Completely Impractical Yet Devastatingly Cute Bags

People in the office take the piss out of me for my tiny and slightly ridiculous handbags. I have one so small that you literally can't fit anymore in it than a single credit card and tissue - no phone or anything, we tried.

I can probably count on one hand the number of normal-sized, practical bags I own, after all, that's why tote bags were made, to be able to carry around the stuff you actually need, right?

Just last week, I went on holiday and the security guards at the airport just couldn't get over my mini Mango picnic basket bag (obviously I got ALL the picnic jokes).

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I know they're technically a bit silly, but I can't help it, I just can't be unhappy when I see a little beaded bag, a pom-pom covered basket bag or a little velvet pouch.

And luckily the fashion world seems to agree with me, with my favourite designers and high-street stores offering up some wonderfully impractical bags that are so much more interesting than a black leather holdall.

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For AW18, expect more beads, lots of wooden details, and a dash of faux animal print and skin for good measure. Here are a few of my favourites below.

Shop now: Mini geometric bag for £39.99 from Mango

Shop now: TRANSPARENT BEADS CROSSBODY BAG for £29.99 from Zara

Shop now: COLOURED PLAITED CROSSBODY BAG for £49.99 from Zara

Shop now: SHRIMPS Una faux-fur bag for £375 from Matches Fashion

Shop now: Ganni Edison Polka Dot Beaded Clutch Bag for £240 from Browns

Shop now: TAYLOR BRONZE VELVET BAG for £99 from L.K.Bennett

Shop now: TOP HANDLE CLUTCH for £49 from Charles & Keith

Shop now: Link Shoulder Bag for £32 from Topshop

Shop now: WICKER WINGS Kuai rattan and leather tote for £320 from Net-A-Porter

See? Told you I'd make you smile. There will always be room for practical bags, but let's not forget the silly side of fashion. For a combination of practical yet slightly impractical bags why not check out our edit of Kate Spade bags here.

Don't be afraid, and wear your cute bag with pride, paired with a frilly floral dress or corduroy suit for autumn/winter.

Penny Goldstone is the Contributing Fashion Editor at Marie Claire UK. She writes about catwalk trends and the latest high street and Instagram sartorial must-haves. She also helms the Women Who Win franchise.

She has worked in fashion for over 10 years, contributing to publications such as Cosmopolitan, Red, Good Housekeeping, and Stylist.