mid '00s -- think the Olsens running through New York or Gossip Girl's Serena van der Woodsen. What do the two have in common? A sense of nonchalance, seemingly effortless cool, slouchy yet chic aura and most importantly, boho city style. Their influence was everywhere: from street-style blogs to red carpets. As fashion looks back at this era, the hobo bag -- complete with its laid-back, oversized structure, is once again the go-to accessory. This comes as no surprise, given that UK's Pinterest searches over the past three months reveal a 70% surge in interest for 'Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen' and an impressive 80% rise in searches for "Olsen twins style."

From the Coach "Brooklyn" bag and Isabel Marant's "Oskan Hobo Soft" bag to The Row's "Bindle," hobo bags strike the perfect balance between utility and high fashion. Scroll below to read more about the brand's leading the hobo bag revival.

The Coach "Brookyln" Bag

The Coach "Brooklyn" bag first made its much-anticipated debut at the FW24 show during New York Fashion Week. The bag seamlessly checks all the boxes for today's fashion-conscious consumers: it's sleek enough to be a staple for office days, spacious enough to carry all your essentials and priced at just under $650 for its largest size, it offers a luxury that doesn't require you to sell off your first-born. Coach climbed five spots in the Lyst index for Q3 2024, thanks partly to the popularity of the "Brooklyn" which secured second place.

Available in four minimalist colors -- black, "Maple," "Dark Stone" and tan, the bag is already making its mark on the fashion world. And the bag is celebrity-approved with Elle Fanning featured in the brand's "Unlock Your Courage" fall campaign with a bag charmed-out "Brooklyn." Even Bella Hadid was spotted taking trips out with it several times this year.

The Row "Bindle" Bag in Leather

As one of the Lyst index's hottest brands this year, The Row has been quietly dominating the fashion sphere, while remaining gracefully low-key. Without advertising, campaigns or even phones at its FW24 show at Paris Fashion Week, the brand lets its designs do the talking. And this season, one bag that's grabbing attention is its "Bindle" bag. The "Bindle" has a classic hobo silhouette -- incredibly slouchy, effortlessly boho and everything in between.

Dakota Johnson -- the quintessential The Row muse, was recently spotted carrying the "Bindle" bag in a camel brown suede, perfectly capturing the brand's effortless elegance. The bag, a symbol of understated luxury, aligns seamlessly with both The Row's aesthetic and Johnson's personal style, making it no surprise she chose this chic accessory earlier this month.

Anya Hindmarch "Neeson" Tassle Hobo Bag

Anya Hindmarch has long been known for its playful and quirky approach to fashion and 2024 has been another standout year for the brand. Its ability to tap into viral trends -- whether it's the hugely successful Snoopy collaboration, its London ice cream pop-up or the ever-growing appeal to Gen-Z, has kept the brand in the cultural spotlight.

The "Neeson" Tassle Hobo Bag, part of the brand's FW24 collection, embodies the brand's spirit perfectly. Available in a rich chocolate brown leather, this bag features a beautifully woven texture, giving it a luxe feel while remaining fashionably casual. Looking at this bag, one might be tempted to link it to the current cowboy/girl revival in fashion with its relaxed and oversized shape. Combined with the tassel, this bag offers a subtle nod to Western-inspired accessories, yet stays true to Anya Hindmarch's unexpected fun and contemporary luxury DNA.

Isabel Marant "Oskan" Hobo Soft Bag

Though not on the Lyst index, Isabel Marant is definitely one of the coolest brands to resurge this year. The indie sleaze revival has not only brought renewed attention to the brand's classic "Beckett" wedge sneakers, but also boosted the popularity of its timeless boho-chic aesthetic. Just last year, Isabel Marant's "Beckett" sneakers were available for under $200 on Depop but fast forward to today, the price has more than doubled, with some sellers asking even more. It's safe to say, the brand has made its comeback with Gen-Z audiences.

So, it's no surprise it has brought out more variants of the archival-inspired piece, the "Oskan" bag. One of which is the "Oskan" Hobo Soft Bag. This bag is a saddle-looking leather bag and while perfect as part of your hot girl fall wardrobe, is also perfect and luxuriously spacious for fitting in work essentials.

Louis Vuitton "Low Key" Hobo MM Bag

At first glance, you'd never guess this sleek, minimalist bag was Louis Vuitton. And from its name, it's exactly what it is, a "Low Key" bag -- the ultimate quiet luxury statement.

Crafted from high-quality black leather with a smooth, structured finish, the bag features a relaxed, slouchy silhouette that feels effortlessly modern, yet entirely versatile. It's only on the side that you see a discreet gold-engraved "LV" padlock, tucked subtly on the side -- just enough to nod to its heritage without shouting it. And while it's modeled as a handbag, don't let its refined exterior fool you, it's impressively spacious to easily accommodate your laptop, phone, wallet and maybe even your lunch (though you'd think twice about risking spills in this $3,500 bag.)

Khaite "Augustina" Hobo Bag

Khaite may not be as new as some of the brands flooding the fashion scene today, but since its 2016 debut, it has quickly carved out a distinctive space for itself. Amidst a sea of New York labels, Khaite stands out with its unique, offbeat take on wardrobe staples.

Its "Augustina" bag is made with 100% calfskin leather and is a perfect reflection of the brand's effortless sophistication and knack for reimagining wardrobe staples. This modern hobo bag is lightweight, has a sleek zip-top design, adjustable strap and impeccable finishing, balancing practicality with elevated style.

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