Y2K bags are once again the 'it' pieces of the season - and one model model stands out

I have a complex relationship with nostalgia — especially fashion nostalgia. Every time a trend from the early 2000s comes back, part of me feels a thrill (after all, those were the years of my fashion coming-of-age), while another part feels a slight creative fatigue. When will we see something truly new, and how many times can those wide belts slung low around the hips really make a comeback? Still, since we’ve had no respite from Y2K for quite some time, it seems wiser to take the path of least resistance and embrace the best of what that era had to offer. And by “the best,” I mean, of course, the accessories — especially the bags, which were the true protagonists of the style.

And I have to admit — so far, we’ve (mostly) taken the most fun elements from that era: the attitude, the energy, and the sense of freedom. When it comes to bags, one shape has stood out to me as an absolute favorite: the relaxed, slouchy shoulder bag. What actually reminded me of this piece was a recent move by GUESS, which dove into its own archives and revived a cult classic. I remember their Camden bag mostly from those iconic campaigns at the turn of the millennium. Now, it’s time for it to experience its well-deserved renaissance.

The original slouchy aesthetic — that nonchalant shape which defined an entire generation — has been preserved as the foundation. However, the 2025 version features a sturdier, more structured construction, perfectly adapted to today’s fast-paced lifestyle. What draws me in the most are the details that stay true to the original: the glossy gold-toned hardware and the subtle logo, both of which give it that unmistakable vintage DNA.

What’s new, and what firmly positions it in the present, are the materials and colors. Alongside the classic version, there are luxurious options such as faux fur and suede, which give it a fresh dimension. The color palette also won me over — shades of coffee, olive, and cognac fit perfectly into the autumnal aesthetic.

Guess

How to style it?

For me, the magic of the Camden bag lies in its versatility. Designed to, as the brand says, “effortlessly fit into today’s wardrobe,” that’s exactly what makes it truly modern. For a casual daytime look, I imagine it paired with a good pair of jeans, a white tee, and an oversized blazer. In this combination, it brings a dose of nonchalant cool, elevating simple pieces to the next level.

On the other hand, I love the idea of contrast, so for evening, I would pair it with something completely unexpected, like a satin slip dress and a sharply tailored coat. Its relaxed shape would create the perfect balance, introducing an element of ease into a formal ensemble.

The return of the Camden bag is yet another reminder that well-designed pieces never truly go out of style — they’re just waiting for the right moment to come back. And this autumn, it seems, is the perfect moment.

This article was created in collaboration with the brand GUESS.