If you’re unsure of what’s trending this autumn season, here are some bags, from high street to high-end, that reflect last week’s Paris Fashion Week and showcase the colours and shapes of the season.
You may have caught some of the highlights from Paris Fashion Week, but did you take a moment to check out the bags that designers are showcasing on the runway?
Here’s a glimpse at the must-have bags of the season, along with some affordable alternatives from the likes of Zara and Parfois.
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Functionality Is In
Functionality is the biggest trend we saw across fashion week—truly practical bags that are sturdy and long-lasting. Gone are the days of guarding your handbag as if your life depended on it. Today’s customer demands a bag they can stuff to the brim, place on the floor while sipping their coffee, or adorn with charms and dangling ornaments.
We reckon the Jane Birkin effect might have something to do with this shift. Oversized and flouncy, imagine a bag that’s been well-loved. If we’re spending good money on a bag, we want it to endure even the toughest days while still looking stylish. That’s why practical fabrics are trending—leather, suede, denim, or any material that improves with age and exudes that chic, worn-in aesthetic.
Russell and Bromley – €345
The Coach Tabby – €395
Brown, Burgundy & a hint of green
Traditional autumn colours are back, and we’re loving it! Burgundy has made its rounds across the high street over the past two months and shows no signs of losing its appeal. As the autumn and winter months progress, we predict burgundy will maintain its charm right through to spring until we’ll inevitably get tired of it and naturally crave some summer colours.
Brown is undoubtedly in this season—think brown suede, brown trench coats, brown boots; you name it! Brown will always be a timeless autumnal colour. So, if you’re worried about purchasing into a trend, fear not—brown will consistently return to popularity every autumn no matter what.
If you’re looking for a brown bag, it might be worth your while to invest, because brown is such a sustainable colour that will swing back around into style year after year. It’s worth splurging a little; everyone’s wardrobe needs a trusty brown bag to dust off each autumn and winter. So, pick a shape and style that withstands the test of time—whether it’s a shoulder bag or a crossbody, it’s the ultimate accessory that says, “I’m stylish and smart with my money.
Green clearly seems to be the colour of the year, in all shades—from that pungent brat green throughout the summer we were all so infatuated with, which has slowly transitioned into a duller, more weather-appropriate khaki coined by Ireland’s own Jonathan Anderson for Loewe this fashion week.
Acne Studios Mini Shoulder Bag – €1,150
Loewe Mini Puzzle Tote – €1400
Lonchamp Crossbody Bag – €285
Dune London Burgundy Dorry – €115
Statement Bags
In contrast to the hyper-practicality of bags this season, designers have ensured to include a few showstopper bags for the autumn and winter events when you might need a dysfunctional yet eye-catching bag. For Christ’s sake, you can’t show up to a wedding or a Christmas work party with a brown tote, can you?
Embroidery, chainmail, sequins, or textured bags were plentiful at this year’s Fashion Week. These bags might make a yearly outing at most, not something for the everyday let’s just say; they’re for those special events when you’ll need something a bit more extravagant without being an eyesore of course…
So here are some affordable alternatives on the high street if you’re not willing to splurge on a statement piece and want to spend your money wisely.
Zara Leopard Print Clutch – €22.95
Parfois Party Bag – €39.99
Monki Mini Heart Bag – €29.99
M&S Silver Chainmail Bag – €42
Words by Cillian Murphy