The It bags of 2027? Four designs on our early watchlist

Our early It-bag shortlist for 2027 is CHANEL 25, Miu Miu Vivant, Dior D-Journey and The Row Marlo 12. Four bags, four different jobs in an outfit: recognisable detail, a rounded horizontal shape, an easy curve and quiet structure.

The common thread in our selection is a bag that can give ordinary clothes a point of view. That is an editorial preference, not evidence of an industry-wide trend. Below, we separate what the houses document from why we would keep each design on a watchlist—and give you a way to try the proportions without buying the designer version.

1. CHANEL 25: the recognisable everyday candidate

The documented design: CHANEL describes the 25 as a supple, hobo-inspired bag with two signature pockets. Its familiar house details include quilting, an interlaced chain and the double-C motif.

Why we are watching: the combination gives an outfit several visible details while preserving a relaxed outline. Our styling bet is that this kind of bag will remain interesting beside unshowy clothes: a simple knit, straight trousers and a coat with very little hardware. The contrast is easier to appreciate when the rest of the outfit leaves it some space.

Try the idea: use a soft shoulder bag with noticeable pockets or metalwork. Remove a belt or large necklace and see whether the bag now provides enough detail by itself. The point is the balance, not reproducing the logo.

2. Miu Miu Vivant: the rounded, horizontal candidate

The documented design: Miu Miu’s Vivant product description identifies a bowling-bag inspiration, leather handles and a detachable, adjustable shoulder strap. The referenced nappa version measures 28 cm wide, 17 cm high and 9.5 cm deep; other versions should be checked separately.

Why we are watching: a wide, rounded bag can change the rhythm of a narrow outfit. We would pair that horizontal shape with a column of colour—matching trousers and knit, for example—so the accessory becomes a deliberate interruption. It is a different effect from adding a sharply rectangular work tote.

Try the idea: compare a compact bowling-shaped bag with your usual taller tote in a full-length mirror. Keep the shoes and clothes identical. Look at the outline from the side as well as the front; a bag’s depth matters when it sits against a coat.

3. Dior D-Journey: the curved, flexible candidate

The documented design: Dior’s D-Journey introduction describes rounded curves and a large central zipped compartment. The line includes versions in Dior Oblique jacquard and crinkled calfskin with Flat Macrocannage.

Why we are watching: a curved outline offers an appealing counterpoint to strict tailoring. For our proposed 2027 wardrobe, the interesting pairing would be a crisp jacket with an accessory that softens its geometry. The material then changes the emphasis: a visible pattern adds another layer, while a quieter surface leaves more attention on the shape.

Try the idea: put a soft curved bag beside your most angular blazer. Try holding it by hand, then wearing it on the shoulder if the strap permits. Check whether the new position hides the jacket detail you wanted to show. A fashionable shape still needs to work with the clothes around it.

4. The Row Marlo 12: the restrained structure candidate

The documented design: The Row’s black grained-leather Marlo 12 has tubular handles, gusseted sides and a top zip. The brand describes a softly structured tote, with an interior zipped pocket and cotton lining.

Why we are watching: this is our candidate for people who prefer the outline of a bag to do the work. We would use it with a fluid skirt or loose trousers, where a defined accessory can make a soft outfit feel more deliberate. That is a styling judgement, not a claim that we have tested its capacity or comfort.

Try the idea: place a structured tote and a slouchy bag beside the same outfit. Photograph both at the same distance. The useful comparison is where the outline begins and ends—not which label looks more expensive.

Which direction belongs in your wardrobe?

Start with the problem you want an accessory to solve. If your clothes are usually plain and you enjoy visible detail, explore the CHANEL 25 approach. If an outfit needs a horizontal interruption, study the Vivant shape. If your tailoring feels severe, try the curve of a D-Journey-type silhouette. If loose clothes need definition, compare them with the Marlo’s more contained outline.

These are shape exercises, not promises that one bag suits a particular body type. A useful size depends on what you carry, the clothes you wear and where you prefer the bag to sit. Our guide to bag proportion goes further into that relationship.

The five-minute bag test

1. Make an essentials list. Include your actual phone, keys, glasses and anything you cannot leave behind. Compare their measurements with the opening as well as the bag itself.
2. Think about access. Consider how often you need to open it while standing, commuting or carrying another item.
3. Try it with outerwear. A handle that feels comfortable over a shirt may sit differently over a coat.
4. Check the empty weight and material care. Ask the maker or retailer where the listing does not answer your question.
5. Choose three existing outfits. If the bag only works with an imagined new wardrobe, pause before committing.

What would turn a candidate into a 2027 It bag?

Our watchlist would become more convincing if a design appeared in varied contexts over time, retained an identifiable shape across versions and inspired styling beyond a single campaign. Reposts of one image are not independent evidence of adoption. Nor does attention establish durability, comfort or resale value.

The best reason to follow a bag into 2027 is to understand what it could add to your clothes. You may find that answer in a designer boutique, second-hand or in a bag you already own. Read our companion 2027 It-girl forecast for the people and wardrobe ideas behind the watchlist.

Continue with the style notes guides, or read our editorial policy.