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Ahead of the “it” bag craze of the early ’80s, minimalist handbags made with quality construction and materials that prioritized functionality were some of the most popular accessories of the 1990s. Before fashion lovers did it for the glam, personal style took precedence over influence, and the most stylish women stood out with their innate fashion sense. That’s why we still look to the ’90s women who topped our best-dressed lists for style inspiration, including effortlessly cool handbags.
As we head into the fall season, when our wardrobes change due to changes in temperature and schedules, we need versatile items that can be matched with anything. Featuring quilted details, chain straps, and a streamlined silhouette, these streamlined handbags offer effortless ease. You don’t have to scour vintage stores to find these ’90s-inspired bags. Coach has them in abundance.
Many of Coach’s handbags feature classic shapes that draw on the brand’s rich heritage, but the Brooklyn Shoulder Bag and Times Square Tabby Bag in particular draw on the minimalist style seen on many of the ’90s’ most prominent muses. It expresses chic emotions. So if figures like Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy or How Harry Met Sally-era Meg Ryan are on your fall style mood board, make these two everyday bags your must-have accessories. Please consider.
From left to right: Cindy Crawford, Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, and Winona Ryder provided fall outfit inspiration throughout the 1990s.
Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd/Ron Galella Collection (Getty Images)Photo by Lawrence Schwarzwald/Sigma via Getty Images. Photo courtesy of Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
The Coach Brooklyn bag (recently seen slung over the shoulder of contemporary style muse Bella Hadid) serves as a sophisticated upgrade to the canvas totes you reach for as part of your everyday inventory. Masu. Crafted from supple natural grain leather that’s buttery-soft to the touch, the on-trend Coach bag is discreet and roomy enough for women on the go to carry their laptops, makeup bags, and other small items. It provides energy for the model’s off-time. And everyday treasures. The Brooklyn Shoulder Bags 28 and 39 make practical yet chic companions for everyday wear with a wide range of outfits, from day-to-night leather jackets and jeans to cozy sweaters for casual brunch and window shopping. Masu.
For a more structured and sophisticated look, the Times Square Tabby Bag is an essential piece to dress up your capsule wardrobe. Square proportions, chain straps, and quilted details create the effect of heirloom jewelry to complete your outfit for the day, especially if you reach for the rich red style. Pair a burgundy designer bag with a modern, lunch-ready boucle set, or go chic in a classic black colorway with a sleek leather trench coat, cream blouse, and tall point-toe boots Shift to neutral. Either way, the quilted details and metal straps help create a rich textural effect that makes it look and feel like a million bucks.
Our editors looked at the decade’s many muses, from Winona Ryder’s devilish leather look to Naomi Campbell’s downtown and uptown girl aura, to find Coach’s best handbags of the season. We’ve created some 90’s fall outfit ideas featuring:
sophisticated minimalist
If there’s one style rule that Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy taught us, it’s that the easiest way to look put together is to layer tailored, clean pieces in a neutral color palette. That’s true. With a simple base of cream blouse and leather skirt, paired with a statement chocolate trench coat and all-black accessories, this ’90s outfit formula does just that. The old mistake of wearing brown and black at the same time falls by the wayside, especially with the glimmer of gold hardware on the Coach Times Square Tabby Bag tied to the jacket’s belt buckle. It’s all about the details.
Coach Time Square Tabby Shoulder Bag Quilted
Displayed in: Coach Heritage C Double-Breasted Leather Trench ($1,800), Coach Blouse ($295), Coach Heritage C Leather Skirt ($595), Coach Sculpted Signature Leather Tech Gloves ($125), Coach Raquel Extended Calf Boots ($350)
easy rider
A leather moto jacket adds an edge to any outfit, but you don’t have to be a city girl to pull off this ’90s-inspired look. The Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39 has a relaxed silhouette that softens the biker chic vibe. Apply your best red lipstick, create a cute pout and you’re ready to go.
coach brooklyn shoulder bag 39
Displayed in: Coach Moto Jacket ($895), Coach Ringer T-Shirt ($95), Coach Loose Fit Jeans ($295), Coach Padlock Pendant Necklace ($255), Coach C Hardware Reversible Belt ($150), Coach Dawn Moto Boots ($295)
The ultimate uptown to downtown girl
She is sophisticated but loves to have fun. That’s the vibe you get from Coach’s Times Square Tabby Bag in this rich red colorway. To spice up this city girl look, a sexy skirt and camisole peek out from under a pure white ivory cardigan. Button up your sweater when you’re at work and sling it over your shoulder when you’re playing.
Coach Time Square Tabby Shoulder Bag Quilted
Displayed in: Coach Oversized Pocket Cardigan ($550), Coach Taffeta Top ($195), Coach Boucle Skirt ($295), Coach Pillow Tabby Round Sunglasses ($171), Coach Horse and Carriage Chain Strap ($95), Coach Natasha Boots ($325)
When casual meets cool
Channel Meg Ryan This 90s-inspired look for fall is perfect for long days of leisure. The Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 28 fits everything you need for a fall trip (or dinner out). Croco-embossed leather loafers add extra flair to your effortlessly chic style.
coach brooklyn shoulder bag 28
Displayed in: Coach C Hardware Reversible Belt ($174) Coach Baseball Hat ($95), Coach Jocelyn Loafers ($195), Coach Signature Crest Turtleneck ($350), Coach Heritage C Loom Pants ($295)
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meet the author
claire sullivan She is the senior beauty and lifestyle commerce editor for Footwear News and WWD, where she writes and edits beauty, fashion, and lifestyle articles. She has over eight years of experience as a writer and editor for national media outlets including Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. She stays on top of all things beauty and health related, as well as the latest shopping trends and clothing brands like Coach.
Source: Shop – wwd.com
