The TikTok aesthetic has peaked. The incessant barrage of “cores”—balletcore, mermaidcore, tomato girl, coquette—may be entertaining at times, but they may also be difficult to keep up with. The prepackaged aesthetics of last summer have given way to simpler pieces that go well with any wardrobe, such effortlessly stylish flip sandals and airy bubble skirts. But that doesn’t mean fashion can’t be enjoyable; in fact, the bag charm trend is giving our closets a much-needed dose of individuality.
The trend is very simple: we’re accessorizing our bags with charms and keychains to add a little extra personal flair, from TikTok to the runways. The trend was first introduced by Jane Birkin in the 1980s, and it is currently co-signed by fashionable celebrities and has even been seen on the catwalk. Here is all the information you require regarding the bag charm trend and how to wear it.
The Trend Bag Charms
This year’s fashion has been heavily influenced by “girlcore” and other hyperfeminine trends, such as the coquette aesthetic—think bows, lace, and pointelle designs. The return of enormous charms can be attributed to this acceptance of “dressing for your inner child”. There’s definitely a nostalgic and enjoyable element to accessorizing your bags the same way you used to decorate your satchel in fourth grade. Bag charms let us bring a little bit of individuality, femininity, and fun back into our daily lives. They’re also a cost-effective method to add some spice to your existing handbag collection without breaking the bank. Style trends can occasionally feel formulaic and impersonal.
Naturally, Jane Birkin must be brought up while discussing bag charms. The iconic eternal style icon famously accessorized her scuffed and filthy Hermés purse with chains and jewels. The term “Jane Birkinifying a Bag” first appeared on TikTok, where videos of people adorning their purses with charms, rosaries, and keychains abound. Purses that genuinely appear worn-in have become popular thanks to the Olsen twins’ timeless attractiveness and their worn-out leather bags.
Although the trend originated on TikTok, it has now reached the runway. Moreover, high-end labels like Coach and Miu Miu have co-signed the comeback of bag charms and have featured them in their separate collections. At the Miu Miu Spring 2024 presentation, models carried oversized purses adorned with rope and chain accents. As a meta spin on the trend, bags were embellished with smaller bags at Coach’s Fall/Winter 2024 show. A charmed Birkin has recently been praised by Dua Lipa, Lily Allen, and Anne Hathway, among other celebrities who have endorsed the trend.
How To Get The Look
What is the true cause of this trend’s dominance? You probably already have charms lying around, and it’s really simple. You’ve mastered the trend of bag charms when you clip the keychain you picked up from a souvenir shop on your most recent trip onto your favorite purse. It feels more like a creative project than a fashion exercise to decorate a bag, which is what makes following the trend so alluring. Because of the trend’s customized appearance, you don’t need to own every single charm or piece of jewelry. Even if you lean toward simpler silhouettes, accessorizing a bag is a simple opportunity to attempt something different. The finest aspect? When you’re tired, you may take off the charm because it’s not permanent.
Despite the trend’s recentness, a vast array of bag charms from independent designers and luxury brands are offered at a variety of pricing points. String Ting, a company well-known for its phone charms, offers a selection of chains with vibrant beads and icons that range from hearts to happy smiles and mushrooms, for people who prefer a strong and graphic charm. Coach has traditional leather keychains and Susan Alexandra has similarly bright beaded keychains.
If you’re looking to invest in a high-end charm, Hermés’ Rodeo Pegase Horse Charm will always be a classic, and Louis Vuitton offers chains embellished with their Fleur emblem and well-known symbols. Additionally, Loewe sells customizable bag charms that you can make in-person or order online. DIY-ing bag charms is also rather simple. With a few buddies, some beads, twine, and other random materials, craft a personalized bag charm of your choosing. Once more, the most appealing aspect of this trend is its personal touch, so it’s even better if your charms hold sentimental significance (such as a keychain from a memorable trip or a favorite childhood character).
The summer is an ideal season to experiment with the trend. For a night out, wear a charming bag with a skirt covered in sequins, or tie a ribbon around your wicker bag and wear it with a linen dress. The jingle jangle of charms on a pocketbook complements the click-clack of kitten heels, and it instantly sparks conversation.
Enjoying yourself is the core of bag charms. Combine the charms with various bags in your collection and have fun experimenting with how to mix various textures with various colors, metals, and beads.
