With the advent of micro-trends and the establishment of -core as a universally recognised suffix completely disrupting the traditional trend cycle, there comes a deciding point in every micro-trend’s life cycle. Namely, the point where they either drop off into obsolescence (tomato girl summer, anyone?) or drop the micro- prefix and simply become a trend (such has been the case with the old money aesthetic). While we tend to eschew the former, every now and then something in the latter category will pique our interests. Such is the case with the belted bag trend — originally emerging as a micro-trend, belted bags have proven they’re here to stay and are set to be a dominant handbag trend this autumn and winter.
Although many attribute the belted bag trend to Prada and Miu Miu, both of which released belted handbag styles mid to late last year and have been successful in positioning their offerings as the ‘next It girl bag’, we’ve been tracking the trend long before then. Independent luxury handbag brand Manu Atelier has long been incorporating a thin belted detail into its handbags, with the Tote du Jour a favourite amongst those in the know. Likewise, Toteme uses a belt to cinch its bucket bags, while DeMellier’s signature New York bag uses a belt to lend stability and style to the triangular silhouette. Often forgotten are the Korean handbag brands that’ve been incorporating belted details into their styles for years — Samo Ondoh has an entire collection centred around the belt, with single-, double-, and triple-wrapped styles, while Osoi’s Brocle bag has just recently gained momentum amongst the style set.
The best belted bags to carry in 2025
Keen to put a belt on it? From elegant slimline belts to chunky punk rock styles, these are the best belted bags to shop.
1. Manu Atelier Tote du Jour
The Manu Atelier Tote du Jour is one of the pioneers of the belted handbag trend. The style sees a north-south tote bag cinched towards the top with an adjustable leather or suede belt with gold hardware. While we’re partial to this belted tote (which also comes in a mini version) Manu Atelier has other styles with belted details, like the Le Cambon, a functional east-west carryall which uses the belt to add definition to the silhouette.
Price: approx. $985AUD ($645USD)
2. Veronica Beard Dash Bag
This structured belted bag style is a mainstay for contemporary American fashion house Veronica Beard. Crafted from supple leather, the Veronica Beard Dash Bag offers a structured mid-sized take on the belted bag trend, with a sturdy gold-toned pass-through buckle. The off-centre positioning of the buckle and the overlapping straps make for an insouciant yet practical interpretation of a belted handbag.
Price: $1300AUD
3. Toteme Belted Leather Bucket Bag
The belt on the Toteme Belted Leather Bucket Bag wraps around the upper part of the bag. Passing over the fixed shoulder strap, it’s secured with a smooth slide clasp which contributes to its sleek, streamlined appearance. The Toteme Belted Leather Bucket Bag is available in both gold and silver hardware, making it easy to style for every taste.
Price: $2080AUD
4. Tory Burch Lee Radziwill Double Bag
This style has largely been omitted from the—very important—discourse surrounding the belted bag trend, and that is something of a travesty. An iconic style inspired by an iconic woman, the Lee Radziwill has been a quiet mainstay on the crooks of stylish women’s arms since its inception in 2018. While it’s been iterated several times since its original release, the original Tory Burch Lee Radziwill Double Bag will always be our favourite. While it’s notable for its namesake characteristic—the supple outer flap that leans open to reveal a second ‘double’ bag in a contrasting material—its belted detail is also a defining detail. The belt can be worn closed to secure the flaps together for a more structured, traditional look or unclasped, which lets the front leather layer slouch forward to reveal the suede one.
Price: $998USD / $1980AUD
5. Osoi Shoulder Brocle
Styled to look like a belt passing through a pair of trousers (it has belt loops and everything!), the Osoi Shoulder Brocle offers an edgy take on the belt bag trend. Designed to be carried on the shoulder, the Osoi Shoulder Brocle has a long strap drop that allows it to be comfortably worn over an overcoat, while the classic trouser belt buckle detail and key decorations contribute to a decidedly un-utilitarian take on utilitarian style.
Price: approx. $791AUD ($499USD)
6. Samo Ondoh Belt Bucket Bag
Korean handbag brand Samo Ondoh has long been nailing the belted bag trend, with this north-south tote just one of our favourites. The style is cinched with a functional belt which wraps thrice around the bag and gives it a defined shape. The brand also has bags with side- and triple-belted details in a variety of silhouettes.
Price: $225AUD
7. Prada Large Leather Handbag With Belt
Prada’s rather unoriginally named Large Leather Handbag With Belt is exactly what it says on the tin, with the roomy tote accented with a wide-set belt that runs through a series of trouser-style belt loops and is secured with a silver buckle. The style responsible for propelling the belted bag trend into the mainstream, it’s classic yet defiant.
Price: $9400AUD
8. Verafied Shoulder Bag
A structured, rectilinear take on the belted bag, the Verafied Shoulder Bag is defined by its crisp, clean cut lines. Unlike most of the bags on this list, the belt on the Verafied Shoulder Bag doesn’t wrap around the entirety of the bag and is simply visible from the front, contributing to its sleek, contemporary appearance. For those in the market for something more capacious, the New York-based label also has north-south and east-west tote bags with belted details.
Price: $404AUD
9. Oroton Cali Tote
A delightfully straightforward belted bag, the Oroton Cali Tote is a minimalist mid-sized handbag with room for all your daily essentials.
Price: $629AUD
10. Tory Burch Romy Tote
Nobody! Is! Talking! About! This! Bag! The Tory Burch Romy Tote is a relatively new addition to the American brand’s lineup, and, despite being sported by a coterie of celebrities, has managed to go relatively under the radar. Here, the belt in question is a slimline one and is secured with a gold-toned button logo. Very cute, very understated. Unlike the brand’s Lee Radziwill, we don’t know who Romy is, but we expect to see more of her in the coming months. There’s also a bucket bag option for those desirous of a more compact style.
Price: approx. $900AUD ($568USD)
11. DeMellier New York
Now this is a bag that knows what it’s about. The distinctive blooming lotus silhouette is accented with a belted detail, with internal snap buttons helping the DeMellier New York maintain its shape. The top handles are long enough for the bag to be carried over the shoulder (it also fits a laptop and is one of our favourite work bags), while ample internal pockets and metal feet add to its functionality.
Price: $1039AUD
Enjoyed this story on the belted handbag trend? Check out our other handbag guides and trend stories here.
Words by Arabella Johnson
