Get carried away

Spring fashion has sprung, which means a bumper crop of new bags to covet. From compact clutches to throw-everything-in totes, Katie Wright reveals the accessories to hold on to this season

With more collections landing in stores every week, it’s time to start excitedly compiling those new season wish lists – and on the accessories front, the spring/summer trends offer some seriously desirable bags.

Whether you’re after a roomy handbag to tote around daily, or a little sparkly something for evening, here’s how to arm yourself for spring...

BUY A ROUND

Neat, sweet and practical, a round crossbody bag will become your new best friend this spring.

Deceptively roomy, these little wonders easily fit your daily essentials but they also encourage you to ditch all that junk you’ve been carting around.

– Matt and Nat Obe Glass bag, £88 (www.mattandnat.com)

– Anthropologie Carita crossbody bag, £118; (www.anthropologie.com)

– Gerry Weber shoulder bag, £55 (www.gerryweber.com)

GET THE GUCCI LOOK

The bag that has “inspired” the most high street dupes this season is Gucci’s floral embroidered Dionysus. These boxy, embellished, chain strap copycats are gorgeous for day or night.

– Marc Cain shoulder bag, £199 (www. marc-cain.com)

– Miss Selfridge embroidered cross body bag, £35 www.missselfridge.com)

LINK WITH PINK

It’s THE colour of the season, but if you’re still scared to fully embrace pink in all its glory, a rosy bag is a step in the right direction.

Pastel and dusty hues are your best bet, as they work well with common outerwear colours like black, grey, camel and khaki.

– Jigsaw Kit blush drawstring cross body bag, £135 (www.jigsaw-online.com)

– Matt amd Nat Rubicon quartz bag, £115 (www.mattandnat.com)

GO LARGE AND LOUD

Once summer collections hit the shops, we’ll be feeling a full-on Cuban fashion invasion, with ruffles and botanical prints galore. To accompany your hot halter dress and killer heels, you need a big, tropical tote – think raffia, tassels, beading, or all three.

– White Stuff Jacqueline tote bag, £55 (www.whitestuff.com)

– Accessorize San Pedro parrot tote, £39 (www.accessorize.com)

SHOW YOUR METAL

Spring’s metallic backpacks are a particularly strong trend, with silver the obvious choice for pairing with sleek monochrome separates.

– White Stuff Gina tote bag, £59.95 (www.whitestuff.com)

– Jigsaw Stevie zip top backpack, £195 (www.jigsaw-online.com)

Clockwise from bottom left: a model with the Miss Selfridge embroidered black mini bag; a model with the White Stuff Jacqueline tote bag; the Accessorize San Pedro parrot tote; the Marc Cain shoulder bag; the Cath Kidston Love Handles collection bags...