After something stylish to lug your stuff around this autumn and winter? Katie Wright's here to carry you through the best new looks
IT'S all about animal print and Seventies vibes on the fashion front for autumn, but what's going down in the accessories department? When it comes to bags, some similar themes emerged on the catwalks and now that the high street collections are landing, we can see how the designer looks have trickled down and what's on offer in the more affordable price category.
Craving some new arm candy? Here are the five major bag trends you need to know about now, and where to shop them...
Animal print bags
Autumn's biggest clothing trend extends to accessories too, with leopard the dominant print on bags at Max Mara and Loewe, while zebra stripes and snakeskin were also popular on the catwalks. A feline frock is one of the key pieces of the season. Double down on the trend by teaming your midi dress with an animal print cross-body bag.
Saddle bags
Part of the season's overarching Seventies theme, saddle bags have galloped onto the fashion map for autumn - in no small part thanks to the return of Dior's iconic design, which has been reinvented in a sleek, minimal style. Chloe's equestrian-obsessed collection has been a big influence too, so now the high street is awash with shiny semi-circle bags with gold ring details.
Mock croc bags
Leopard may be the print of the season but when it comes to texture, crocrodile is on top. Front row fashionistas have been snapping up glossy clutches and box bags from cult labels, like Rejina Pyo and Nanushka. The great thing about thing about this trend is that it looks expensive even when your bag isn't - a mock croc tote is the perfect workwear staple.
Faux fur bags
Faux fur coats are back in a major way for winter - and fluffy bags were big news on the catwalks, from Giambattista Valli and Dries Van Noten's natural tones and textures to Balenciaga and Moschino's fake fuchsia fluff. If you're feeling the Seventies vibes this season then a tonal faux fur bag will serve you well, but if you just want a bit of fluff to play with then a bright and cosy clutch is all you need.
Sparkly bags
Obviously, we all need a roomy tote or shoulder bag for carting around everyday essentials, but after dark is when we can really have fun with accessories. And that's what the likes of Tom Ford, Chanel and Emilia Wickstead are encouraging us to do this season, with their tiny, glitzy purses. Covered in sequins and crystals, these bags are small on size but big on impact. Practical? No. Pretty? Oh yes.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here