Chanel! Gucci! The Row! These are the trending bags that celebrities are truly sporting in 2026.

      I’m unafraid to express it: the significance of a stylish handbag in enhancing an outfit is crucial. During my daily scroll through social media, when I see someone particularly fashionable, my mind often goes straight to: "which bag is that?" So, what defines an It bag? Firstly, it's all about the brand. The most coveted bags usually originate from luxury fashion houses with a long-standing reputation for unparalleled craftsmanship. Brands like Bottega Veneta, The Row, and Chanel are synonymous with this level of esteem among fashion enthusiasts and celebrities. Then, we consider the shapes and details. Is the bag practical, featuring ample space and interior compartments, or is it more of a playful, eye-catching design? When thinking of the Birkin or the Saint Laurent Le 5 à 7, it's the design that makes these bags unmistakably recognizable. Lastly, we must consider the brand's “cachet.” In a world driven by social media-focused fashion, an It bag’s popularity is dictated by what’s trending online. A prime example is the excitement surrounding Matthieu Blazy's spring/summer Chanel collection, where online demand has surged and spilled over into physical stores.

      Since the beginning of 2026, many contenders have emerged to vie for the title of It bag of the year. Consider the Saint Laurent Mombas or Chanel’s equally fashionable Large Tote and Small Flap bags, both of which possess undeniable staying power. However, these styles are just a few among numerous contemporary designs worn by some of the most stylish celebrities, leading to a clear selection of essential bags. These are pieces capable of enduring the ever-evolving fashion cycle and will remain in your collection for years rather than appearing on resale platforms at season's end. Interested in what made the list? Keep scrolling to discover the five most desirable It bags of 2026 and learn why they belong in your wardrobe.

      1. **Chanel Maxi Flap**

      (Image credit: Courtesy of Chanel)

      **Style Notes:** From Hailey Bieber to Kylie Jenner, Blackpink’s Jennie, and Who What Wear UK’s Editor-in-Chief Jane McFarland, the Chanel large tote bag has undoubtedly been one of the most talked-about designer bags of 2026 so far. Part of the broader revival of large bags, it offers generous size, allowing you to carry more than you'll ever need. Adorned with Chanel’s iconic delicate gold hardware, its understated simplicity enhances its longevity. Practical enough to accommodate your essentials yet designed to perfection, it's a bag you'll keep reaching for year after year without it feeling outdated.

      **Shop the Chanel Maxi Flap:**

      I’ll be very envious if you acquire this.

      **Shop other Chanel Bags:**

      - **Chanel Mini Classic Handbag**

      A wise investment in designer bags.

      - **Chanel Classic Double Flap bag**

      With authentication rigorously checked, you can be confident your pieces are legitimate.

      - **Chanel Lambskin quilted crossbody bag**

      Complete with a stylish top handle in vivid blue, this quilted bag makes a bold statement.

      2. **The Row Marlo Bag**

      **Style Notes:** An It bag round-up wouldn’t be complete without including at least one from The Row, a brand known for its exceptional quality and minimalist designs. The Row has long been favored by fashionistas and celebrities alike since 2005. Throughout the years, it has introduced various It bags, most notably the now-discontinued Margaux. In 2026, the Marlo takes the spotlight. With a nod to ‘90s nostalgia, the Marlo is akin to the Margaux's elegant younger sibling. Medium-sized, with a top handle and a practical zip closure, it embodies relaxed elegance that only an Olsen could conceive—likely why Kendall Jenner treasures hers so much.

      **Shop the Marlo Bag:**

      Available in black, ebony brown, white, and tan.

      **Shop other The Row Bags:**

      - **The Row Terrasse Bauletto Bag**

      Recently added to Kendall Jenner's collection, this softly structured bag is one of The Row's newer releases.

      - **The Row Soft Margaux 15 Bag**

      And just like that, the Margaux returns as if it never left!

      3. **Prada Route**

      **Style Notes:** Initially, I wasn't sure about the Prada Route until I saw Alexa Chung carrying it—her influence can make anything appealing. This cargo-style bag features a perfectly rectangular, top-handled design, equipped with numerous pockets both inside and out, allowing for easy storage of your belongings. It earned its place on the It list for its embodiment of 2026 trends. As we transition from an era of quiet luxury to one where function and style merge, it’s popularity has surged among celebrities like Emma Chamberlain and Ruby Lyn.

      **Shop the Prada Route:**

      **Prada Route Large Leather Tote Bag**