Matching Bags for You & Your Bestie

The Ultimate Guide to BFF Bag Pairings

Do you love the idea of coordinating outfits and matching accessories with your bestie? Matching fashion is the perfect way to tap into the “twinning” trend.

Twinning is all about embracing your and your best friend’s shared style and wearing coordinated outfits as a symbol of your friendship.

You might've seen these imaginative displays of fashion and friendship on social media. From influencer besties Kylie Jenner and Stassie Karanikolaou to fashion blogger sisters Olivia and Alice Minns, BFFs are embracing and sharing style choices made together.

Read our BFF bag pairing guide for all the style inspo you need to make your coordinated statement.

The Matching Outfits Trend

Matching outfits and twinning fashion are having a moment in 2025. Pinterest Predicts forecasted that 2025 is all about "staying in sync, in a chic way."

With this in mind, matching fashion doesn't mean you have to exactly match the clothes and accessories your friend is wearing, head to toe. You can tap into the twinning aesthetic with coordinated colours and complementary pieces. If you have different styles or preferences, pick out a cute accessory that you can both wear without committing to a whole new look.

Women's magazine featured the BFF coordinated outfit trend as a Hollywood-led craze emerging in 2025. This year, besties Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner attended the Met Gala in coordinated tuxedo looks. Selena Gomez and Jennifer Aniston also wore matching black business-casual looks to a beauty event.

But coordinating outfits with your best friend isn't new to fashion trends and popular culture.

In the 1990s, the high fashion world took twinning to catwalks and red carpets. Supermodels and close friends Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell made striking style statements in complementary colours and cohesive silhouettes.

Twinning fashion exploded in the 2000s, epitomising the Y2K style we know today. Celebrity BFFs and reality stars Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie sported matching tracksuits, dresses and accessories in paparazzi photos and on reality TV. A defining moment in the matching outfit trend saw Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake attend a red carpet event in all-denim looks in 2001.

Why BFF Bag Twinning Is the Cutest Trend for Students

Today, matching bags are a major fixture of the fashion twinning trend. So, if you and your bestie love the idea of coordinating your looks, we've got some great tips for you.

If you're in school or university, bags are a great way to express your style without breaking uniform or dress codes. If you and your BFF attend class or lectures together, why not play around with matching or complementary bag styles? Matching bags are like the new friendship bracelets, but with added creativity and convenience for your routine. You can carry them everywhere to add style and personality to your outfits, while organising your study essentials.

Coordinated Bag Pairing Inspiration for Back to School

So, what styles of matching bags are popular among best friends at school or uni? There are many stylish and suitable designs that come in various colours, prints and patterns for double-trouble expression.

Tote bags

Ideal for: Student besties (high school and university)

Tote bags make the perfect school bags. They have a large main compartment for your books, laptop and study essentials, and carry straps for slinging over your shoulder. Find two of the same style and carry these versatile bags to class, extracurricular activities and evening errands.

The Art M tote from Kipling comes in more than 20 colours and prints for you and your BFF to find a shade or pattern that captures your personalities and style. Most of our Kipling totes also feature a metal loop for attaching custom keychains and accessories.

Drawstring bags

Ideal for: Primary school besties

Drawstring bags are a lightweight option for carrying primary school day necessities. Perfect for playground twinning, they have enough space for a water bottle, pencil case and snacks, without weighing you down during playtime. Ideal for little ones, they offer easy access with a classic drawstring opening.

The Supertaboo drawstring bag from Kipling features in almost 30 colour options for playground BFFs to match. Each design comes with a Kipling monkey keychain, so your matching bags come with a new friend, too!

Drawstring bags

Ideal for: Primary school besties

Crossbody bags

Ideal for: University student besties

Some seminars and lectures don't require a long list of gear. If you can manage with the essentials, like a notepad and pencil case, a crossbody bag is a great option. These lightweight designs let you travel hands-free with an adjustable carry strap. Double up with your bestie and use this bag for class, nights out and everything in between.

The Gabb crossbody bag from Kipling is a spacious bag design with multiple pockets and an internal key leash. Coordinate with your best friend from 20 colours and prints, and attach your favourite charms to the metal loop.

Our Top Backpack Picks for Stylish Duos

We've explored school bag pairings, but what about matching backpacks for best friends who work or travel together? Backpacks are ideal for work, uni and everyday adventures, making them versatile choices for bestie bag pairings. Here are some of our top bag picks for every type of bestie and lifestyle.

Seoul

Ideal for: Work and student besties

The classic Seoul Kipling backpack is a timeless accessory, available in almost 30 colours and prints. Designed for students and office workers, it has space for your laptop, A4 documents and your everyday creature comforts. You and your BFF will find plenty of use for this practical style, from your weekday commutes to weekend trips.

City Pack Mini

Ideal for: All types of besties

Love backpacks but without the bulk? Pair up with matching mini backpacks for your BFF dates and trips. Our City Pack Mini is the ultimate mini bag that offers more space than it appears to have. Pick from a palette of 15+ colours and coordinate your looks for days in and nights out in the city.

City Pack Mini

DIY Customisation Ideas for You and Your Bestie

There are countless ways for you and your friends to get creative with your matching bags. This goes beyond picking out bags in a style and colour you both love. Adding personalised touches to your chosen designs shows others that your bag is as unique as your friendship.

So, what are some creative ways to match bags with your best friends? Get inspired by these DIY customisation ideas to transform your bags into bold and coordinated designs.

Add friendship charms to symbolise your bond

Attach charms or keychains to add a fun and expressive touch to your bags, from monogram initials to designs that reference shared interests or inside jokes. For a super unique look, search for custom charms on Etsy and browse independent stores for special designs.

Plushy bag charms are a popular trend in 2025. Pick out two plushy charms that represent you and your bestie, like our Kipling monkey keychains, and clip them onto your bags.

Feeling creative and crafty? Plan a best friend date to create your own custom bag charms with alphabet letter beads that spell out "BFF" or your nicknames.

Elevate your bags with stylish scarves

Looking for an elegant way to tap into the twinning fashion trend? Pick out fabric scarves with your best friend and tie them to your bag as a stylish friendship symbol. Silk scarves are trending in 2025, and fashionistas experiment with creative ways to attach them to their handbags to elevate their look. If you and your bestie love unique styles, shop for vintage scarves and bandanas in thrift stores and charity shops.

Attach a hair clip to your bag for a statement touch

Bag straps present the perfect opportunity to add matching custom accessories. Floral claw clips reemerged recently as statement accessories. Clip them onto yours and your bestie's bags as stylish add-ons that also come in handy when you need to put your hair up on the go.

Accessorise with a bag, jewellery, and brooches

Add a little bling to your BFF bags to transform your outfits for glam occasions or just because. Drape chains or strands of pearls or beads across the front of your bag and attach them to the straps or handles. Clip matching brooches onto the straps or handles of your bags for a distinctive accessory.