Bags of attitude

With new drops landing in stores at a rate of knots, and sub-zero temperatures starting to subside, we're right on the cusp of the big spring fashion transition.

And though it'll be a while before we can cast off our overcoats and knitwear completely, accessories are another matter.

In fact, choosing a handbag can help set the direction of your new season style, a precursor of the clothes to come.

Drawn to flippy, fringed suede satchels or saddle bags? Then you'll soon be hankering after the hippy-dippy dresses and peasant blouses.

Something more minimal caught your eye? You'll love the cool and calm utility trend.

From buckets to backpacks, get a flavour of spring's most delicious arm candy...

BUCKET LIST

The undisputed star of SS15? That'll be the bucket bag - but not as we know it.

Gone are the slouchy pouches of seasons past; this year's reinvention is sleek, structured and anything but fussy.

The resurgence is in part down to American design duo Mansur Gavriel, whose limited production leather drawstring bags have been selling out faster than Beyonce concert tickets.

Don't despair, though - there are plenty of bucket beauties in the shops right now that don't have a waiting list.

Even better, this is a bag that transcends most trends, looking at home hanging beside a silky tea dress or with ripped jeans and a bomber jacket.

:: Oushka Mila Bag in Stone Grey, £180 (www.oushka.com)

:: M&S Collection Faux Leather Duffle Across Body Bag, £39.50 (www.marksandspencer.com)

ON THE FRINGE

Far and away the biggest focus for SS15 fashion is the Seventies, running the gamut from disco decadence to blue-jeaned bohemia.

To bring the latter to life, a sizeable fringe-embellished shoulder bag is essential. Whether leather or suede, stick to brownish or stoney hues that will work with a subdued Seventies colour palette.

And we're not talking delicate flapper tassels here. Look for heavy, long fringing that shimmies as you walk, and don't be afraid to pair with a fringed jacket for a double hippy whammy.

:: Accessorize Leather Fringed Tote Bag, £55 (www.accessorize.com)

:: Fiorelli Asher Large Grab Tan Tassle Bag, £79 (www.fiorelli.com)

SADDLE UP

If you're feeling the boho vibe, but masses of tassels are a step too far, the saddle bag is what you're after.

The round retro shape is an ideal match for the Seventies trend, but if you plump for a compact, clean-lined style, it'll last well beyond this season.

Brown is the most traditional - and versatile - tone, but a cream or peachy hue will suit if you tend to favour a paler palette for spring.

Look, too, for adjustable straps, so you can sling your saddle bag over one shoulder, or switch to cross-body when you're dashing around town and need to go hands-free.

:: Hobbs Brampton satchel, £149 (www.hobbs.co.uk)

:: Clarks Tender Moment Leather Bag, £80 (www.clarks.co.uk)

PACK IT IN

Think backpacks should be left to school kids and hipsters? You'll reconsider when you see these luxe double-strapped beauties.

For SS15, the rucksack has had a grown-up revamp, just in time for the influx of catwalk-inspired utilitarianism.

Rendered in butter-soft leather and only the coolest colours, a minimalist backpack is just the accompaniment you need to go with your boxy jackets, wide-leg trousers and mannish shirt dresses.

:: Radley Border Large Flap Over Backpack, £219 (www.radley.co.uk)

:: MICHAEL Michael Kors Blue Small Backpack, £260 (available late March; www.houseoffraser.co.uk)

BAGS OF FUN

At the other end of the style spectrum are the most fun and frivolous bags we've seen for seasons, and we've got Karl Lagerfeld to thank.

For his Chanel SS15 collection, Kaiser Karl sent a whole supermarket's worth of grocery-inspired accessories down the catwalk, and now the high street has followed suit with cutesy juice cartons and cartoon-prints galore.

Now obviously - these playful purses aren't going to get daily wear, and you can't fit a whole lot in them - but as conversation pieces, they can't be beaten.

:: Accessorize Apple Juice Bag, £29 (www.accessorize.com)

:: Floozie by Frost French Clutch, £20 (available March; www.debenhams.com)

GET THE LOOK

Diane von Furstenberg's spring collection was a masterclass in flirty feminine dressing that looks fab, even if you don't have the measurements of a catwalk model. Take a leaf out of the DVF styling book by layering SimplyBe's Unlined Duster Coat, £49, and Gingham Check Dress, £50, both available in sizes 12 to 32 (www.simplybe.co.uk).

BUY IT NOW

Famed for her kookily brilliant bags, Brit designer Lulu Guinness has created a trio of tote designs ahead of this year's Red Nose Day, on March 13. On sale in Sainsbury's stores now for £5 each, the shopping bags incorporate the famous Red Nose motif, with at least £1.50 per bag going to Comic Relief.

FASHION FLASH

:: SUITS UP

Menswear has taken a turn for the formal, according to a survey to mark the launch of Asda's Tailor & Cutter 'Gentleman's Collection'. The research revealed that men's ultimate style icon is a combination of Benedict Cumberbatch, Eddie Redmayne and Prince Charles, all famed for their suited and booted approach, and sales of formalwear, tailoring and pocket hankies are all on the rise.

STYLE STEAL

Not for the first time, military motifs made an appearance on the spring catwalks, but in a more pared-back way than previous seasons. Get a head start on the trend with the Alice and You Military Shirt Dress, £40, a great all-rounder that will transition through to summer with ease (StylistPick.com).