This Throwback Y2K Bag Packs A Serotonin-Boosting Punch — & Made All My Outfits Look So Damn Good

I love a throwback fashion moment — there’s an especially playful exuberance to Y2K style, and it seems the current zeitgeist agrees: From cargo pants and flares to bucket hats and flower chokers, ‘90s and early-aught trends continue to reign supreme this season. The latest can’t-miss addition to the nostalgic renaissance comes from heritage brand Coach, with its recently launched, celeb-studded “Wear Your Shine” campaign and its collection of luminous bags in shapes and shades guaranteed to slake your thirst for those coveted revival styles.

Under the creative direction of Stuart Vevers, the campaign taps Dove Cameron, Lil Buck, Youngji Lee, and Yanfei Song to reimagine playful colors and high-shine finishes as not only a means to express your style, but also as a physical reminder to step out confidently without the self-doubt. So when I had the opportunity to try one of the new Coach pieces, I immediately thought: Don’t mind if I do. Here’s what I discovered when I met the Coach Tabby 20 bag in person.

The Coach Tabby 20 bag is iconic, and this apple-green iteration from Coach’s latest drop is definitely going to win some admiring stares. Upon unboxing, I couldn’t take my eyes off its glossy green finish and the subtle texture of the logo-embossed front pocket. The burnished gold tone of its signature Coach “C” falls somewhere between matte and shiny, and perfectly balances the leather’s slick finish. As for creating a line that celebrates individuality and encourages its wearers to battle their inner critics, all I can say is that something about that glassy apple green really did pack a serotonin-boosting punch.

Brimming with high-vibration style, this punchy bag found its way into more than a few OOTD’s during a busy week in Los Angeles. From working lunches to dinner dates, the Tabby infused my looks with a bit of cheeky confidence.

How I Styled It

What I love about wide-leg jeans is that they’re casual and yet can elevate a whole outfit, and I was fairly certain that the bag would only increase the power of statement-making trousers. My suspicions proved correct: Paired with vintage denim, a green tank top, and a plaid wool blazer, the shiny green patent leather added just the right amount of punch and polish for my business lunch. I especially liked the versatility of its detachable straps, which allowed me to choose how to wear it. Since my look was casual I thought I’d want to use the crossbody strap, but ended up loving the way a clutch ever-so-slightly elevated my whole look.

As the week went on, it appeared there was nothing this bag couldn’t do. Paired with a shimmery navy pleated skirt and matching chiffon button-down for a dinner date, the Tabby bag added the perfect amount of polish. Worn with a cozy knit sweater, the juxtaposition of the purse’s high-shine finish and vibrant hue made my basic outfit instantly more interesting.

No matter what outfit I put together, the iconic silhouette of the Tabby bag, off-set by the luminous green and lustrous sheen, somehow managed to be both surprising and playful while remaining sophisticated, rather like that person at a party who effortlessly commands attention while putting everyone else at ease. (Which, incidentally, speaks to the vision of the campaign.)

Returning from my night out, I even find my eyes drifting over to the green Tabby as it rests on my dining table — it even makes my apartment look more chic.

What Fits Inside The Tabby?

Small enough that it won’t weigh me down, it’s still large enough to fit my iPhone 11, keys, and lipstick. I found the center zip pocket not only handy as a separator but also as the perfect place to stash credit cards and cash, with a magnetic front closure that keeps everything secure. As I’m a hopeless note-taker, I love that it’s even got room for a small notebook and pen.

Is The Tabby Worth Buying?

I’m both surprised yet not surprised in the slightest by the Coach Tabby bag — of course Coach would design a bag that taps ‘90s and early aughts trends in a way that feels incredibly current.

While the entire Shine collection deserves attention for masterful interpretation of the trends — the line is flush with the shimmery metallics seen all over NYFW runways — this Coach bag, in particular, is a simple way to incorporate the Y2K resurgence into your existing wardrobe. If you’re seeking an easy way to tap into that cultural moment, the Tabby is a worthy addition to your closet.