BAG IT UP!
Diaries at the ready – this is when the season’s hottest bags will be landing in stores, says KATIE WRIGHT
WE may have barely scratched the surface of winter but on planet fashion, spring is almost here, with new collections landing in stores from as early as this week. If a box-fresh bag is top of your new season wishlist, you’re going to be spoilt for choice, because high street retailers have pulled out all the stops to deliver catwalk trends at a fraction of the price.
You’ll have to be organised, mind you, as we predict the season’s hottest handbags are going to sell out in a flash – but don’t stress. We’ve managed to get our mitts on the in-store dates of the tastiest arm candy, so all you have to do is take your pick and shop it promptly when it drops.
Here’s our pick of the five biggest bag trends of 2018 and the standout styles on the high street...
1 RING DETAIL BAGS
INSPIRED by the Chloe catwalk, and as seen sported by Meghan Markle on Christmas Day, gold ring detailing bags are going to be huge for spring. In tan suede and leather, these Seventies-inspired bags are best paired with tonal outerwear, dark floral dresses and, later in the year, floaty summer frocks.
2 METALLIC BAGS
AT the other end of the accessories spectrum, shiny sweet-wrapper bags are having a major moment.
For day, a roomy tote in a neutral metallic like rose gold or gun metal will go with everything, but we’re also loving this trend for evening, when a mini bag in a punchy hue makes an all-black ensemble stand out.
3 HOBO BAGS
IT’S been a while since hobo bags were in vogue, but one look at 2018’s versions and we’re wondering why this slouchy staple ever went away.
If you love a big, throw-it-all-in kind of bag, this is the one for you, but this spring the hobo has a slightly more structured feel and we’re seeing more bright shades, like lemon yellow and pillar-box red.
4 BARREL BAGS
A CROSS between a bowling bag and a doctor’s bag, the barrel is ideal if you want something sizeable but still structured. With both top handle and shoulder strap, this is a supremely practical bag but doesn’t scrimp on style either – a mix of textiles and gold detailing give even high street versions high end elegance.
5 BLUE BAGS
COBALT, electric or royal – call it what you will, there’s only one colour trend that really matters this season.
Whatever the bag, this bold blue is perfect for adding a flash of colour to camel or grey outerwear, and looks equally chic against other saturated hues like bottle green or fuchsia.