Spring brings with it many new beginnings. The flowers are blooming, the days are longer, the sun is shining, and the season’s new trends are gradually making their way into our wardrobes. So, why not give your accessories collection an update, too?
Investing in a new bag is a quick and easy way to give your entire wardrobe an upgrade. Perhaps you have a sun-drenched break abroad on the not-so-distant horizon, you’re starting a new job soon or you’re just giving yourself a treat to mark the return of the warmer weather - either way, a bag has the power to up the style points of literally any outfit - and will make you feel amazing, too.
For 2023, there are a few trends to look out for. From holiday-ready baskets crafted from natural fibres like raffia or bamboo to luxurious shoulder bags that will shine in the city, or even the tote that sits on polarizing ends of the size spectrum (from XL to mini), we’re sure your fancy will be tickled by the comprehensive range on offer from independent brands and luxury labels alike.
Our top tip? If you’d like to invest in something on-trend, go for a design that’s a nod to the aesthetic but would still look good in 10 years time - especially if you’re shelling out a considerable amount of your hard-earned cash. Whether that’s a Y2K-inspired quilted crossbody or a denim baguette, as long as you choose well, it’s an asset that will happily live in your collection for years to come.
We’ve put together an edit of our favourite designs that we’re sure you’ll be adding straight to your basket - and perhaps you’ll end up with a basket, yourself.
Keep scrolling for the best.
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Best weekender bags for women 2023: Stylish solutions for overnight or short trips
Best designer bag dupes available to buy online at an affordable price
Natural fibres
Mango Natural Fibre Clutch Bag
A clutch style with an optional detachable chain, Mango’s mini basket bag is perfect for holiday dinners and park dates alike. With ample space for your phone, purse and keys, all of your essentials can be safety stowed away - and look good while doing it.
Buy now £49.99, Mango
Loewe Anagram leather-trimmed raffia basket bag
Luxury fashion house Loewe is a master in basket bags - as proven by this medium-sized tote design.
Featuring leather handles and the label’s signature Anagram-debossed patch, it will elevate even the simplest of warm-weather looks. You’ll be the envy of fashion editors and celebrities alike.
Buy now £495.00, MatchesFashion
Understated luxury
Demellier The Vancouver
Expertly made, classically sleek and contemporary yet timeless, Demellier’s The Vancouver is an enduring stylish addition to any accessories collection. The adjustable strap means you can wear it cross-body or ever the shoulder, depending on your look. There’s a reason why the label is a favourite with the royals - from Princess of Wales to the Queen Consort.
Buy now £360.00, Demellier
A.P.C. Grace mini leather cross-body bag
A.P.C.’s collections are defined by an effortlessly stylish Parisian nonchalance.
With smooth clean lines and pared-back design details, the Grace exudes the kind of quiet sophistication that’s at the heart of French-girl chic. Constructed using supple leather and glossy hardware, it radiates luxury.
Buy now £465.00, MatchesFashion
Sandro Rittah bag in monogram fabric
Who doesn’t love an understated monogram moment? Especially when it’s Parisian label Sandro’s sophisticated design. Paired simply with jeans, a ribbed tank top and blazer, you wouldn’t look out of place strolling the banks of the Seine in the French capital.
Buy now £299.00, Sandro
Polarised totes
Acne Studios East-West Tote Bag
Stockholm-based Acne Studios’ leather goods are elite - from the Msubi bag, which is updated season after season, to this patent tote.
Extra large, it will see you from work to the gym with more than enough space for your laptop, diary and trainers, not to mention your toiletry bag and change of clothes to boot. Even better, the shiny black is entirely versatile and will add a certain je ne sais quoi to even the simplest of outfits.
Buy now £390.00, Acne Studios
Axel Arigato Shopping Bag Mini
Mini totes are all the rage this year. Whilst they’re not the most practical in terms of size, they offer enough space for the key essentials - sunglasses and phone included - and what they lack in size, they certainly make up for in personality.
Axel Arigato’s cream design is a cute, budget-friendly option, but if you’re ready to splash out, you can get luxury styles from the likes of Prada or Marni, too.
Buy now £120.00, Axel Arigato
Quilted
Saint Laurent Le 57 brand-plaque leather shoulder bag
Saint Laurent bags are at the top of our wishlist right now. Perenially chic, they’re an investment that will live in your collection for years to come.
Even though the quilted aesthetic is distinctly on trend thanks to its popularity in the Y2K era, it’s still classic enough to never go out of style - and the gold tone hardware takes it to the next level.
Buy now £2135.00, Selfridges
XOUXOU Moss Padded Tote with ECONYL® nylon
XOUXOU’s puffer tote is a stylish yet practical design that would work as well for a weekend away as a day in the office.
With a water-repellent outer, a laptop pouch and six handy pockets, it’s equal parts function and form - and the puffer outer doubles up nicely as a pillow on those tiring commutes.
Buy now £143.00, XOUXOU
Denim
Jacquemus Navy Le Raphia ‘Le Bisou Denim’ Shoulder Bag
You’re sure to have seen luxury French fashion house Jacquemus gracing your IG feed season after season. From the teeny tiny bag worn by Lizzo to the spring/summer 2020 collection that was shown amongst lavender fields, creative director Simone Porte Jacquemus knows how to create hype.
This denim bag is one of the label’s more toned down accessories. Understated yet fashion forward, it’s the perfect way to finish off a full denim look.
Buy now £420.00, SSENSE
Chloé Woody medium upcycled-denim tote bag
Every girl needs a Chloe Woody in their bag collection. Offering enough space for the daily necessities in a smart, chic and compact design, it will become your new day-to-day companion - and we especially love this season’s dark-blue denim iteration.
Buy now £795.00, Net-A-Porter
