Among the multitudinous fashion items to go viral in 2023 — Miu Miu's haute underwear, Lionel Messi's pale electric pink soccer jersey, Y2K-ready denim maxis, Alaïa Mary Janes, the list goes on and on — we're partial to minimalist brand COS' quilted crossbody bag. And not just because of its surprising affordability.
Launched into the public eye by Korean pop star and actor Jennie Kim of Blackpink, it's one #tiktokmademebuyit buy you won't regret for multiple reasons. One is, yes, the price tag. The oversized, and by far most popular, version will run you $99, while the mini is set at $69.
Then there's its fun, squishy shape. It's über textured. It looks like a bubble coat made into a bag. It makes any outfit way more interesting. Even if you mindlessly throw it on over your go-to puffer, you'll be wearing quilting on quilting. Voilà. An easy escape from your winter style rut.
Three, it's extremely practical. As mentioned earlier, it comes in a variety of colors and sizes so there's something for every taste and need. Finally, it's seasonless. Winter, spring, summer or fall, who couldn't use a water-resistant bag?
That said, we can't give COS all the credit for the success of its puff piece. The idea of inflating accessories to lend them an air of playfulness and joy has been gaining momentum over the last few seasons with hitmakers like Bottega Veneta, Prada and Loewe betting big on the trend. The former's swollen Intrecciato bags are practically ubiquitous these days, while puffy nappa leather has become a calling card of the Prada accessories brand.
With our collective need for some lightness (and a distraction from actual inflation), we're thinking cozy, almost cartoonish accessories will continue to dominate our feeds in 2024. But let's diversify, shall we?
From a literal cumulus cloud tote by Coach to a chic Saint Laurent clutch that could very well double as a pillow, scroll down to shop some of our (other) favorite takes on the puffer bag trend plus a couple of old faithful COS options because they are #trending for good reason.
COS Quilted Micro Bag in Lilac, $49 at COS
Zara Multi-Color Quilted Duffle Bag, $49.90 at Zara
Bottega Veneta Cassette Medium Intrecciato-Nylon Bag, $2,100 at Matches Fashion
Free People Surplus Shine Carryall Bag in Arctic Tundra, $98 at Free People
Coachtopia Loop Quilted Cloud Tote in Twilight, $195 at Coach
COS Oversized Quilted Crossbody Bag in Off-White, $135 at COS
Marni Yellow Check Tote, $421 at SSENSE
Comme des Garçons Homme Quilted Tote Bag, $335 at Mytheresa
Lemaire Small Soft Game Bag, $556 at FWRD
Saint Muze Boss Up Red Puffer Bag, $199 at Saint Muze
By Anthropologie Quilted On the Go Bag in Mauve, $88 at Anthropologie
Zara Textured Fabric Bag, $35.90 at Zara
Moncler Delilah Embellished Quilted Glossed-Shell Shoulder Bag, $740 at Net-a-Porter
Poppy Lissiman Puff Bag in Blue, $130 at Poppy Lissiman
ERL Sunset Puffer Tote Bag, $313 at LN-CC
Saint Laurent Puffer Logo-Plaque Clutch Bag, $995 at Farfetch
Love Moschino Logo-Plaque Puffer Crossbody Bag, $214 at Farfetch
Vince Camuto Kisho Tote in Black, $228 at Vince Camuto
Coach Mini Pillow Tote in Brass/Ivory, $395 at Coach
Stella McCartney Logo Padded Tote Bag, $1,195 at Farfetch
Mango Quilted Shopper Bag in White, $139.99 at Mango
Stand Studio Pink Hera Bag, $174 at SSENSE
Prada Soft Padded Re-Nylon Mini-Bag in Begonia Pink, $2,050 at Prada
Thom Browne Navy Puffer Tote, $690 at SSENSE
