As the name suggests, a bucket bag is a women’s handbag that resembles a bucket in shape, and actually in functionality, too. Designed as a carryall for a multitude of essentials, bucket bags range in size from mini to duffle and often feature a crossbody strap that allows the hands to be free.
Legend has it that the original bucket bag silhouette was invented by Louis Vuitton, and its very specific purpose was to tote five bottles of champagne (one of them upside down). Isn’t that the best story? Of course, those bags are now used mostly just for wallets, car keys, cell phones, iPads, etc. Though we wouldn’t judge if you decided to throw a bottle of bubbly in your bucket. Since the original bag made its debut, it seems that every couple of years, someone in fashion declares that the bucket bag is ‘having its moment.’ The introduction of the Mansur Gavriel line pushed the silhouette even further into the limelight. And now we say, it’s had enough moments that it’s transcended trend and moved right into classic.
The bucket bag is a bit boho, and connotes effortless and casual much more than it does professional and polished. But, that doesn’t mean it’s not super chic. We’d actually argue that it deserves a spot in your closet more than most handbags because of its versatility and utility. It’s like the best of a tote, backpack, mini bag, and satchel all rolled into one fabulous purse. You’ll find that most bucket bags are leather, and feature drawstrings, tassels, fringe and other embellishments. Bucket bags tend to be a bit unstructured, so while it’s tempting to fill them to the brim, leave out your non-essentials to keep the look slouchy or hobo. Tote your bucket bag about town, to brunch, and most definitely to a concert or festival.
Shop bucket bags on sale from See by Chloe, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Neiman Marcus, Kate Spade, and Alexander Wang.
