The True Display of Status in 2026 Isn't About Carrying a Birkin—It's About Wearing Your Bag Unfastened and Open.

      As soon as summer started to show itself, the market quickly became inundated with basket bags. This makes sense; after all, raffia totes and buckets are cheerful, seasonal items that signal the arrival of the season (alongside flip-flops and sunglasses). However, this summer, there's a luxury handbag trend that’s quietly emerging and capturing my attention: undone handbags. Now that I’ve mentioned it, you’ll know precisely what I mean, as some of the standout bags of 2026 so far all share the same small detail. Buckles, belts, and zippers are intentionally left undone, revealing the contents of the bag to onlookers (or at least suggesting that they are). "It's a safety risk!" some readers exclaimed in our Instagram comments. "The hardware seems excessive," others discussed on Reddit. My initial thought, however, is of the Hermès Birkin, particularly Jane's recently auctioned bag. Frequently photographed overflowing with papers, worn and scuffed, adorned with bag charms or with its buckles unfastened, the charm of her bag lay in its lived-in appearance, and this French nonchalance has inspired 2026's "messy girl" style.

      Natalie Hammond, writing for Who What Wear UK about the "messy girl" trend, notes, "Odessa A’zion seated front row at Coach, donned a weathered suede blazer that seemed almost water-damaged, showcasing genuine mottling on its lapels and pockets." Whether you call it disheveled, messy, or simply authentic, there's no longer any shame in appearing just a tad unkempt. Could this represent a response to the 2020s' fixation on quiet luxury? Suddenly, the primness of the old-money aesthetic feels somewhat stifling, and there's a desire to relax and embrace the convenience of a "throw on and go" fashion philosophy. As unkempt vibes emerge on the runways with wrinkled shirts and stained jeans, it was only a matter of time before accessories followed suit. And regardless of how you view Golden Goose's deliberately scuffed sneakers, handbags had not yet embraced this trend—until now.

      Unlike distressed denim or frayed knitwear, you don't need to damage your bag to achieve the look. Instead, designers are choosing to strip back the layers and make traditionally elegant top-handles appear as though they were hastily grabbed, appealing to busy women who juggle their daily needs. Consider Loewe’s Amazona, designed to be carried open with a hidden closure that secures the main compartment. Ferragamo’s Hug features its undone belt clasps prominently, while Fendi’s Peekaboo aptly reflects its playful name, unclipping to show its beautifully contrasting interior. Then there's Tory Burch’s Lee Radziwill, which resembles the hand-me-down of the American socialite herself. If your current bag appears very polished, simply unzip it, unfasten it, let the leather sag, and voilà: you’ve got the look.

      After a decade of tiny bags, strapless pouches, and translucent string designs, we now see a practical bag trend that is both functional and fashionable. Yes, designers are at the forefront with luxury bags, but this phenomenon is just as much a styling trick as it is a trend in its own right. Any spacious bag with the right accessories (at any price point) can create this effect, so if your mornings tend to be a bit more chaotic and less like Miranda Priestly, you’re sure to appreciate this. Rise, messy girls and low-maintenance fashion enthusiasts! It's time to grab your bag.

      Shop Undone Bags:

      Tory Burch

      Petite Lee Radziwill Double Bag

      I've been eyeing this exact bag for some time.

      Loewe

      Mini Amazona 180 Bag in Soft Calfskin

      Loewe always excels at handbag trends.

      Balenciaga

      Rodeo Handbag Medium in Tan Cowboy

      Fendi

      Peekaboo ISeeU Medium

      A perfect evening tote if I ever saw one.

      Hermès

      Pre-Loved Paradis Birkin 35 Handbag

      This pre-owned Birkin is in excellent condition.

      Ferragamo

      Hug Small Embellished Leather-Trimmed Suede Tote

      Originally released in leather, this suede version is a luxurious upgrade.

      Tory Burch

      Small Lee Radziwill Double Bag in Brown

      This comes in numerous colors and textures, but the classics are unbeatable.

      Toteme

      Clip Lizard-Embossed Top Handle Brown

      Carried open at the Toteme show.

      Balenciaga

      Rodeo Medium Leather Top-Handle Bag

      Honestly, this sold me on the trend.

      Loewe

      Small Amazona 180 Bag in Suede

      Fendi

      Peekaboo ISeeU Small

      Look at that stunning interior.

      Ferragamo

      Hug Medium Leather Tote

      Such a lovely shade