There’s nothing like treating yourself to a new season buy, and I can’t think of a better way than with a designer handbag that not only ticks all the summer trends, but will last you a lifetime too – in other words, the perfect investment. Now I appreciate it’s a big purchase, so to save you time and effort, I’ve rounded-up the best designer handbags from the new season that suit all tastes, styles, daily needs and budgets (yes, really).
If there is one piece worthy of investment each season, it has to be a designer handbag (and if you don’t believe me, some brands like Chanel are literally a better financial investment than gold). And while many designers are on-trend with their offering, there are also some classic styles that never go out of fashion out there too.
The best arm candy for SS20 ranges from the super-sized, with the coolest carry-alls in every colour, prints and texture imaginable – to must-have micros, the cute bags that are tiny yet perfectly formed. Invest in these for minimal effort, with maximum impact – Fendi and Jacquemus have some great picks.
We’re keeping things tonal this season and investing in some pretty arm candy in earthy tones, with a touch of cream and butter yellow – Strathberry, Yuzefi and Chloé have some divine options.
If your heart is set on something a little sleeker and modern, then do check out designs by Bottega Veneta (the brand everyone’s talking about right now), LOEWE and ACNE.
You also can’t go wrong with a classic Mulberry or Stella McCartney – these beautiful bags will pay for themselves when you work out the cost per wear.
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If your budget doesn’t quite stretch, there are so many cool contemporary brands offering handbags for £300 or under. I’m personally a massive fan of Manu Atelier, STAUD and for something a little more retro, Rixo. Finally, if you’re feeling nostalgic, do go down the retro route with a Dior saddle bag or Fendi baguette. Iconic.
Still not convinced? Keep scrolling to shop even more fabulous designer handbags.
Louis Vuitton LV PONT 9, £2,680
The newest addition to the Louis Vuitton accessories family is a great daily bag, as it can be worn crossbody and goes with everything.
VAVVOUNE Mishe bag, $495
This structured top handle with custom hardware comes with a removable, adjustable strap. The olive shade is perfectly on trend for SS20.
TELFAR Large White Shopping Bag, $257
Made of vegan leather, featuring a double strap (handle and cross-body straps), embossed logo, a main compartment with magnetic snap closure, internal laptop-sized compartment with zipper closure in back and additional internal pocket in front.
LOEWE Gate floral-embroidered leather cross-body bag, £1,100 at MATCHESFASHION
Part of LOEWE's latest holiday capsule, this bag is crafted from smooth leather with a slip-through front flap and a slender shoulder strap which opens to a tan suede lining.
VERSACE Jungle large embellished printed leather clutch, £1,680
The bag version of JLo's iconic tropical print dress, this is the perfect clutch bag for a holiday night out.
THE ROW Bindle mesh shoulder bag, £725
You'll never go wrong with a The Row bag, they are timeless and versatile enough that they are worth the investment.
GIVENCHY LARGE ID93 BAG IN PATCHWORK LEATHER, £2,350
If you're looking for a fashion-forward handbag, this Givenchy is a great option.
Elleme Vague Olive Green bag, €370
Olive is one of the hottest trends for SS20, and you can wear this bag over your shoulder thanks to the strap, or remove it and carry it as a clutch bag. It's one of Elleme's best-sellers.
mlouye Naomi bag in Mondrian, around £380
The perfect example of a timeless yet trendy bag. We love the geometric shapes and subtle colour pop.
MANU atelier Mini Cylinder Rothko Pink, €330
Dare to add a pop of colour to your wardrobe thanks to this pink version of the label's popular Cylinder bag.
Coach Turnlock Shoulder Bag, £395
The Turnlock Shoulder Bag is part of The Coach Originals, a collection of archival-inspired bags that celebrates the brand's legacy and authentic New York heritage. This structured design is based on a Coach silhouette from 1998 and reimagined for today.
DeMellier the Mini Florence, £315
This smaller version of the Florence is a very sleek small sized soft clutch bah with leather-covered metal frame and a modern metal push lock at the top centre. This clutch fits small handbag essentials and features a discreet metal chain that is kept inside to wear it over the shoulder.
FOLKLORE LARGE CELLA BAG IN CAMEL CHAIR, £493.78
This is the perfect size to carry around your essentials, and the hues lend themselves well to the spring/summer season.
DIOR MEDIUM LADY D-LITE BAG, £3,300
The Lady D-Lite handbag epitomises Dior's vision of elegance and beauty. A sleek, feminine bag, it's timeless yet modern. A true investment.
ROSANTICA HOLLI CRYSTAL & PEARL BOX TOP HANDLE BAG, £738 at LUISAVIAROMA
ROSANTICA's whimsical bags are perfect for occasion dressing. Imagine wearing this cute bag with a floaty dress at a summer wedding.
Chloé Daria small bag in smooth & shiny calfskin, £1,250
This small bag in smooth & shiny calfskin can be carried three ways, cross-body, long shoulder & hand.
MICHAEL Michael Kors Carmen Extra-Small Logo Shoulder Bag, £175
Featuring a revamped faceted logo charm, gold-tone hardware and a woven chain-link strap, , this bag also has a spacious interior accommodates a phone, credit card and more.
BY FAR MIRANDA LIME GREEN SEMI PATENT LEATHER, £425
This bag by cult brand By Far will add a zesty feel to your summer wardrobe. The Hadid sisters are already fans of the label.
GU DE Demi Lune croc-embossed leather shoulder bag, £730 at Selfridges
This emerging label is one to watch. The bag itself features a top handle, detachable shoulder strap, detachable chain strap, croc-embossed finish and silver-toned hardware.
AKRIS Small Aicon Leather Tote Bag with Embossed Details, €1,490
This Small Aicon Tote Bag with Embossed Details and Double-Handle in calf leather has 3 convertible looks: rectangular shopper, pure trapezoid tote or signature messenger.
Marina Raphael Riviera in Caramel Woven Canvas and Turtle, €1,300
Forged in the brand’s signature Riviera shape, this iteration offers rich woven panels of caramel napa and cream canvas covering the body of the bag and forming this elegant silhouette, along with caramel napa trims and turtoise shell colored plexiglass handles.
Alexander McQueen THE STORY SHOULDER BAG, £1,750
The bag can be worn multiple ways: hand-held by placing your hand through the front metal handle or worn over the shoulder using the chain strap.
FURLA 1927 Mini Crossbody Sand H, £255
The Furla 1927 mini crossbody bag is made of textured leather and features an adjustable strap. It comes with a magnetic closure with tone-on-tone Furla logo on the front and is embellished with a tassel pendant. The small inner pocket and the outer pocket on the back will store all your belongings.
LULU GUINESS ALMOND CROC SMALL LEATHER QUEENIE HANDBAG, £245
Inspired by Lulu’s British heritage, our almond beige Queenie is crafted from premium leather with croc style texture and features concertina folded sides, removable dandelion yellow lanyard, signature gold lip stud detail on sides and a detachable cross body gold chain.
ATP small ucket bag, £375
One of the brand's most iconic shapes gets a wild makeover for summer.
SAINT LAURENT MEDIUM KAIA LEATHER SHOULDER BAG, £1,050 at LUISAVIAROMA
Named after Kaia Gerber, this new bag is already high in demand so be quick if you want to get your hands on it.
Mashu leopard vegan bag, £290
Perfectly sized for your phone, wallet and few beauty essentials. A Structured bag with our signature square re purposed wooden handles.
BOTTEGA VENETA The Pouch large gathered alligator clutch, £19,190 at Net-A Porter
You'll be lucky if you can nab this cult favourite designer bag. But if you do, you are guaranteed to have made an investment.
Mirta, N.4 print by Marco Trevisan, £657
Made of grained calfskin leather, it's hard not to fall in love with the bag that will easily lift your entire look this season.
NATURAE SACRA Aiges resin and leather tote, £575 at Net-A-Porter
This gorgeous bag is handmade by artisans using vegetable-tanned black leather and has a sculpturally waved front flap. Attach the slender shoulder strap on busier days.
BURBERRY Small Two-tone Canvas and Leather TB Bag, £1,350
A structured bag in two-tone canvas and topstitched leather with a Thomas Burberry Monogram clasp. Wear on the shoulder, across the body or carry as a clutch.
CHANEL clutch, £3,140
This silver leather handbag embodies the fun spirit of Chanel.
STÉE NEO evergreen, £580
Seen all over the streets of fashion week, this bag is a small but powerful accessory.
