From super-sized totes, bumbags and micro-pouches to timeless classics, shop our pick of the best new season designer handbags
The latest designer handbags ticking all the SS18 summer fashion trends have dropped, and there’s no better time than the present to invest in one. Now I appreciate it’s a big purchase, so to save you time and effort, we’ve rounded-up our fashion-editor approved 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 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 SS18 ranges from the super-sized, with the coolest carry-alls in every colour, prints and texture imaginable, to must-have micros, the small yet perfectly formed little numbers for minimal effort, with maximum impact. Belt up with the return of the bumbag, or break out a funky beach bag in classic straw or a bright alternative, these standout styles will carry you through the season.
You could clash colours a la Loewe or J.W. Anderson, while you can always trust Anya Hindmarch and Hill & Friends for some acid pops of colour and novelty designs – think smiley faces and emoji bags.
For something avant-guard, look to the likes of Balenciaga or Off-White, for some seriously tongue-in-cheek yet sculptural designs.
If your heart is set on something a little sleeker and modern, then go down the chic Stella McCartney, Chloé or Céline route. These beautiful bags will pay for themselves when you work out the cost per wear – persuaded? Thought so.
Somewhere in the middle, you have your classics with a twist. Think modern Manu Atelier satchels, Mulberry’s bucket-bags and basically anything from Tom Ford.
Still struggling? Scroll on to shop more fabulous designer handbags.
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MANU ATELIER Micro Bold Combo leather suede shoulder bag, £435 at Selfridges
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DANSE LENTE Lilou calf hair and textured-leather tote, £425 at Marie Claire
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Burberry large reversible doodle tote bag at Farfetch.com, £665
New to the Burberry collection is this statement tote bag featuring a reversible design, with an eye-catching doodle print on one side and the signature check on the other.
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Mulberry Abbey lilac small classic grain bag, £625
Easy to wear and in SS18's lilac shade of the season, this bucket bag is pretty-pastel-perfect for spring days ahead.
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Acne Studio Musubi handbag in pink, around £690
Based on the knot in a traditional Japanese obi sash, Acne Studio's Musubi handbag is perfectly proportioned for on-the-go chic.
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Jacquemus Praia embellished two-tone glossed-leather bucket bag at Net-A-Porter, £520
The classic bucket bag gets deconstructed with a cool and contemporary update in statement Jacquemus style.
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Loewe Puzzle leather bag at MatchesFashion.com, £1,725
The Loewe puzzle bag is still hot stuff, though this season, we like it in a soft rusty shade.
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Coach Dinky with quilting, £475
Coach’s key holiday bag, as seen on the ever wonderful Selena Gomez.
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Fendi Kan I leather shoulder bag at Mytheresa.com, £2,250
Fendi’s Kan I shoulder bag is the perfect way to add a pop of colour to your wardrobe from winter through to spring.
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Longchamp Madeleine top-handle bag, £720
Bye bye pliage, hello new French It bag.
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Chloé Medium Nile cross body bag at Harrods, £1,280
Already a Chloé icon, the Nile cross body bag is instantly recognised with its saddle silhouette and round metal top handle.
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Roksanda Elder pebbled-leather tote at Matchesfashion.com, £695
Taking a classic black tote and adding signature splashes of bold, contrasting colours, is the perfect combination for this Roksanda statement bag.
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Marni Pannier bag in white leather, £1,430
Super versatile, this Marni pannier bag brings an instant spring refresh.
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JW Anderson Belt-strap leather-trimmed tote at Matchesfashion.com, £790
An ideal update for your SS18 wardrobe, this classic large tote bag is perfect for all your essentials and more!
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Sophie Hulme Aubergine medium straw Bag, £495
Meet Sophie Hulme’s new hero bag with her signature straw detailing.
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DVF Diane Von Furstenberg raffia fringe bucket bag at Farfetch.com, £656
A bucket bag with vibrant raffia colour blocking, what's not to love? From sunbathing to staycationing, a sure winner for sunnier days.
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Attico Feather-trimmed pouch at Matchesfashion.com, £710
Embellished with beads and feathers, this Attico pouch is a party showstopper and right on trend for SS18.
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Dior Diorama in silver tone with micro-cannage motif, £2,700
A futuristic take on a classic.
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Aspinal of London Mini hat box bag in orchid saffiano, £495
This is the luxurious retro styling Aspinal of London we know and love with a splash of colour, for an instant spring update.
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NO.21 Knot clutch in forest green satin at Net-A-Porter, £525
Noted for their signature origami-like knot detailing, NO.21 have a gorgeous selection of structured clutches that will carry you from season to season.
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Nina Ricci Mini pouch bag at Farfetch.com, £1,165
An edgier alternative for the mini pouch bag, this Nina Ricci style in black leather will work day to night.
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The Row Leather cross body bag at Matchesfashion.com, £875
Taking micro-mania to the extreme, this teeny-tiny bag reworks The Row's coveted medicine pouch-inspired bag into a structured cross-body style.
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Chloé Small Nile Bracelet Bag Washed Pink, £1,070 at fashionette
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Joseph Leather Mortimer bag at Joseph, £425
Worn on the shoulder or as a clutch, we love Joseph's modern take on the satchel with its boxy shape and zip details.
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Salvatore Ferragamo small Sofia rainbow bag, £1,420
The Sofia bag is a wardrobe staple with a timeless shape in pretty pastel hues.
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Givenchy printed leather backpack at Net-A-Porter, £1,310
One for the logo mania lovers, backpacks don’t get more fashion than this.
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Isabel Marant Bagya shopper at Farfetch.com, £607
Slouchy and oversized, this Isabel Marant shopper is a go-to staple for effortless cool.
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Miu Miu Matelassé leather belt bag, £1,080
Looking for your belt bag fix? Look no further than Miu Miu's latest offering for a lux sports athleisure look this Spring.
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Simon Miller Bonsai mini shoulder bag at Farfetch.com, £485
In gorgeous sunset orange leather this Simon Miller bag has got us dreaming of warmer days and sunnier wardrobes.
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Hill & Friends Happy mini camera bag in metallic pink, £350
One for brightening up your wardrobe, who said fashion has to be serious?
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3.1 Phillip Lim Accordion tote at Farfetch.com, £822
3.1 Phillip Lim's take on the shopper trend is as laid-back and cool as ever with its asymmetric aesthetic, neutral shades, and oversized appeal.
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Mansur Gavriel Circle leather shoulder bag at Net-A-Porter, £581.32
A minimalist approach to the statement micro-trend, we love Mansur Gabriel's pretty and polished white circle bag for SS18.
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Victoria Beckham Balloon bag, £1,120
This Victoria Beckham quilted shoulder bag couldn't be any softer or slouchier - perfect for every-day wear.
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Gucci linea ophidia GG shoulder bag at Harvey Nichols, £885
Though Gucci’s bum bag is all anyone could talk about when it was first presented on the catwalk, this chic new season shoulder bag is much more wearable.
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Prada Midollino tasseled canvas and leather-trimmed wicker tote at Net-A-Porter, £1,080
For ultimate poolside chic look no further than this handwoven wicker Prada bag.
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Delvaux Cool Box Mini Bag, £ POA
Big enough to fit all your essentials without looking bulky, this bag is cleverly made from just one single piece of leather.
