See How Our Editors Style the Classic Chanel Flap Bag
On the fourth day of our 12 Days of Gifting series, it’s all about Chanel’s most classic piece: the Flap Bag. It’s carried by everyone from royals to celebrities to street style stars, and having one in your collection is a rite of fashion passage. Of course, some don’t stop at one — with the dizzying array of colors, patterns and embellished designs Karl Lagerfeld turns out collection after collection, there’s always a reason to add a new style to your collection. They also hold their resale value particularly well, which means you can always consign and reinvest in a new style. To show off the Flap’s versatile personality, we asked our editors to choose their favorites and tell us how they’d style it — see how they did it in four completely different ways.
1. The Refined Flap
Illesteva Sunglasses, $125; Chanel Large Boy Bag, $3,800; Hermès Silk Scarf, $245; Rolex 18K Datejust Watch, $13,595
“I chose the Chanel Large Boy Bag in navy blue because I look at navy as a neutral and I love how this bag is classic with a twist,” says Senior Fine Jewelry & Watches Merchandise Manager Katharine Newberg. “You can really wear it anywhere, day or night. The scarf adds a nice pop and I would tie it around the bag to make it feel different depending on my outfit or where I’m going. I would also use it as belt or in my hair. I’m a sucker for sunglasses and my collection keeps growing (every time I buy a new pair I consign a pair!) and I never leave home without a pair in my bag.”
2. The Funky Flap
Chanel Classic Small Double Flap Bag, $2,400; Emilio Pucci Scarf, $85; 18K Corkscrew Earrings, $875; Prada Saffiano Jeweled Phone Case, $110; Resurrection Sunglasses, $125
“I love shiny patent leather and this emerald green color is really loud — perfect for talking over others at the party,” says Style & Editorial Director Ashley Munns. “If my handbag is more traditional, I usually fill it with things that are more surprising. I like this phone case because it feels like a rock ‘n’ roll cowboy to me. I always have a pair of earrings in my handbag; they’re the fastest way to transform an outfit!”
3. The Embellished Flap
18K Brushed Link Bracelet, $4,950; Linda Farrow Snakeskin Sunglasses, $155; Chanel Bijoux Flap Bag, $3,500; Hermès Cashmere Scarf w/ Tags, $995
“You can never go wrong with a traditional Chanel Flap Bag,” claims Senior Fashion Editor Lauren Bradshaw, “but I love seeing how Karl Lagerfeld reinvents it every year by putting new twists on the classic design. My head is focused on the holiday season right now, so the jeweled embellishments on this one from the Paris-Byzance Métiers d’Art collection provide the perfect festive touch for this time of year.
4. The Classic Flap
Hermès Cashmere Scarf, $355; Chanel Classic Maxi Double Flap Bag, $4,000; Cartier Diamond Love Bracelet, $7,995; Cartier Santos Demoiselle Watch, $8,275; Céline Sneakers, $395
“I love the idea of styling this super classic Chanel Flap Bag with even more classic accessories, but then throwing on a pair of neutral Céline sneakers for an easy weekend feel,” says Women’s Category Director Sasha Skoda. “This look is perfect for Sunday morning coffee and window shopping!”
All items are pre-owned and consigned to The RealReal. Trademarks are owned by their respective brand owners. No brand owner endorses or sponsors this ad or has any association and/or affiliation with The RealReal.
