ARM CANDY

Whether you're heading back to the office for the first time in a while, or are once more planning for weddings, events and holidays, you might be looking to add to your capsule wardrobe with a beautiful new bag.

If you're thinking of investing in a designer handbag, then it is worth considering a style that will stand the test of time. From elevated carryalls to cult crossbodies, from the fun-sized to the functional, here’s our guide to all of the essential handbag silhouettes and styles.

BEST FOR EVENING:

When a swanky soirée calls for only the essentials to be carried, a designer clutch bag is the answer. An accessory this convenient deserves some attention which is exactly what this Loewe Flamenco Leather clutch sets out to do. It's been crafted in Spain from supple camel leather, lined in suede and topped with knotted drawstring ties. It's embossed with the label's 'anagram' logo and has just enough room to carry your phone and wallet. The perfect dinner date companion.

BEST FOR DANCING:

Small enough to fit into the palm of your hand, but big on impact - these crossbody bags can redefine any look, from an LBD to a casual jeans-and-tee. And what’s more, the long strap styles go over your shoulder and across your body meaning you can go hands-free. So with no need to hold your bag or worry about where you put it down, you can dance the night away. Choose from the cult-classic Marc Jacobs camera bag or a chic and stylish Mara Chain Crossbody Bag from Chloé for best dancefloor options.

BEST FOR DAYTIME:

Whether it’s a quick coffee between friends, a lavish afternoon tea with mum or cocktails with the girls, you can’t go wrong with the Fendi Sunshine Mini Top Handle Bag. Although a scaled-down iteration of the iconic Sunshine tote, don’t be fooled by its size as the compact construction leaves enough space to stash all your must-have items inside. The tortoiseshell-effect top handles add modernity to the bag, which is further complemented by the brand logo hot-stamped at the front. For extra points, you can even go hands-free by carrying from the detachable shoulder strap.

BEST FOR SHOPPING:

Be it for holding everything you might need for the day - notebooks, laptops, wallets, a smaller bag, or simply for the want to hold something starkly different, oversized tote bags are ruling the runway. Style credentials aside, they also make for great shopping companions as, like we said, they’ve room for just about everything. Choose to make a statement with the Barbes Large East-West tote from Balenciaga or opt for a more subtle style with Loewe's Anagram tote.

BEST FOR STATEMENT MAKING:

It’s time to ditch your trusty black carryall in favour of something shiny (quite literally) and new. The metallic bag trend isn't really intended to perfectly match your outfit, it’s intended to be more of a statement piece. Just look to the Alexa Mini Metallic Satchel from Mulberry for proof. Relaunched in honour of its 10th anniversary, and this mini version, the Alexa Satchel is ready for celebrations. It has all the style’s signature features, from the turn-lock closure to the braided top handle, but the soft tumbled leather has a glossy metallic finish making it just perfect for party season.

BEST FOR THE SEASON:

You’ve already invested in a warm, winter-ready coat. But what about your handbag? This season, felt, one of the most versatile and durable materials has been spotted on every silhouette from totes to shoulder bags and more. Given that these bags look best with comfortable knits, fluffy teddy coats, and après-ski staples, this is a trend we predict will see you into the colder months ahead. Whether it’s the new firm favourite Woody Felt Logo Tote from Chloé or JW Anderson's take on the trend, it’s time to cosy up.

MORE TO READ

Now you’ve found the perfect accessory for the festive season ahead, it’s time to find the perfect outfit to match. Luckily, the Brown Thomas personal shopping team are on hand to help you do just that in Dress To Impress.