Spring handbags have landed in stores and we can't wait to get our new season arm candy fix. Shop the tomboy totes, new school backpacks and holiday-ready bucket bags for SS14.
Handbags have always been one of our favourite fashion accessories, and with a new season comes plenty of exciting fresh bag styles.
For SS14, the key is in the design details. Chic python textures from Michael Kors, iridescent metallic finishes and Valentino-inspired tassels are among some of our favourite handbag features from the catwalks.
We’re also revisiting old school favourites this spring/summer, with a series of chic backpacks, as seen on the Chanel and Marios Schwab runways. And continuing with the tomboy trend, our handbag favourite, the tote, has been stripped back for spring, with the focus falling on strong, masculine shapes and tough textures a la Miu Miu SS14.
But, alongside all this androgynous styling, Charlotte Olympia, Sophia Webster and Olympia Le-Tan encourage us to find the fun in SS14 accessorising, using slogans and brights, whereas Vionnet introduce us to the sweetest handbag style of them all, ‘the mini’.
Spring Handbags
So, whether you go girlie or try the tomboy trend, these are the new season handbag styles worth noting.
DSquared2 Vancouver Medium Handbag, £1,185
Arm candy in need of an overhaul? Put DSquared2's roomy Vancouver Medium Handbag straight to the top of your wish list. With a bold block colours and this season's key detailing, dress up with spring separates during weekdays, or down with jeans and a biker come weekend.
Mulberry Lily Queen Green Soft Grain Bag, £750
Mulberry's Lily Queen Soft Grain Bag is perfectly elegant in this wear-everywhere size, and the pop of green is ideal for getting you into the spring spirit.
Whistles Limited Verity Rucksack, £295
Rucksack, check. Metallics, check. In the Whistles Limited Backpack you've combined two of the hottest spring/summer 2014 trends with one fashion hit.
Ted Baker Kenners Exotic Across The Body Bag, £199
Take style inspiration from Michael Kors's python prints and work the Ted Baker Kenners Handbag into your repertoire. The flash of green is an important style choice for spring.
DSquared2 Niagara Mini Shoulder Bag, £385
Oh-so-small but perfectly formed, DSquared2's chic Niagara Mini Shoulder Bag taps a series of spring trends. With a classic chain, tough metallic studs and a compact interior, it's perfect for all those spring essentials, and our 2014 festival go-to.
M&S Limited Edition Geometric Shopper Bag, £39.50
Add a harsh edge to spring's baby pink palette with a tote that means business. Echo the strong, androgynous shapes of the SS14 shows and choose this M&S accessory.
Zara Coloured Leather And Suede Bucket Bag, £79.99
Bucket bags are a new look on the handbag scene, characteristic of a tied top, loose straps and wider base. Perfect for laidback weekend styling.
3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Backpack, £805
The Philip Lim Zip Rucksack softens the tomboy trend with a seasonal pastel lemon. Wear yours to a festival or weekend outing.
Asos Clear Backpack With Internal Coin Purse, £28
Perspex accessories are the trend to try this season, especially in backpack form. This Asos Clear Rucksack is about to rock your world.
Oasis Stephanie Small Cross Body Bag, £25
A metallic finish is the key finish for evening clutches in the new season. Add that iridescent sheen to even the most dull of outfits with the Oasis Stephanie Bag.
River Island Green Marabou Feather Cross Body Bag, £35
Thanks to Karl Lagerfeld and Miu Miu, fluffy furball bags are our handbag fix for the new season. You'd never believe this cross body beauty is from high street favourite, River Island.
Sophia Webster Money Bags Clutch, £340
Trust Sophia Webster to have a little fun with our handbag collections. This Money Bags Clutch is perfect for adding character to your new season wardrobe.
& Other Stories Mini Leather Shoulder Bag, £65
& Other Stories combine that high shine finish with a snake print finish to create a juxtaposition of textures. This over the shoulder bag is a must-have.
Lulu Guinness Chartreuse Sweet Shop Edith Bag, £375
Shop Lulu Guinness's SS14 collection for bags with tons of character. This season's runways called for eccentricity in spades.
Ashish Sequin Embroidered Bag, £275
The iconic Ashish Brand Bags are worth a try this spring. Make a statement with this sequined collectors item.
Fendi 3 Jours Trapeze Wing Leather Tote, £1,530
The Fendi 3 Jours Trapeze Wing Tote features a classic shape, restyled for the new season. Wear it parred down charcoal to offset this season's monochrome trend.
Aldo Montemarano Clutch, £20
Make a statement with a slogan handbag this season - especially when it's an homage to the ever-wise words of Kanye West.
& Other Stories Leather Bucket Bag, £125
Try & Other Stories' take on the bucket bag. It's cool, yet original, and we've come to expect nothing less from the high street store.
M&S Collection Boxy Colour Block Grab Bag, £35
Try a boxy tote bag to give your work outfits a tomboy edge. This M&S square colour block bag will do the trick.
Alexander McQueen Mini De Manta Clutch, £430
Alexander McQueen urges us to try an irregular bag shape this season. This turned down corner zip back is perfect for bucking tradition in the accessories department.
Topshop Semi-Sheer Clutch Bag, £15
Perspex clutches are a must-do for the upcoming season. Remember to carry only your most glamorous essentials inside the Topshop Semi-Sheer Clutch Bag.
Asos Concertina Satchel Bag, £30
We have our eyes on tiny concertina clutches this season. Mini and discrete, they still manage to conceal as much stuff with none of the fuss.
The White Pepper Unicorn Clutch Bag, £40
Have a little fun with your accessories this spring and pick up this adorable The White Pepper Unicorn Bag. A great choice for a girls' night.
New Look Green Formal Zip Front Backpack, £19.99
New Look's Formal Backpack has been a hit with high street shoppers already this season, as it features that luxe look of Alexander McQueen and Philip Lim, for less.
Olympia Le-Tan Great Gatsby Felt Clutch, £1,045
Which book would be your pick to try Olympia Le Tan's book clutch trend? We say Gatsby, because what could be more chic?
M&S Limited Edition Iridescent Shopper Bag, £39.50
Metallic finishes are having a moment in 2014, giving everything with a shimmer finish that high end look (even if we found this iridescent handbag beauty at Marks & Spencer).
Next Soft Cuff Clutch Bag, £32
Soft clutch bags created that iconic slouch look on the catwalks, where a fold over handbag was tucked effortlessly under the arm of every fashion face on the runway. Try this Next style piece to achieve the look with ease.
Oasis Tallulah Metal Corner Tote Bag, £45
This year, totes get a masculine edge and we start to favour boxier styles with clean lines. Try the Oasis Tallulah Tote with just a hint of colour for matching (or clashing).
Topshop Concertina Bag, £25
Expect to see plenty of concertina bags in the upcoming months. Sectioning all of your stuff into compartments allows this bag to go mini, as the SS14 catwalks would want it.
New Look Gold Metallic Straw Tote Bag, £12.99
Channel that Stella McCartney SS14 vibe with a holiday-ready wicker style bag from New Look, finished in a sprayed gold metallic effect.
River Island Red Snake Colour Block Tote, £45
Go for colour block contrasts on your python prints in the handbag department - especially for those days when you're accidently wearing all black, again.
Karen Millen Multi Zip Croc Big Bag, £225
Keeping it sophisticated, Karen Millen experiment with croc print in a classic zip tote. Perfect for workwear ensembles.
H&M Shoulder Bag, £19.99
Expect to see tassels hanging from just about every accessory this spring. This H&M bag is the perfect addition to a holiday outfit in a light beige.
Asos Mini Top Handle Bag With Contrast Edge, £28
Remember when clutches went supersize? Well totes go mini this season and we can't get enough of these cute creations. Opt for the miniature Asos Top Handle Bag (our personal favourite).
Burberry Prorsum Soft Rubber Flower Clutch, £795
Remember those applique florals from the Burberry Prorsum show and the 3D florals at Erdem? Well all signs are pointing to the 'new florals' this season.
H&M Shoulder Bag, £7.99
Add some fire to your snake print purse with these flame red colour splashes. Team this bag with a work ensemble to give it some sex appeal.
Jill Sander 3 Angle Leather Clutch, £330
The Jill Sander 3 Angle Leather Clutch introduces a new shape to your handbag wardrobe. Try something original to make your outfit stand out.
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Asos Leather Clutch Bag In Pony And Soft Construction, £30
For a sports luxe look, clash this Asos Leather Pony Cutch Bag with some energetic brights and mesh fabrics.
Asos Clutch Bag With Slogan Cross Stitch, £30
Embroidered slogans were a big hit for Kate Spade on the SS14 catwalks. This kooky Asos clutch adds a touch of attitude to traditionally sweet styling.
& Other Stories Faux Fur Shoulder Bag, £65
The & Other Stories pink faux fur clutch has a touch of Fendi about it. Team it with a tailored ensemble to break up the masculine styling.
Charlotte Olympia Be Mine Clutch, £795
Charlotte Olympia's kitsch bag collection hones in on the kooky catwalk handbag trends we saw back in September. This live hearts Be Mine Clutch takes us back to our school days.
Cos Perforated Leather Shopper, £135
Cos echo the catwalk trends with a touch of their signature styling. This coral colour is a classic for the brand, featuring the hole punch finish to perfect that sports luxe look.
Anya Hindmarch Crisp Packet Clutch, £995
Did anyone else spot Emma Watson's Crisp Packet Clutch at the Oscars 2014, topping off a truly superior red carpets ensemble? We'll take styling tips out of her book any day, and happen to totally adore this Anya Hindmarch version.
Coast Gold Snake Peony Bag, £45
Give a snake print clutch a soft gold finish for that chic approach to the new season style, like this Coast Clutch.
French Connection Spot On Small Shoulder Bag, £65
Experiment with the perforated pattern in polka dots to give it that soft and feminine finish. Grab this French Connection handbag for extra style points.
Zara Leather Messenger Bag With Fringing, £79.99
Take a leaf out of Stella McCartney's book and wear a tassel bag this season. Great for style but not so good for tying your shoe laces.
Zara Bonjour Mini Messenger Bag, £19.99
Try something in Parisian chic with this cute wrist strap bag. Match to ripped denim jeans, a plain white Tee and heels for a new take on French styling.
Whistles Mini Swing Satchel, £195
Mini bags, made famous on the SS14 catwalks by Vionnet, are everywhere this season. Pick the cutest mini satchel for on-trend handbag styling.
Tophop Croc Winged Luggage Bag, £50
A croc texture is best done in a vibrant colour to mark the start of spring. Get trend-ready with the Topshop Luggage Bag.
Warehouse Hard Mini Wrist Clutch, £30
Croc prints were a huge accessories feature for Stella McCartney back in September 2013, and now they're coming to high street boutique near you with this Warehouse Hard Clutch.
Topshop Perforated Duffle Bag, £34
Perforated fabrics give character to this season's handbag essentials, running a theme throughout the SS14 collections. Wear yours in an on-trend bucket bag shape.
Monki Smile Lips Clutch Bag, £18
Wear something fun on your arm in spring/summer 2014 with this Monki Lips Clutch. Team it with an LBD to put your spin on a classic Saturday night look.
M&S Collection Faux Snakeskin Design Padlock Tote Bag, £39.50
Python prints proved a huge hit for the designers and so too for the high street as Marks & Spencer's try the trend on their new season padlock tote bag.
