TRENDS

by Harriet Davey.

Handbag Styles for Summer Trips

Hands up who has a holiday booked? If having a summer trip in the diary is the highlight of your spring, you’re not alone. As a self-proclaimed summer person, heading to warmer climates is something that bring me joy. Recently, I found out the term for someone who has a fear of not having an upcoming trip booked is called ‘tripophobia’, and I couldn’t relate more. If you can agree, then no doubt you’ll have your passport on standby, a list of go-to dinner spots at your chosen destination ready and waiting and your holiday outfits will be at the forefront of your mind.

While linen shorts and shirts are a sure-fire hit on vacay, strappy sandals are a must and picking swimwear that makes you feel your best on the beach is important, one of the most crucial choices to make comes down to your holiday handbags. Because we all know luggage allowance can be strict, and no one wants to incur any heavy baggage costs. So, I’m here to help you know which specific styles to pack this summer – and as a fashion editor and stylist for over ten years, you’re in good hands.

When it comes to airport luggage, I always rely on lightweight Antler or It styles that will allow me to have more room for my clothes and accessories. But as someone who is learning how to travel lighter (I once packed 11 pairs of shoes on a 3-day trip to Dubai), I’m trying to lighten the load when it comes to what I take onto the plane for hand-luggage.

So instead of a small case, I opt for a roomy tote bag that I can add my make-up, chargers and extra layers to without being bundled up like a camel. And I’ve found that British brand, DeMellier, has some of the best (read: most spacious) styles around. Not only this, you’re guaranteed to want to wear them between airport visits when you get to your holiday spot, too.

Once on holiday, it’s all about having a capsule bag-drobe of key styles you can wear on heavy rotation throughout your trip. And for me, this should include a seasonally-appropriate basket bag, a neutral shoulder bag you can add to all your evening looks and when it comes to daytime outfits, there’s no better bag than a comfy, hands-free crossbody that’ll allow you to explore in style. Add to this some colourful iterations to brighten up your favourite summer outfits, and I consider these six styles the holiday heroes of summer 2024. Warning: They may induce some serious shopping urges!

The Capacious Carry-On

First things first, you’re going to need to plan your carry-on bag that has enough room for all your plane essentials – enter: the capacious carry-everything bag. Carefully crafted and incredibly well-made, DeMellier has mastered the arm of mid-price bags. This striped version (it also comes in six classic shades) has popper fastenings so you can keep your belongings safe mid-flight. It’s also roomy enough to keep another smaller bag inside if you want to leave more space in your suitcase.

DeMellier

The New York Striped Tote Bag

The Fun Mini Textured Tote

Is it practical? Not really. But will it add instant interest to your summer looks with minimal effort needed? Absolutely. It’s time to embrace the clashing colours, check prints and look-at-me logos on Marni’s new mini-me textured tote bags. This green and blue version has my vote as one of the upcoming ‘It’ styles of the season.

Marni

Tropicalia Micro Tote Bag

The ‘90s Shoulder Bag

Carrie Bradshaw and Gwyneth Paltrow put the skinny shoulder bag on the map during the 1990s and early ‘00s, and they’ve been back as the bag du jour for quite a few years now. This white textured style with gorgeous contrast metal hardware is guaranteed to go with absolutely any after-dark look when on vacation, and back home.

Staud

Ollie White Shoulder Bag

The Basket Bag

If you already own one of the cult Loewe basket bags, or you’re looking for a more purse-friendly alternative, Sézane is the answer. The French label’s bag offerings are rivalling some of the biggest designers, with the styles having that certain je ne suis que that makes them look premium. When you hit the beach or stroll around on a city break, no doubt you’ll want to take this sleek go-with-everything basket with you.

Sézane

Justine Basket Bag

The Leather Crossbody Bag

When you’re island hopping, mooching around a new city or even just exploring a new area in the UK, a crossbody style is a game-changer. Keeping you hands-free on the go, this style – by minimalist brand St. Agni – is ticking off so many trends in one with its crescent moon shape, chocolate brown shade (brown is the new black this season) and textured woven design. You can also wear it as a shoulder bag for evening so it’s basically a two-for-one buy!

St.Agni

Crescent Brown Leather Shoulder Bag

The Bright Bucket Bag

Move over red, I predict orange will be the next hue to take over the fashion world. If you’re unsure how to wear the zesty, punchy shade, a colourful bag is the easiest way to seamlessly inject colour into your existing wardrobe. This Loewe Pebble will work with everything from a white linen dress on holiday to a tailored suit for an upcoming wedding guest outfit. Psst, it also comes with a crossbody strap so you can wear it with your everyday outfits, too.

Loewe

Mini Orange Pebble Leather Bucket Bag

Check out more travel guide articles, “Travel handbags to use as carry-on“

by Harriet Davey.

The Brands Making The Most Expensive-Looking Handbags

While the Great British high street has had some dramatic changes over recent years (I’m still not over Topshop closing its doors in 2021), there’s still so many brilliant brands that are not to be ignored. Of course, luxury brands will forever be the go-to when it comes to well-made, high-quality handbags but the high street has expanded its offerings and created iterations that can be strong contenders for your next buy now, love forever style. Because you don’t have to splurge on a four-figure handbag for it to be amazing. In fact, some of my favourite bags I wear regularly come from high street stores, lesser-known brands or mid-price labels that are always a fashion editor-favourite.

But back to high street, as I want to highlight all the brands that you can always rely on for everything from your daytime wear-everyday bags to the fancy styles to take on a night out. And the best part is, some of these bags are under £30 – yes, really!

So, buckle up, because I’m about to show you all of my top high street bag brands, the styles I know will be a hit for spring/summer 2024, and the styling tips on how to make them work with all your new season outfits. Because let’s face it, a new bag can completely transform your look. Keep going to see the styles that’ll make everyone ask “where did you get your bag from?” as soon as you wear them. You’re welcome!

High Street Handbag Brands

COS Leather Bags

One word: Wow! The contrasting colours, the curved edges and the sleek leather handle detail against the straw is what sets this bag above the rest. If you prefer a smaller style, it also comes in a mini version – so take your pick. I would add this to a white linen dress with layered gold bangles and rings, chunky black sandals and a pair of chic sunglasses to complete the look.

COS

Market Shopper Straw Bag

You may have already seen this crossbody on Instagram, and that’s because its much-loved by fashion editors and influencers alike. While it has launched in a plethora of different colours over the last two years, you can never go wrong with this buttery soft cream that’ll go with literally any outfit you pair it with. For summer, try wearing it with a tonal neutral outfit to look instantly expensive.

COS

Swing Cream Leather Crossbody Bag

ARKET Bags

How fun is this fringed beauty? Whether you wear it with a bikini on holiday or with linen trousers and a tank top for a city shopping day, you’ll get so much wear out of it each and every summer. It also has an inner zip pocket to keep valuables safe and is big enough to even carry a spare pair of shoes, too.

Arket

Fringe Straw Tote

Burgundy is having a moment when it comes to accessories this year, so naturally this sleek 100% leather bag is a wise investment. Whether you style it as a shoulder bag, a grab style or as a high crossbody, it’ll work with outfits around the clock. I personally love burgundy worn with soft pastel pink or butter yellow shades.

Arket

Mid-Sized Curved Burgundy Leather Shoulder Bag

MANGO Flap Bags

Nope, I couldn’t quite believe this chic bag is under-£30, either. This style is proof you don’t even have to invest in real leather for a bag to look premium, instead, look for details such as contrasting stitching, golden hardware and a timeless silhouette. We all know black is a fail-safe colour, so I would wear this one as part of my everyday uniform.

Mango

Flap Black Crossbody Bag

I’ve got a thing for green this season, so of course this shoulder bag is at the top of my wish list. It’s all about the minimalist, clean, fuss-free design that makes it look way more expensive than it is. When it comes to how to wear it, it would work with any neutral shade of cream or white, but I would also add it to a brown dress or even clash it with a yellow or orange co-ord.

Mango

Strap Green Shoulder Bag

JigsawBags

Rhinestones aren’t just reserved for party season, when it comes to bags, they can work all year round. This sparkly style from Jigsaw is bound to be your plus one to any upcoming wedding, night out or after-dark summer soirée. And rest assured, it will be the centre of attention.

Jigsaw

Mini Tay Crystal Bag

Suede is the texture to wear for spring/summer 2024, and it’s coming through in the form of shirts, jackets and of course, bags. This trusty tote bag will also tick off the boho trend that’s come through from the Chloé show, so why not try it with a denim jacket and a floaty tiered white skirt?

Jigsaw

Heckfield Suede Tote Bag

Anthropologie Shoulder Bags

I recently went to the Anthropologie press day to get a sneak peek of what’s coming up for new season, and this bag instantly caught my attention. Designer inspired, the woven knotted design looked so expensive IRL.. Butter yellow is also a key colour this year, so it’s ticking off multiple trends in one fell swoop. I would keep it chic and wear with a yellow dress to a wedding or add to my favourite jeans with a nice top for a night out.

Melie Bianco

Larissa Shoulder Bag

How do you add a hint of fun to your summer outfit? Just throw on this zebra print bag. While leopard is back with a bang this season, I love how this monochrome print can be mixed with neutrals to create interest. If you want to go wild, why not try clashing it with a floral print?

Anthropologie

Animal Print Shoulder Bag

& Other Stories Bags

I think we can all agree, this braided bag-of-dreams could easily be mistaken as designer, right? The attention-to-detail makes it one to take note of – and it’s under-£100! I would add it to any event look, especially with other ice cream pastel shades of lilac, pink, yellow and cream.

& Other Stories

Braided Leather Bucket Bag

A holiday hero, no summer bag round-up is complete without a brilliant basket. I love the contrast detailing on this one, and you can either carry it by the handle or add the shoulder strap attachment it comes with. No matter your summer outfit, this will work with it thanks to the neutral colourway. Well done, & Other Stories.

&Other Stories

Large Straw Tote Bag

Check out my latest article, “Colour, Shapes, and Textures“