Q. My favourite oversized black leather bag feels too heavy with summer outfits, especially when I’m going out at night. Are there any fabulous bags for summer that will see me through into autumn?
A. If you adore your oversized bag, why not go for a similar one in a different shade? Accessorize always adds cheerful colours to the summer collection, so that's a great place to find a powder blue or lemon-yellow style. Or, this season, why not go for fresh white? Although it's the colour of the summer, a white bag will be a good investment for a few seasons to come and will go with just about anything (just keep it free of stains).
Take a look at our gallery of great summer bags on the high street.
For this season's best white bags, look at Faith (from around €70) or John Rocha at Debenhams, who has a great Brecan Canvas Messenger Bag (€90). For a big investment buy, go for the Jimmy Choo Lolha snakeskin and leather bag (from €2,172.62). I also love the white patent Miu Miu Bugatti glazed leather tote (€911.470 both at www.netaporter.com).
OK, so that’s colour of the way but what styles are scoring high next season?
It's no longer fashionable to be seen carrying a gaudy 'It' bag. Instead, practical (not flash) is the look to aim for. Enter the suitably chic looking satchel. Nearly every big designer has created one this season. Chloé's is a vintage style in nude leather, Chanel has one in bouclé wool and Louis Vuitton's is monogrammed, as might be expected. On the highstreet, Marks & Spencer are stocking wonderfully classic satchels starting at €100 and Hobbs is doing a gorgeous one called the Hampstead in tan leather for €182.
If you are looking for something just a little more glamorous say 'yes' to quilted bags, but perhaps not to those with a chain strap - even Chanel have included a plainer version this time around. Gucci have quilted their futuristic bucket totes and Luella has padded out her lady-like, Fifties-style ones.
For those wishing to make a bold style statement, you could always try a bum bag. Yes, your eyes are not deceiving you - the bum bag is back. In May Marks & Spencer will embark on a full-on offensive that should see this most derided of hands-free storage solutions reclaim its spot as a fashion must-have.
The new Marks & Spencer bum bag will come in washed-leather-effect polyurethane. As well as its main compartment (complete with a secure zip) it will boast two additional pockets, one jazzed-up with on-trend metal studs. Part of the Limited range the bum bag will retail at just €25. With stars such as Rihanna and Katy Perry spotted wearing them recently, fashion experts are predicting the look to be huge this summer. You’ve been warned.
