Bags of style: The new cult classics

Looking to elevate your everyday style? Invest in a chic yet statement-making handbag to effortlessly update to your look. As the new season approaches, we’re packing away our beach-ready wicker baskets and sporty, festival-proof backpacks, and craving something more refined, sculptural and versatile. From ladylike totes to bijou evening bags, these are the most coveted new styles…

No special-occasion outfit is complete without the right accessories. The perfect evening bag can make even a pared-back, trusty LBD feel brand new, and, if you choose right, they can even be a conversation starter. From gallery openings and date nights, to best friends’ weddings and glamorous galas, finding the right handbag is easy this season thanks to exciting established and emerging labels L’Afshar, Carolina Santo Domingo, Rosantica and Mark Cross. L’Afshar’s coveted designs have already been spotted dangling gracefully from the arms of Olivia Culpo and Kylie Jenner, and it’s easy to see why with their striking details and unexpected textures. Its Lucite brown box bag is guaranteed to turn heads with its sculptural crushed-ice appearance and luxe gold top handles – wear it to offset a burnt-orange silk slip dress or off-white tailoring. Alternatively, Rosantica’s gold-tone ‘Baudelaire’ tote will lend a baroque mood to any look – wear it with your most magnificent evening gown and a pair of statement earrings, or for a coolly contemporary spin, pair it with ‘mom’ jeans, a silk blouse and strappy kitten heels. Those with super-packed schedules will appreciate multi-tasking arm candy such as Mark Cross’ amber-colored and aptly named ‘Grace Cube’ box bag – understated enough to wear by day mixed with cream and butterscotch color palettes, and charming enough to wear at night with its optional gold shoulder chain, it’s the perfect boardroom-to-bar sartorial ally. Minimalists will also love the understated opulence of Carolina Santo Domingo’s ‘Eva’ bag – a divine black suede box bag with a dramatic tassel rope handle. At once timeless yet of-the-moment, it is the ultimate finishing touch for black-tie events.

The satisfyingly minimalistic shape of the tote makes it the perfect blank canvas to showcase bold colors, touch-me textures and pretty patterns, reminding us that unfussy silhouettes can still make a bold statement. Take new label Medea’s joyful, mimosa-hued, smooth-leather tote that will add a mood-boosting hit of color to any outfit – use it to offset neutral tailoring in the office, and also with jeans and a white linen shirt at the weekend. Those looking for something classic but with a modern edge will adore TL-180’s chic, chequered raffia number, and Scandi brand Little Liffner’s vintage-inspired, lizard-effect tote with its distinctive twisted top handles. Capacious enough to stow away all of your daily essentials, but sleek enough to add a polished finish to any outfit, they are the dream 9-5 bag. Wear them to the office with neat tailoring and a silk blouse to offset their bold textures, then at the weekend, pair them with a slip skirt and a cotton T-shirt. Finally, Valextra’s sophisticated, clean-lined tote is guaranteed to stand the test of time with its strikingly architectural shape and elegant monochrome palette. Carry it purposefully by its top handle in the office, then attach the long strap and drape it on your shoulder to go handsfree for after hours.