Trend: Drawstring Handbags for Fall/Winter 2008

Sometimes it seems that designers get together in secret & decide to do exactly the opposite one year to the next! The rebellion against structured rigid handbags has begun for Fall 2008. Maybe it's just time for a little fashion relaxation.. as drawstring handbags are super easy to manage as part of your wardrobe.

For one, you can carry everything in this kind of bag - from the usual wallet, keys & accessories, and in some of the larger styles, magazines, bottled water and, a wink to the Burberry shopper, even your laptop. Second of all, they look dynamite with jeans & boots, paired with a casual motorcycle jacket. The drawstring bag tends to be more casual, which matches the 70s trend for Fall..

Wear with? You may want to avoid your razor-sharp business suit, and stick to the drawstring style as part of your casual wardrobe. However, if you opt to commit to some of the must-have items below, they are all stunning, and can be worn with anything!

The "big bags" have that effect - they make a style statement no matter what you wear.

Fall 2008 Handbag Trend - Drawstring Kooba Ciel Gathered Bag $425.00 Online at Shopbop » Burberry Drawstring Hobo $1,595.00 Online at Nordstrom » LAMB Signature Springvale Drawstring Bag $475.00 Online at Nordstrom » Beverly Metallic Drawstring Satchel $1,695.00 Online at Neiman Marcus » Dooney Bourke Small Chiara Patent Leather Drawtop Bag $295.00 Online at Nordstrom » Dooney Bourke Animal Chiara Medium Drawstring Shopper $450.00 Online at Nordstrom » Grey Gaia Shopper by DG Dolce Gabbana $1,206.25 Online at My Wardrobe » Gustto Estiva Leather Shopper $445.00 Online at Nordstrom » Furla Carmen Large Shopper $385.00 Online at Nordstrom » Mulberry Poppy Pleated Leather Bag $1,795.00 Online at Bloomingdales » Balenciaga Bags Purple No Size Bal U 204540 $2,113.35 Online at Matches Fashion » Andrea Brueckner Tierney City Bag in Black and Brown $649.00 Online at Revolve Clothing »

These editor's picks have all just arrived in our partner stores - readers know many of our recommendations are must-haves each season. If you see something you like, save it to a trendBook, or buy now!