When you’re looking for a new bag, you don’t have to choose the big designer brands to wear the latest fashion. In fact, when you shop small with these 2021 new bag trends, you’ll be supporting small businesses and still look as if you walked off the runway. 

Slouchier the Better 

If there’s one bag definitely in style this season, it’s a slouchy bag. The lush folds of the fabric and the squeeze factor make this style especially appealing. The way it seems to drape over your arm as if it’s a long lost friend has spurred the design into the limelight.

Photo Courtesy of Jenny N.  

Jenny N. designs and crafts the Ruche Hobo in Onyx out of her home office in Texas. Her labor of love began as a creative outlet that has endured for 12 years and resulted in some pretty cool sustainable handbags. 

Another slouchy bag that everyone seems to be talking about is the Neous. The pleated shoulder bag in creamy leather may be too gorgeous to wear. It deserves a pedestal in your closet.

Photo Courtesy of  Neous 

Little Lefner makes a slouchy knot bag in shiny black or milky leather that makes your night out unstoppable. This bag will be the envy of all your friends.

Photo Courtesy of Little Lefner

Leather Totes

The tote bag may forever be trendy for its versatility, but mold it out of soft leather, and you have a bag for years to come.

The Cuyana leather totes are for hipsters and moms alike. You'll fall in love with the classic or tall leather tote bag.

Photo Courtesy of Cuyana

Now, if leather isn’t your thing, but you still want a tote for all your goodies, the Sea & Grass Sara Market Tote is simple, beautiful, and personifies slow fashion. 

For other tote options, check out R. Riveter. Two military spouses started the label a few years back to first give themselves reliable employment. Now, each bag is made in military houses across the country. Because of this, each bag is never exactly the same.

Tulips Anyone

Tulips are brightly colored, graceful, and noticeable. Add all these characteristics to a handbag, and you have the Tulip Bag by Linjer. It comes in rich Italian leather in natural, black and red, and rose.

Photo Courtesy of Linjer

Linjer is a small, woman-owned startup that is sure to be trendy past 2021. Besides leather bags, they also make watches and accessories that complement any lifestyle.

Bucket Bags

While you may think of buckets for ice or wine, they can be an ingenious way to carry your treasures. And this season, bucket bags are in. The Edas bags bring the "bucket" to a whole other level. The women-owned business curates bags of all styles, but the Cynthia Bucket Bag is classy and stylish.

Photo Courtesy of Edas

Sea & Grass also has a new Bamboo Bucket in a traditional weave that is soft and sophisticated. Each handwoven bag will have some variation in color and texture, making each bucket special.

Passport & Phone  

It used to be you couldn't leave home without your keys or wallet, but now it's really your smartphone. One of 2021s biggest trends in the small and refined passport and phone holder. 

The Bolo Bag by Ashya is remarkable for its simplicity and playfulness. The black and woman-owned design label offer unisex travel accessories that are functional while telling a story. Your phone never had it so good. For other black-owned handbag companies to support, check out this article by Elle Magazine. 

Photo Courtesy of Ashya 

Another option I love is the DiMarco Crossbody by Elevate. Named after the Christian singer by the same name, it can be worn as a belt bag, cross body, or mini shoulder bag that keeps everything organized. 

Elevate is unique because it's a non-profit that gives support, scholarships, and loans to artisans around the world. With every purchase, you're helping to provide a safe workplace, wages, and opportunities for families. 

This mission resonates with the Sea & Grass family. For each Sea & Grass bag sold, a portion of the profits goes to the Areeya Scholarship Fund. Each year we provide educational support and scholarships for Thai families. 

You can also buy a bag from This Bag, a non-profit that donates the proceeds to support small businesses.

Straw Bags 

Okay, this may seem a little too close to home, but straw bags are in for 2021. Anything in straw, knits, or crochet are the rage this year. The styles and designs are endless.

Sea & Grass launched the Talia Basket a few weeks ago, and you’ll fall in love with the honeycomb design. The best part is that it’s ideal for shopping trips, home decor, and outings.

Big, soft weaves are also in, as showcased by the big fashion labels like Burberry, Longchamp, and Valentino. Sea & Grass has known that for a while and has bags and totes perfect for picnics or adding flair. 

The Camryn Jumbo has a colorful tassel ensemble handsewn at the top. Or add furry black pom poms to the top for a stylish splash when choosing the Camryn Black Pom Pom that comes in multiple sizes.

Clutch Bags

The clutch never goes out of style, but what's changed for 2021 is the puffiness. Popular this year are clutches that remind me of little pillows, fit for royalty. Staud makes a convertible clutch in earthy colors that speaks to the fashionista in me.

Sea & Grass also launched the Casey Pouch with a tassel that is squeezable as a cloud (if you could actually squeeze a cloud).

The Ella Wallet Crossbody is a clutch, bag, and accessory all in one. The royal blue faux leather top makes it pop and feels luxurious in your hand.

Shopping small with these 2021 new bag trends makes you feel fashionably good. You not only look spectacular, but you're supporting small businesses. In the last year, small companies have taken a serious hit and need your support.

If you're going to invest in a handbag or tote, choose the one you not only love but is helping to create a better world.