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We’re officially in the swing of back-to-school season. In years gone by, that would have meant the thrill of new pencil cases, pens and book bags. But for us grown-ups, it brings an even more exciting accessory: new-season handbags.
You’ll want something sturdier and more practical than you’ve been using all summer (yes, it’s time to put away that straw-basket tote). It must see you from the office to the evening, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun, too. This autumn, we’re seeing designers be more playful with their accessories and, as ever, the High Street is quickly following suit.
Studs and animal print, for example, are suddenly all over our bags, but if that sounds like style over substance, never fear.
I’ve trawled through store after store to find the bags that deliver on style, price tag and practicality.
From chic woven totes to capacious carry-alls, here is my pick of the best…
Studded
If you’re looking to follow the latest trend, opt for a studded bag.
Chunky-stud designs by white-hot luxury brand Khaite, for example, have been sported by models Alexa Chung and Sofia Richie (from £1,640). But the same look without the hefty price tag can be found at Topshop, which does a tan suede studded bag for £38 (topshop.com).
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Studs are an excellent choice for an easy transition into evening, too. Whistles’ clutch bag (now £95.20, whistles.com) with silver detailing will certainly make a statement.
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If you’re looking for a more subtle approach, Strathberry, a favourite of the Princess of Wales, has taken its bestselling Mosaic bag and transformed it into a smaller, more compact size (£445, strathberry.com
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Woven
Another style spotted on the arm of many a fashionista this season is a woven handbag – not the straw-basket kind but in stylish leather.
For someone like me who carries the kitchen sink in their handbag, a roomy number that fits perfectly on the shoulder is a must, and I’ve been wearing this woven Katie Loxton bag to work every day.While I can’t afford Bottega Veneta’s tote (from £3,140), this does the trick at a fraction of the cost. The straps are surprisingly comfortable and the slouchy vegan leather looks far more expensive than its £84.99 price tag (katieloxton.com).
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At the dearer end, try this crescent–style bag (inset) in rich chocolate from Aspinal of London (£550, aspinaloflondon.com), another brand with Kate’s royal seal of approval. Crafted from responsibly sourced lamb-skin leather, it also has a useful adjustable strap.
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Shoulder bags
There are two key trends for desk-to-dinner shoulder bags…
The first comes from Chloe, which has brought back the iconic Paddington bag, unveiled initially in 2005. Retailing at £2,050, it’s a steep investment, but luckily the High Street has cottoned on to the trend.New Look’s faux leather version (£19.99, newlook.com) comes with a similar chic padlock detailing (above right). The other shoulder bag must-have this year is suede – but this time it’s about classic, wearable designs rather than slouchy boho style.
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In January, Radley announced Fernando Soriano Iglesia as its new design director – a previous collaborator with Loewe – and part of his latest collection is this Italian suede bag in a warm brown hue (£259, radley.co.uk), which whispers autumn chic.
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Animal print
If animal-print clothes are a little too much for you, then a bag is a good way to nod to the trend.
Leopard is always the failsafe option and the shoulder bag from Kate Spade set on a cotton canvas with burgundy leather trim (£275, katespade.co.uk) is a gentle toe-dip.
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My top pick? This slouchy gem (£249, massimodutti.com). Make a statement by slinging it over a classic white tee and jeans.
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Carry-alls
At this time of year, many of us are looking for a bag that can accommodate an all-weather, rain or shine survival kit (light jumper, sunglasses and mini umbrella).
Next’s black tote (£32, next.co.uk) can not only carry everything, it goes with everything, too. Complete with a zip fastening, you won’t have to worry about items falling out and the big gold buckles add a fashionable twist.
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Another good option is this excellent faux leather carry-all (below) from Reserved (£45.99, reserved.com). OK, nobody’s going to mistake it for a Birkin, but the shape is iconic for a reason. From books to make-up bags, pots of supplements and spare shoes, you can squeeze it all in here.
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