4 major catwalk-inspired bag trends to know about this season
Get the designer look on a high-street budget, says Katie Wright.
It’s an unwritten rule of the fashion world that a new season calls for a new handbag.
Even if you’re not overhauling your look completely, there’s something so refreshing about retiring your winter favourite (either to the back of your wardrobe or to a charity shop) and transitioning to a box-fresh bag.
The SS21 catwalks gave us a mouth-watering selection of arm candy, but what if designer prices are beyond your budget?
Fear not, the high street is here to help, with a trove of trendy bags that will satisfy your cravings…
1. Shoulder bags
As every fashionista knows, the Noughties are back in a big way right now, and that includes accessories, as seen on the Prada and Fendi catwalks.
The days of the sporty cross-body bag are numbered – now it’s time to make like Carrie Bradshaw with a brightly coloured, neat little shoulder bag nestled under your arm.
River Island Purple Tie Dye Ruffle Long Sleeve Dress, £48; Purple Nylon RI Cross Body Bag and Pochette, £35
Azurina Sorrento Orange Leather Pochette Bag, £50 (jumper, stylist’s own)
Freemans Suede Effect Shoulder Bag, £26.99 (was £35)
2. Woven bags
Not to be confused with straw beach bags (although we can confirm raffia and baskets bags will be everywhere come summer), this spring’s woven bags are the leather – or faux – variety.
Inspired by Bottega Veneta’s blockbuster Cassette, these neutral-hued handbags are compact and cool but big enough to fit all your essentials. Need something larger? Try a woven tote.
Tu at Sainsburys Light Pink Faux Leather Weave Bag, £16
Matalan Nude Weave Front Cross-Body Bag, £10
Dune London Daitlynn Tan Large Woven Shopper, £95; Hopes Multi Lattice Ballet Pumps, £85 (clothing, stylist’s own)
3. Quilted bags
Quilted bags never really go out of style (largely thanks to Chanel, of course) but they’re having a real moment this spring.
From classic chain strap shoulder bags to mini backpacks, this season’s padded purses are small but perfectly formed.
Kaleidoscope Quilted Box Bag, £35
Dune Dorchester Blue Small Quilted Shoulder Bag, £65
Aldo Agylle Backpack, £55 (available mid May)
4. Slouchy bags
The accessories equivalent of loungewear, is it any wonder super-soft bags have become hugely popular during the pandemic?
As seen at Bottega Veneta, Loewe and cult US brand Mansur Gavriel, these slouchy pouches and shoulder bags are a great day-to-night option.
Deichmann Black Slouchy Clutch Bag, £14.99
Next Chunky Chain Slouchy Clutch Bag, £28