What is it about spring that makes you want to refresh your entire wardrobe? Of course, the seasonal change comes into play, but it's more psychological than merely feeling too hot in your winter clothes as temperatures rise. For those of us who follow and live for fashion—that'll be anyone reading this, then—the notion of resetting your style is intoxicating, and it feels like you can justify doing so the most when spring rolls around. Still, I implore you to resist the temptation. If you identify a gap in your wardrobe that you see genuine benefit in filling, then it's your choice to do so. However, if you're shopping for the thrill of having something "new", then it's probably not what you should do.
That said, I'm no robot and I can completely empathise with the want and need to make your outfits feel fresh again for spring. So, if you can't settle the urge to treat yourself to a new wardrobe addition, take my advice and invest in a bag. Not only can you style a new bag with so many outfits—you're limited only by imagination!—but it's one of the easiest and most effective ways to make your old clothes feel current. There's just something about stepping out with some shiny new arm candy in hand that makes you walk with your head held high.
I gave this a great deal of thought, weighing up which bag styles have real staying power but will still give you that fresh style jolt you so crave. Below are six spring handbag trends that meet these requirements and that you'll look forward to digging out, year after year.
From baskets to brights, scroll on to see and shop my spring bag edit.
6 SPRING HANDBAG TRENDS THAT NEVER DATE
1. BASKET BAGS
Style Notes: Like birdsong and bright mornings, basket bags are synonymous with springtime. With the ability to give any outfit a whimsical, and dare I say it, French, flair, as soon as I start carrying a basket bag, there's no going back to my wooly winter coats. Style effortlessly now with blue denim and tan suede, then switch to white cotton dresses when the temperature truly begins to heat up.
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2. SUEDE BAGS
Style Notes: I know what you're thinking: suede bags work year-round. And you're right, they do! But I generally see more suede bags on the go during spring when the chances of full-on downpours are slightly slimmer. Let's face it—this is Britain, and every fashion person worth their salt should, as such, have a waterproof suede protector to hand to shield their accessories from the elements, but there will always be something about a chic suede bag that screams "spring" to me.
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3. CLUTCH BAGS
Style Notes: Spring marks the start of occasion season—think weddings, garden parties, days at the racers and a whole lot more chic outdoor pursuits to consider. Along with a spike in searches for Needle Thread and Rixo dresses, this is also the time of year when the clutch bag makes its mighty return. Fashion people are currently carrying them in bright colours, metallic finishes and animal prints, but for something more timeless, look for a neutral leather option.
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4. SLOUCHY SHOULDER BAGS
Style Notes: With party season a distant memory, I love the casual style shift triggered by the spring months. And right now, we're seeing the effects of said shift by way of the slouchy shoulder bags that are taking over the market. Bottega Veneta's new Solstice handbag has been on the wish lists of fashion editors ever since the brand debuted the style for S/S '24. Now, they're here and inspiring a host of relaxed shoulder bags that are roomy enough to stash more than your essentials.
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5. WHITE BAGS
Style Notes: When you think of spring, there are likely a few colours that come to mind. Yellow is probably one of them, evoked by visions of fields of daffodils. Blue is another—the colour we all hope to see when we draw our curtains in the morning. Still, the freshest of them all has to be white. Full disclosure: I used to think white bags looked cheap. But now, with slightly off-white hues and interesting shapes to choose from, they feel a whole lot more premium and in turn, irresistible for those looking to refresh their looks.
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6. TOP-HANDLE BAGS
Style Notes: Along with the pleasant temperatures of spring comes a lessened need to keep your hands in your pockets at all times. Now, with the opportunity to roam free, you have the option of carrying your bags in hand as opposed to feeling restricted to crossbodies. It's handy then that top-handle bags are a huge accessory trend for spring 2024.
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