TOTES COOL
Katie Wright selects the best catwalk-inspired bags on the high street
It may not be warm enough to ditch the tights and bust out the strappy sandals just yet - in fact, we’ve got a long way to go until then - but there’s one way to tap into the spring trends right now, and that’s with bags. Designers delivered an impressive array of arm candy at the SS19 shows and it was all about extremes, running the gamut from teeny tiny grab bags to humongous totes. Now the high street collections are landing, so we can get our hands on handbags inspired by the catwalks (but, thankfully, a whole lot cheaper). From little to large, here’s our pick of spring’s best bags...
1. Mini bags
Just when you thought the mini bag trend couldn’t get any, well, bigger, for spring, designers sent out tiny totes and handbags that looked like they’re straight out of a doll’s house. Oscar de la Renta and tory Burch’s diminutive designs were adorable (if impractical), but the most extreme example came at Brandon Maxwell, with a purse so comically small it even made an appearance on Jimmy Fallon’s talk show. You won’t be able to fit much in these sweet little bags but they sure are cute just make sure yours has a cross body strap so you don’t lose it.
» Boohoo circle trim mini grab bag, currently reduced to £14.40 from £18
» Dorothy Perkins black double zip cross body bag, currently reduced to £12 from £16; ivory chain print long line shirt, £28; rust popper mini skirt, £20
2. Pyramid bags
The pyramid bag trend started with Saint Laurent and Jil Sander, but at up to £1,000 a pop, these luxury leather beauties don’t come cheap. Luckily, there are lots of lookalikes on the high street under £20 - a chic black version with a metal loop handle is the perfect party accessory.
» Prettylittlething black pyramid metal handle grab bag, currently reduced to £15 from £25
» New Look black satin triangle clutch bag, currently reduced to £10 from £15.99
3. gold clasp bags
As the logomania trend continues, we’re seeing a return to the traditional ‘It’ bag style, with shiny padlock, buckle and logo clasps on leather handbags - Miu Miu, Michael Kors and Chloe all plundered their accessory archives for SS19. Mid-sized and with minimal detailing, the gold clasp cross body bag is your ideal day-to-night companion. » Mext leather lock across body bag, £52 » Lipsy metal turnlock saddle bag, £39, Next
4. Transparent bags
If the primary purpose of your handbag is to haul around all manner of junk, look away now: The see-through bags on show at Versace, Mary Katrantzou and Brandon Maxwell leave nothing to the imagination, so you’re going to need to do some serious decluttering if you want to wear one. The high street versions are far more forgiving, however. Perspex totes often come with a draw string insert, to hide your possessions from prying eyes.
» Oasis transparent bag, £28 (available in March)
» Dune derspex natural small transparent grab bag, £68
5. natural bags
One of spring’s overarching fashion themes is a return to nature, with crochet, raffia, macrame and other natural materials offering an alternative to leather at Isabel Marant, Loewe and Jacquemus. Size-wise, it’s up to you - go au naturel with a small Seventies-style tasselled bag, a raffia backpack, or even a major straw beach bag. » Marks and Spencer bag, £25; jacket, £49.50; top, £19.50; shorts, £29.50; shoes, £39.50 (available March 21) » Zara braided tote bag with bamboo handles, £29.99
6. XXL Totes
The bigger the better was the mantra at Tom Ford, Valentino and Jil Sander, where models were laden with huge totes in neutral hues. In matte leather with subtle detailing, this is the kind of timeless bag it’s worth investing in because you’ll use it for years to come.
» Hobbs Danby tote, £199; Susanna shirt, £89; Miley trousers, £110; Allie sandals, £99
» Oliver Bonas Alex tapered tan & blue tote bag, £45