I'm on the Hunt for Autumn's Chicest Handbags—These 6 Are the Best I've Found

Welcome to The Great Try-On. With autumn well and truly in the air, we took the opportunity to try on some of the best new-in pieces from your favourite brands, documenting the process along the way. We believe that the best way to shop online is to see an item IRL and read candid reviews, so we hope this leads you to your most successful purchases of the year.

For me, autumn starts the second the calendar flicks to September, no matter the official date. It's always been the season I most look forward to, partly because I love building layered outfits, but also because of the fresh start it brings. September is basically fashion's January; a time of new beginnings, new routines, and, in my case, a renewed energy to refine my wardrobe.

But whilst the clothes might be what everyone talks about when autumn comes around, for me, accessories—and handbags in particular—set the tone for the months ahead and get me the most excited. This year, I've been thinking a lot about what makes the perfect autumn bag. It has to be practical enough for the daily grind (and to withstand getting caught in the rain), but special enough to feel like a considered addition to my collection. I've been leaning into rich textures like suede and grainy leather, deep tonal colours such as burgundy, chocolate brown and inky black; and designs that feel timeless but still have something new to say. Plus, the right bag needs to be able to take me from a busy workday into the weekend, so I don't have to switch over my essentials to a different style.

This isn't to say that I'm totally ignoring the autumn/winter 2025 trends, though. '90s-style minimalist shoulder bags are everywhere right now, and I'll admit I never thought they were for me. I've always been drawn to larger, Mary Poppins–style bags you can throw everything in. But then I tried Arket's lacquered crossbody, and it completely changed my mind. The small, sleek exterior felt super chic, and there's something freeing about a smaller bag; it's nice not having to lug around a big, heavy tote. On the other end of the spectrum, the Chloé Paddington has made its long-awaited return, which feels nostalgic for me since my older sisters both owned one, and I used to pine after theirs.

Between high-street brands and luxury labels, I've chosen an edit of bags that meet my needs: wearability, longevity and that spark of joy that comes with carrying something new. When narrowing down my choices, I found myself returning to a handful of brands that always deliver at this time of year: Savette's sculptural shapes, DeMellier's timeless designs, COS's minimalist aesthetic and H&M's surprisingly elevated leather line-up were obvious starting points. Add to that Chloé's heritage revival and Arket's trend-driven offering, and I have myself a balanced selection that feels both personal and relevant, ready for you to choose from.

So, scroll on for my autumn bag picks, and whilst I may not be buying them all, I know each one will slot perfectly into a great autumn wardrobe.

The Best Bags for Autumn 2025, As Tried and Reviewed By an Editor:

1. Savette Slim Symmetry Pochette

My Review: The Savette Slim Symmetry Pochette immediately caught my attention thanks to its shape and suede finish. Tactile without being too heavy, suede always feels so right in autumn. The bag is so compact that it's not suitable for office days; it's more of a daytime or weekend companion than a desk-to-evening hold-all. It's perfect for the essentials: phone, small wallet, keys and maybe a compact mirror and a lip product. What surprised me was how well it worked with my outfit that day: wide-leg trousers, sweater vest, flats and a cropped trench. The finish was simple yet effective.

The structure is firm around the top handle, which gives it a smart edge, and because it's so small, it doubles nicely as an evening bag too, as long as you're travelling light. The suede holds its colour well, but I'd be cautious about damp weather and would advise giving it a coating of suede protectant. For the coming season, I could see myself pairing this with casual outfits that still have some structure, like a wool coat or tailored trousers.

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2. COS Gallery Tote Bag

My Review: I like to invest in a new work bag every year or two, and COS has nailed it this season with this suede tote. The dark-brown tone feels particularly relevant; it's softer than black but still grounded enough to go with everything in my autumn capsule wardrobe. The tote has a clean, pared-back look but is surprisingly spacious, which is exactly what I need for commuting days. It doesn't have compartments, so your phone, notebook and umbrella all would share the same space, but because it's big, that works in its favour, letting you pack what you need without worrying about rigid divisions.

It has strong handles, too, that sit nicely on the shoulder, with enough drop to carry comfortably when walking. I can imagine styling this with a tailored blazer, wide-leg trousers and loafers or even just denim, because it has that easy, professional quality. What makes it worth the investment is how understated it is; it doesn't feel trend-driven, so I know I'd be carrying it for years.

On the day I found this one, I also took the chance to explore some of COS’s new knits. The deep-purple cardigan and waistcoat I tried complemented the brown suede of the bag better than I expected, giving it an edge that still felt cohesive. On less formal days, I can also see the bag with a simple jeans, tee and chunky boots look. You can't really go wrong here—the shape is classic, and the suede, if cared for, will age beautifully.

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3. DeMellier Hudson Bag

My Review: DeMellier's bags are simultaneously classic and modern. The Hudson is the perfect example: structured, elegant and incredibly versatile. The grainy leather makes it hard-wearing, which is something I always look for in an autumn bag, and the size is just right for everyday use. It also wins big on versatility. First, the many, many compartments are a major plus. It has a central zipped section plus pockets on either side, meaning you can organise your main essentials in the centre, keep your phone and keys where they're easy to reach and maybe pop a compact or power bank in a side pocket.

If I were taking this to work, I'd be able to fit a smaller laptop or iPad, plus a notebook, charger and some snacks. My 13-inch MacBook is too wide, so it wouldn't fit, but that's a trade-off I'd accept given how refined this style is. For a day out, you could throw in a water bottle, sunglasses case and more without issue, and the structure keeps the bag from slumping. Whilst trying this one out, I styled it with a Liberty scarf tied around the handle, and it instantly gave me Hermès Kelly vibes—playful but still elevated. The top handle and crossbody strap give you options, which is always useful when you're running around the city. For me, this ticks the day-to-night box easily.

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4. H&M Crossbody Bag

My Review: H&M has been quietly releasing some impressive bags this season, with lots of suede styles garnering attention. To me, this leather crossbody feels like the underdog that deserves more recognition. It surprised me with its colour; it's very "mole"—that is, a blend of grey, brown and taupe tones in that muted middle ground which isn't quite warm and not quite cool. It would work beautifully with deep brown, forest green, charcoal and rust shades. The multiple compartments are a win too; there's a main section, a zippered inner pocket and a slip pocket, so you won't end up rummaging around for ages. It's faux leather, but the bag is so well made that I had to double-check. It honestly feels more premium than many other high-street offerings I've come across.

I love how you can dress this bag up or down. On a casual day, I'd style it with jeans, a slouchy jumper and Mary Jane flats, letting the bag rest casually over my shoulder. If I were taking it out for the evening, I'd pair it with a midi dress, a long coat, heels or smart boots. Because it's a shoulder style, it has a little give, so you can wear it across the body if needed, or simply hold it at its base for a smarter angle.

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5. Chloé Paddington Bag

My Review: The Paddington is back, and for me, it's a real full-circle moment. I remember watching my sisters carry theirs in the early 2000s and thinking it was the most stylish thing I'd ever seen. Fast forward, and Chloé has reissued it just as we're heading into a boho-comeback autumn. Speaking of which, the Granat colourway is a deep, wine-like hue that feels perfect for this time of year. It's rich without being too bold and would look amazing against a camel coat or saturated indigo denim.

The bag has all the charm of the original: the padlock and the slouchy shape, but introduces a slightly different leather finish, cleaner seams and a marginally slimmer silhouette in some colourways. The hardware is more refined and less bulky than older Paddington styles, and the edges are smoother, which gives it a little more polish. In terms of capacity, it's definitely roomy enough for daily essentials: a lipstick, a book, AirPods, a hairbrush, your phone, a compact and perhaps a small umbrella. The structure means it can take a bit of weight without falling flat. I also like that so many people have been buying vintage Paddingtons since last year—this reissue feels like Chloé giving the people what they've been asking for.

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6. Arket Lacquered Crossbody Bag

My Review: This is the bag that changed my mind about smaller, '90s-inspired shapes. When you think of ’90s bags, you might picture small shoulder or crossbody bags with subtly curved lines, a gloss, vinyl or lacquered finish, minimal hardware and compact shapes; back then, bags were about simplicity and attitude rather than load-carrying. This Arket lacquered crossbody fits that mould nicely: it has a glossy burgundy finish, clean lines, minimal embellishment and a sleek silhouette. Even though it's labelled a crossbody, I found that I could tie the strap higher so it sat under the arm more like a shoulder bag, which leans more into the '90s vibe.

Despite its small size, it surprises in what it can carry: my wallet, phone, keys, a small tube of hand cream and a lipstick, so it handles essentials well. It's great for evenings or days when you're travelling light. The lacquered finish means it stands out a little, so use it to elevate modest outfits: pair it with black skinny jeans and an oversized jumper, or a slip dress and boots for just the right amount of gloss. I also really like that it can be carried in multiple ways: crossbody, over the shoulder or under the arm.

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