The five bag styles that will see you through the new season

We're finally saying goodbye to the dregs of the spring/summer stock on the sale racks, and while we're not keen on the heatwave leaving us just yet, the 'new in' sections on our favourite shopping sites have got us excited about what the new season has to offer.

Clothing can be tricky at this time of year: a new sundress may not get much wear before it's stashed away 'til May, and we don't feel quite right buying a heritage check coat or patent ankle boots just yet. A new bag, however, could be just the update you're looking for. It will freshen up all of your transitional outfits a treat, and if you invest in a style that's big news next season, there'll be plenty of mileage in your new buy to see you through to spring.  

bags

Belt bags at Sportmax: White crossbody bags at Tibi

The new season bags are far from boring; in fact, there isn’t a simple black tote on our must-have list. Instead, we’re backing beading, raffia and bright white in eye-catching shapes as the biggest hits. 

"A well-designed bag with an interesting aesthetic is undoubtedly what our customers have been loving these past few seasons," says Lisa Aiken, Net-a-Porter's retail fashion director. "The contemporary brands are predominantly leading this trend, with fresh design-led pieces for those seeking newness and quality." 

Topping the bag brands to have on your radar for the new season is Amsterdam-based Wandler, which produced the trapeze-shaped Hortensia bag, spotted on the arms of many a fashion editor. For AW18, it's introduced a minimal belt bag style, which we predict will prove just as popular. 

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"We've bought a selection of belt styles from almost every bag brand we stock on the site," says Aiken. "For AW18, you can also expect drawstring pouch styles and modish straw totes, and with white being the new black, we've of course bought many of these styles in the hue." 

From sturdy straw bags, to beaded totes, here are the five It bags you need to see you through autumn…

The beaded tote

We can thank British brand Shrimps for the sudden lust for teeny beaded totes. The brand showcased several sweet beaded bags at its autumn/winter 18 presentation back in February, and the street style set were immediately hooked.

The ladylike shape and top handle combined with fun beading and bright colours make for an eye catching bag, no matter which size you opt for. Camille Charriere et al sported the coveted pearl-studded tote over fashion week, and it sold out shortly afterwards. It's now back in five colours so if you want the original, you'd better be quick. 

For more affordable versions, head to Zara or Mango who both have a range of colours and sizes. 

Antonia bag, £450, Shrimps; Mini tote, £29.99, Zara; Beaded wood bag, £39.99, Mango

The belt bag

The 90s staple accessory has had a chic makeover, and the new era of bumbags (often more tastefully referred to as belt bags) are flat, sleek and really can make an outfit. You'll be missing a trick this season if you shun the bumbag just because the name conjures images of selfie-taking tourists wearing brightly-coloured Havaianas.

While there's no denying the hands-free accessory is useful on holiday, look into them for everyday styling: we'll be using ours to cinch in the waists of shirt dresses and blazers. Pick a bright colour like COS' pepto-bismol pink to break up a dark outfit, or choose a versatile hue like fashion editor favourite, Wandler, with its simple colour palette of pastels and neutrals. 

Leather belt bag, £45, COS; Wandler belt bag, £400, Browns Fashion; Mustard suede, £485, Boyy; Colour block , £365, Yuzefi

The versatile white bag

For a white bag to look modern, fresh and expensive, the shape needs to be interesting. Bucket bags are going nowhere for the new season so would be a wide investment; pick one in a smaller size and it will work for evening, too. 

Italian designer Carolina Santo Domingo focuses on clean lines and minimal hardware which make for a striking bag that will add an edge to even the simplest of outfits. Coincidentally, Santo Domingo is also the designer behind Staud's popular Blissett bag, below, which is a great option if you're after a more affordable white number. 

Danse Lente offer shapes that are all far from boring, and are minimal while still being instantly recognisable as the brand's aesthetic. This crossbody would slot into a workwear roster rather nicely. 

Danse Lente shoulder bag, £350, Net-a-Porter; Bucket bag, £395, Staud; Carolina Santo Domingo tote, £650, Net-a-Porter

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The drawstring pouch

By evening, there is nothing that oozes effortless chic like a drawstring pouch bag. Less fussy than a clutch, but cooler and more of-the-moment than a chain strap crossbody, the pouch takes centre stage next season. 

Head to Attico and Hunting Season for rich velvets or glam embellishment, and on the high street, Zara and Mango come up trumps again. If you can spend a bit more, though, Ganni and Staud won't let you down - both have monochrome embellished versions that will complement an evening look a treat. 

Hunting Season velvet shoulder bag, £430, Net-a-Porter; Wintour bag, £240, Ganni; Staud embroidered pouch, £160, Matches Fashion; Attico sequin pouch, £308, My Theresa

The (heavy duty) straw tote

You might think a straw bag should be reserved for the three hottest months of the year, but we beg to differ as the right one can see you straight through to the new season, too. Forget your flimsy giant straw tote, though: autumn calls for something sturdy and altogether more chic.

Think leather trims (they'll ensure the edges don't fray), suede interiors and a sturdy cross body strap to boot. The outer shape needs a bit of structure, too. We love Wicker Wings' box bag which would look equally good with a white sundress and gold sandals or a navy trouser suit, gold hoops and white trainers when the weather cools down. 

Raffia minaudiere, £89, Uterque;  Green crossbody, £320, Wicker Wings; Raffia and leather bucket bag, £119, Massimo Dutti; Sensi Studio basket bag, £268, Matches Fashion