YOU can tell a lot about a person by the bag they carry.
Whether they’re the bottomless tote that swallows laptops, receipts, and three different lipsticks (guilty!), the phone-sized clutch holder that insists you travel light and mysteriously, or you prefer the ladylike top-handle that looks borrowed from a princess, bags are more than a functional accessory.
They can inject a little personality and pizzazz into your daily outfits.
Thankfully, designers and the high street seem to agree that for A/W25, your bag is no longer the sidekick – it’s the main event.
Shop the best bags for the new season ahead[/caption]
From big to small, there’s a bag for everyone – and every outfit[/caption]
From Miu Miu and Prada to Burberry and Gucci, the autumn catwalk was literally a mixed bag.
There were puffed-up pillow-like clutches, shrunk-down-to-dollhouse-size vanity cases (cute!), oversized supple suede totes, and 90s-inspired shoulder bags that made us all nostalgic.
If you’re wondering where to start, we’ve rounded up four of the hottest trends you need to know about.
From slouchy shapes starting at £20 to retro bowling shapes, we challenge you not to pop at least one in your shopping basket!
Plus, as summer’s obsession with bag charms continues into the new season, you could even jazz up your new arm candy with some extra flair.
The Bowling Bag
There’s no denying that the ’90s resurgence has strongly influenced the high street for autumn.
So say hello to a ’90s icon – the bowling bag. It’s back big time, thanks to Prada (best known for the iconic shape) and Miu Miu.
If you’re wondering what constitutes a bowling bag silhouette, it has a semi-cylindrical or cylindrical silhouette with a rounded top, flat baseand soft, curvaceous corners.
And, thankfully, there are loads of styles to choose from.
The season’s offerings are roomy and oversized, midi or mini, and available in so many colours and fabrics.
These styles have certainly bowled us over…
Bag, £40, Marks & Spencer[/caption]
The Sumptuous Suede
Suede has been a big trend all summer, but it’s looking even bigger this autumn.
So, if you buy just one item this season, make sure it’s suede.
We saw all shapes and sizes on the A/W’25 catwalks from boho favourite Isabel Marant, as well as Giorgio Armani, and Prada.
Chocolate and tan should be your colour go-tos.
Those on a budget can tap into the trend with faux styles, or prepare to spend more for the real deal – the plus side is that you’ll have a long-lasting bag that’ll only look better with age.
Bag, £20, George at Asda[/caption]
Bag, £110, John Lewis[/caption]
The Slouchy & Soft
Sitting somewhere between the structured shapes of the vanity case and the ladylike top-handle carryall, the slouchy shoulder bag stands out as another must-have bag trend.
Luckily, the high street and even a few of our favourite supermarket stores have jumped on board, offering relaxed styles ideal for slinging over your shoulder on around-town days.
There are three trend rules to follow: your bag must be buttery soft, unstructured and oversized.
Easy peasy, right?
Bag, £28.99, New Look[/caption]
The East Meets West
If you like to stay ahead of the accessory curve, the sleek East meets West style has your name written all over it.
The elongated, squarish shape, featuring long skinny handles feels like the fresh and modern update of the ’90s shoulder bag.
It’s perfect for evenings out if a clutch isn’t your vibe, as well as for those days when you don’t need to carry a mountain of stuff around.
Bag, £27.99, H&M[/caption]
AW25 Fashion Trends
Fashion writer, Lauren Goodwin-Grafton, says these are the top 6 trends from the hottest catwalk designers for autumn/winter 2025…
CHOCOLATE BROWN
Rich and decadent, chocolate brown is emerging as the must-have shade of the season. Expect to see it everywhere and prepare to style it head-to-toe for a luxe look. We’re taking our lead from the sumptuous suede tote bags at Miu Miu and oversized leather clutches at Gucci. A faux fur coat in the tasty shade will be your statement buy for the season, inspired by Fendi, Prada, and Balenciaga.
LACE
Delicate yet daring, lace is making a bold comeback this autumn, gracing everything from high-neck blouses to floor-sweeping gowns in moody, romantic hues and brights. Bella Hadid graced the Saint Laurent catwalk in a bold-shouldered blue lace co-ord while Chloe brought boho back (of course) with ethereal nightie-inspired lace dresses. Work it into your wardrobe with denim or tailored separates.
THE SKIRT SUIT
The autumn catwalks featured plenty of tailoring, but this season, Givenchy, Calvin Klein, and Gucci paid homage to the elegant pencil skirt suit – designed with nipped-in waists, bold shoulders, and retro silhouettes. Wear yours with a flouncy blouse and patent pumps or parade your ladylike pencil skirt with a classic white shirt. Chic!
PLAID
The quintessential autumn print is back for fall, and the heritage-core trend makes the perfect foundation for any wardrobe. From classic tartan to muted checks, plaid looks super expensive when worn in rich, earthy tones and classic navy shades. Choose chunky knits, tailored coats, kilt-style skirts, and pair with sturdy boots for a look that’s equal parts country charm and city sophistication.
LEOPARD PRINT
Let’s face it, leopard print never truly goes out of style, and it’s considered a neutral. Proof, well, designers went full throttle for the print. There were statement coats at Versace, bold bags at Fendi and wow-factor wild co-ords at Saint Laurent. It’s up to you how you wear it. Whether you shop for a statement piece that does all the talking or dip your toe in with an accessory, it’s all about animal.
LEATHER
Sleek and versatile leather is another trend stealing the spotlight this season, look to Prada, Moschino and Victoria Beckham for inspiration. You can easily work the trend into your own autumn/ winter wardrobe with a timeless leather jacket, buttery-soft leather blazer, a pair of wide-leg trousers, or a structured midi skirt.
