Expert Handbag Style Guides & Seasonal Fashion Tips

Prepping for My Trip to Portugal

The summer is officially upon us, even here in dreary old England, where we have suffered through yet another elongated winter only to be granted the “wettest summer in history” as something to somehow look forward to in 2024. And that is why any wise person, I may or may not be included in this group, will have had no trouble picturing themselves in the sun yet not in England sometime mid-winter and booked a holiday accordingly.

And that’s just what I did. Now my reasons were twofold – I was dying to see one of my all-time favourite bands and they happened to be headlining a festival in Lisbon, which made deciding where to book pretty easy, but now I’m confronted with the added headache of packing for a holiday slash festival, which I can’t say I’ve ever done before.

Given this year’s trend toward oversized picnic-esque handbags and pops of bright colour, I may forgo my original take on the “wicker” look to favour more functionality and more storage as we are travelling to parts unknown, in a country I know not a lick of the language and my husband is no help when it comes to these matters (speaking another language or picking out a handbag).

Now I’ve packed all manner of flip flop and brightly coloured t-shirt to soak in the Portuguese heat and I was pleasantly surprised when I came across a few pieces during my preliminary holiday shopping spree. The first bag that fit the bill for me was the natural straw Beauty Spot Suzy Tote travel bag that really combines both elements of this year’s trends with its colourful art deco exterior and the sheer brazenness of the shade of red fabric that covers the interior of the bag, I think this handbag is festival perfect.

With comfortable shoulder handles and a drawstring closure feature that really appeals to me in terms of keeping my things safe in a crowd of thousands, this Lulu Guinness design goes above and beyond in terms of style and function.

Which Travel Bags to Choose

Lulu Guinness Tote Travel Bag

Lulu Guinness

Beauty Spot Suzy Tote bag

Another bag that caught my eye, for the sheer look and vanity of it, certainly not because it’s practical for a festival, but the Mini Valentino Garavani Escape Bucket Bag in canvas with chevron24 print & embroidery is definitely giving off the right vibes for music, sunshine & dancing. Again, with the drawstring closure for keeping your personal items safe, this bucket bag is equipped with a removable shoulder strap and handle, but can also be worn as a crossbody/shoulder accessory or carried as a handbag depending on your mood.

Valentino Escape Mini Bucket Bag

Valentino Garavani

Escape Mini Bucket Bag

And speaking of moods, if I wanted to go full force with the flower child/hippy chic look, I couldn’t accessorise any better than going with the Jacksons Large Day Dreamer Tote Bag in green. All the fuss, none of the muss, this extremely practical tote is speaking my language and it’s designed to be light and airy as you carry your festival essentials around from stage to stage. Not only that but the story behind the brand really speaks to me as for more than twelve years, brand founder Louise and her team have worked with 1,400 women in Bangladesh to produce its sensational collection of handmade totes.

The craftsmanship of each bag ensures that twelve women are fed so that their wonderful journey of empowerment with the brand can continue to thrive. This is an investment piece that won’t break the bank (coming in under £90) and allows you to do a good turn while carrying a really stylish and useful piece with you on your adventures.

Jacksons Day Dreamer Tote

Jacksons

Large Day Dreamer Tote Bag

As I was doing my research, going from the sublime to the ridiculous in festival gear, I came across a backpack that I really feel might be the ultimate festival win for those of us looking to be stylish and get functionality out of our gear as well. Let me introduce you to the Hackney 2.0 Large backpack from Kind Bag. This fantastic rucksack comes in a variety of different colours, from my favourite Lavender to Yellow Tuscan Sun to Burnt Orange, this bag is full of useful pockets and storage that is bound to make your festival experience that much more organised and accessible.

More than that, this Kind Bag is made from 100% recycled and recyclable water-resistant fabric, but it’s ethical credentials go way further than just being recycled, this backpack is actually made from 18 recycled plastic water bottles, which really impressed me.

This is the newest version of the bag, and it has roll-top closure with a zip and extra-strong magnets ensuring secure and easy access to your belongings. With long side pockets designed to hold your water bottle and extra padding for back support, this backpack is perfect for daily commutes, travel, or outdoor adventures. At £65, I don’t think I could ask for a more eco-friendly and stylish solution to my prepping-for-Portugal needs.

Kind Bag Large Backpack

Kind Bag

Hackney 2.0 Large Backpack

I really love that designers are building practicality into the design functions of their pieces and while I’ve yet to make a personal decision on which travel bag to bring along, I can’t decide if I’ve made prepping for this trip easier with all the choice that’s out there or I’ve made what has already been a very indecisive trip (is it a holiday? Is it a festival?) that much more difficult to pin down?

Travel Bags of Note

DSQUARED2

Icon Clubbing Tote Bag

Kurt Geiger

Floral Couture Gardening Bag

by Harriet Davey.

A Definitive Handbag Guide for Spring Summer ’24

For me, bags have always been an important part of any outfit. They’re the cherry on top of the sartorial cake, and the finishing touch that can possess the power to be a talking point at an event, dinner or even just day-to-day. While I used to be somewhat of an accessories collector (I liked to match my bag, belt and earrings as a teenager), now, I have a more refined edit of pieces I tend to wear on heavy rotation. And when it comes to choosing a new bag, I don’t take this decision lightly.

Of course, if I had an endless budget, I would own a Birkin, a Chanel 2.55 (in black and butter yellow), and basically every Loewe bag ever created. As one of my favourite accessory designers, the Spanish label can do no wrong in my eyes. But imaginary budget aside, when I do splurge on a bag, I have to know I’ll wear it now, next month, next year and for years to come.

Working as a fashion editor for over 10 years, I’ve also always happily raved about the mid-price brands who are so brilliant, they rival some of the highest end designers – with Polène, Neous and DeMellier being some of my favourites. And here’s not forgetting the great British high street, because there’s plenty of bag styles out there that look premium, feel luxe and will last you a long time if you look after them in the same way you would a designer style.

While I don’t tend to follow trends when it comes to the bags I choose, of course some of the latest styles manage to grab my attention. I love the mini pencil case styles that are coming from the likes of Alaia to Mango, I’m a fan of all the rich burgundy shades and I must admit – even as a small bag fan – I enjoy the supersize carry-everything-including-your-kitchen-sink jumbo sizes we’re seeing filtering down from The Row and Victoria Beckham runways for spring/summer 2024.

If I had to pick bags to add to my much-loved collection right now, these are the six styles that are firmly on my wish list. And to make these wishes come true, I better start playing the lottery!

My Favourite Handbag Styles

Alaïa Pencil Case Shoulder Bag

Alaïa

Le Teckel Pencil Case Shoulder Bag

The ‘pencil case’ bag is a key shape this season. A version of the micro mini bags seen all over the catwalks – at Chanel, Fendi and Versace – I love the slim fit-barely-anything style from Alaïa. Although it’s a splurge on a slightly impractical shape, the timeless colourways and sleek fuss-free design means it’ll go with every outfit and be loved for years to come. I’ve been thinking about the plain black style for a while, but now I know I want it in the new monochrome colourway – SO chic!

Miu Miu Woven Basket Tote Bag

Miu Miu

Woven Basket Tote Bag

While I still love, and wear, my Loewe x Paula’s Ibiza anagram basket bag I got a few years ago, I’m on the lookout for another key summer style. Enter: Miu Miu’s woven wonder. Adding interest to even the simplest of looks, this crocheted style feels fresh for the warmer months. I also know I would wear it so many times with everything from light linen dresses to cool co-ords when on holiday or at home.

Polène Crossbody Bag

Polène

Numéro Dix Crossbody Bag

As one of my ultimate favourite mid-price labels, I own two Polène bags already – including the Numéro Dix. And let me tell you, it’s one of the most-complimented pieces in my wardrobe that always makes people ask me where I got it from. I wear the half-moon style as a crossbody so it’s a great everyday style that lets me be hands-free when I’m shoot prepping or en-route to events. While black has served me well, I would like to have it in a lighter hue to go with all my summer ensembles. Luckily, this style comes in not one, not two, but 17 different colourways – yes, really!

JW Pei Shoulder Bag

JW Pei

Joy Leather Shoulder Bag

Burgundy is a staple colour for spring/summer 2024, particularly when it comes to bags. While I’ve had the Loewe Paseo in my saved basket at Net-a-Porter for months, there are now so many iterations coming through from more affordable brands, too. LA-based vegan brand, JW Pei always creates interesting silhouettes that are bound to be a highlight of any outfit. This sleek, curved shoulder bag would look so good with a dusty pink dress for a wedding or with jeans and a one-shoulder top for after-dark.

Khaite Lotus Shoulder Bag

Khaite

Lotus Suede Shoulder Bag

Suede jackets, shoes and bags are having a moment this season, and I’m on board. Khaite has created this mini tote and it’s ideal for someone (like me) who prefers smaller styles. Also perfect for minimalists, this bag would look best with classic tonal pieces such as linen shirts, ecru jeans and classic vest tops. Trust me, so many fashion insiders are going to be wearing this one for 2024.

Loewe Raffia Logo Tote Bag

Loewe

Raffia Logo Tote Bag

As my favourite designer brand (especially for accessories), no wish list would be complete without a Loewe bag. I wear a lot of stripes, and I also have stripes in my home interiors, so naturally I’m drawn to this fun raffia logo bag. Whether it’s a city/ beach break or just with everyday outfits, I know I would get so much wear out of it – yep, this is me justifying that I need yet another Loewe bag. Sorry, bank card!

Check out my article “High Street Hottest Handbags”

GUIDES

Keys To Selecting A Stylish Travel Bag Companion