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Confession Time: The Cross-Body Bag Dilemma
Let's be honest: I own one of those ubiquitous fabric cross-body bags. As someone in their 40s, it's practically a rite of passage. It's undeniably practical—roomy enough for a water bottle, a book, and more, plus it's machine washable and versatile. However, I won't pretend it scores any style points. That's why I'm turning my attention to the catwalk for inspiration.
The Fashion Revival: Handbags Take Center Stage
With new creative directors debuting at major fashion houses, designer bag trends feel exciting for the first time in years. The SS26 shows delivered a clear message: handbags should never be an afterthought. The right bag is more than just a practical accessory; it can transform an outfit and even revitalise your entire wardrobe.
Previous seasons often struggled to balance form and function—remember micro-bags that could barely hold a phone? This season, however, the strongest styles share a key quality: purpose. Collections from The Row, Celine, and Bottega Veneta showcase bags large enough for daily essentials, combined with poise, elegance, and originality.
Here are the five new handbag shapes to invest in this season, whether you're splurging on designer pieces, opting for mid-range treats, or hunting for high-street alternatives. It's time to retire that old cross-body bag and embrace these transformative trends.
The Bucket Bag: Practical Yet Polished
This style offers practicality without being oversized. Its open shape makes accessing essentials easy, blending the functionality of a tote with the convenience of a shoulder bag. Designers like Loewe have championed it, featuring longer straps for shoulder wear or shorter handles for carrying on the crook of your arm.
For a budget-friendly option, Anthropologie's Slouchy Faux-Leather version is priced at £98, while Mango offers a striking piece for only £22.99.
The Oversized Tote: Carry Your Whole Life
Sometimes, you need a bag that can handle everything—laptop, trainers, or emergency shopping. Celine's oversized beauty, a robust leather option that ages gracefully, comes with an eye-watering £3,000 price tag. Fortunately, the high street has embraced this trend, with & Other Stories offering an almost identical design for £169 and Primark providing a faux leather version for just £22.
The Slouchy Pouch: Effortlessly Chic
Almost a clutch but with a strap when needed, the slouchy pouch is a super stylish choice. While not ideal for heavy-duty tasks like commuting or school runs, these bags are designed for daily use if your lifestyle permits. Soft, roomy, and effortlessly chic, they sit comfortably under the arm.
The Row has perfected this relaxed-yet-polished shape, but Aspinal's forest green design, handcrafted from small-grain milled pebble leather, is available for £350. Marks and Spencer offers a faux leather version for £36.
Woven Bags: Summer Essentials
Nothing says summer like a woven leather tote, and this season offers plenty of options. Bottega Veneta's signature weave design is the original at £4,520, while Dragon Diffusion provides mid-range choices like the chic Santa Croce for £384. For a budget-friendly alternative, Oliver Bonas has a design for £55, making the look accessible to all.
Bright Red Bags: A Pop of Colour
A pop of colour in spring isn't new, but block bright red bags are a welcome break from the neutral 'stealth wealth' palette that has dominated fashion. Bright bags inject fun into your wardrobe effortlessly. Prada leads the trend at £950, but Demellier's Tokyo shoulder bag is available for £262. For an even more affordable option, Charles and Keith offers a leather bag for just £79.
Embrace these trends to elevate your style and make a statement with your accessories this season.
