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Fashion

COMEBACK SEASON

When you're bundled up in winter, all the pressure is on your accessories to make your outfit really shine. Luckily, this season’s bags and shoes come in colourful palettes and statement shapes.

Hands up if you’ve neglected your shoes and handbags this past year. Us too. With fewer opportunities to dress up with on-trend accessories, and of course, not as many places to go, it’s been all about the practical bag and the sensible shoes (read: cosy slippers).

But now with ‘normal’ finally on the horizon, it’s time to fall back in love with accessories. Luckily for us, the AW21 trends are all about making a statement without sacrificing on comfort. From the XXL tote to the any weather boot, these outfit-making designer additions are well worth the investment. Scroll on for the must-have accessories that will make you excited to get dressed up again.

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EXTRA EXTRA

As a return to the office lurks ominously, it’s time we turned our attentions to the bags with which we carry our essentials: think face mask, hand sanitiser, etc. Previously, fashion has flirted with the adorable but let’s face it, impractical micro-bag. Thankfully, fashion has flipped this trend on its head and declared XXL bags as the new bag du jour...and they’re bigger than ever before. Look to Acne Studios, Balenciaga and BAO BAO Issey Miyake for your best and biggest options.

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SHOP XXL BAGS:

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CHAIN REACTION

Chain jewellery you definitely own: necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and even anklets. But right now, it’s handbags that have everyone's attention. Whether you reside on the side of minimalist fashion or you firmly believe in the mantra, ‘more is more’, this season’s chunky chain trend is one that spans the spectrum. And thanks to the wide range of options on the market — from JW Anderson to Bottega Veneta — there’s bound to be an option for everyone.

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SHOP CHAIN BAGS:

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POP OF COLOUR

As the temperature drops and the days become shorter, it’s all too easy to carry a bag that reflects the dark, gloomy winter sky. But this winter, it’s time to inject some colour into your bag collection. Expect to see a sea of vibrant shades like royal red, pale blues and statement pinks. Although arguably not as hard-wearing as darker iterations, colourful bags make up for in doubling the joy factor. Look to Bottega Veneta, Jacquemus and Loewe for cheerful shades.

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SHOP COLOURFUL BAGS:

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JUST BOOT IT

Chunky boots have long been at the top of AW trends and this season, they’re going nowhere. The lug sole is perfect for outdoor adventuring and edgy street styling. Although previously popular in durable black, this season Ganni are bringing the rainbow to this beloved footwear trend. And for where length is a concern, the great thing about this season is the boot looks good in knee-high, thigh-high or ankle cut.

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SHOP CHUNKY BOOTS:

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SLIDE ON

Between the proliferation of tourist sandals and dad trainers, there’s a clear trend happening with comfortable, good-for-you footwear that your podiatrist would approve of. The latest shoe to fit the above criteria? The mule loafer. With a rounded-off, clunky feel, this new trend renders closely to a clog but differs only slightly in the shoe’s platform. Providing the same fluidity of a slipper but with a more sophisticated feel, this new style will make you excited to step out into the world again. As for where to shop, nobody does this trend better than Prada and JW Anderson.

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SHOP MULE LOAFERS:

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FOREVER CLASSICS

The saying ‘if it’s not broken, don’t fix it’ applies to many things, but none more so than the appeal of a classic black or brown handbag. Black will always be, well, the new black, meaning you never regret purchasing a black bag. A brown bag offers the same timelessness as black except with an elevated chicness. Just look to Stella McCartney or ATP Atelier for proof.

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SHOP CLASSIC BAGS:

MORE TO READ

It’s not just handbags and shoes that are making a major comeback for autumn, lipstick is making a triumphant return too. Read more about it inLipstick’s Big Comeback.