Statement Bags That Prove 2026 is the New 2006
- By: Amanda Coscarelli
The year is 2006. Think: maximalism, animal print and shoulder bags.
Early 2000s fashion is fun, flashy and dare I say it, full of whimsy. 20 years ago– pause to let that soak in– accessorizing wasn’t just an essential part of creating a good outfit. It was the outfit. Baker boy hats, wedge sandals, anything bedazzled with rhinestones and purses that refused to take a backseat owned the fashion scene. Whether you were styling your Bratz dolls, or channeling your inner Nelly Furtado for a night on the town, early 2000s fashion encapsulates a very specific and personal kind of nostalgia for all of us.
Although we can’t time travel to 2006 just yet, we can surely dress like it. Here are 10 statement bags to inspire your 2026 wardrobe.
Rabanne Sparkle sequined shoulder bag
Rabanne Sparkle sequined shoulder bag
$1,550
Sequins are here to stay as early 2000s trends dominate the fashion world. If you’re looking for bling that’s classy and chic, look no further than this Rabanne shoulder bag.
Gucci Diana GG Canvas Small tote bag
Gucci Diana GG Canvas Small tote bag
$1,950
Emblem bags are back like they never left. This bag is versatile enough to style over and over again but bold enough that it won’t go unnoticed.
Givenchy Antigona East-West Mini top-handle bag
Givenchy Antigona East-West Mini top-handle bag
$2,100
This little bag packs a punch and proves that leopard print was never just a trend. Simple, stylish and statement-making.
Valentino Garavani DeVain Small cloqué jacquard shoulder bag
Valentino Garavani DeVain Small cloqué jacquard shoulder bag
$1,980
Everything is better in pink, including this Valentino shoulder bag. Toss it over your arm and step back into 2006– that’s hot.
Jacquemus Bisou Small mirrored shoulder bag
Jacquemus Bisou Small mirrored shoulder bag
$850
If I could bisou this bag, I would. Looking for a modern staple with a subtle nod to statement accessories that owned the early 2000s? This one’s got you covered.
Valentino Garavani Vain Soft Mini leather-trimmed sequined shoulder bag
Valentino Garavani Vain Soft Mini leather-trimmed sequined shoulder bag
$3,900
The king of all maximalist bags, wrapped in all the versatility of a shoulder bag. This one is for the risk takers, the bold baddies and the stars of the show.
Gucci GG Marmont Mini shoulder bag
Gucci GG Marmont Mini shoulder bag
$1,250
Timeless, classic and effortlessly cool. This bag blends all the nostalgia of 2006 fashion with the bold attitude of 2026.
Zimmermann Halcyon snake-effect leather shoulder bag
Zimmermann Halcyon snake-effect leather shoulder bag
$1,550
A cinched bag is an early 2000s staple. This one blends all the funk of an animal print with the function of a crossbody.
Judith Leiber Couture Fizzy crystal-embellished clutch
Judith Leiber Couture Fizzy crystal-embellished clutch
$1,150
A bedazzled bag, but make it high fashion. This one proves that bling can be both bold and classy.
Jacquemus Le Bisou Medium shoulder bag
Jacquemus Le Bisou Medium shoulder bag
$1,020
Big stripes make way for big energy. This bag is your perfect starting point for a mixed-patterns outfit or a statement piece all on its own.
Make a fashion statement that refuses to be silenced.
In 2006, Donald Trump ran reality TV, not the White House. Back then, we watched political debates about immigration reform on the nightly news, instead of catching up through highlights on our Instagram feed.
In 2026, fashion is not only an escape from the state of the world, it’s also political. The rise of statement wear is a direct attack on censorship and a reminder that we as a society refuse to be silenced. When the fashion world returns to loud, bold pieces, it’s a sign of a cultural shift that you can’t deny.
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