Nothing Beats a Designer Bag, But This High-Street Brand’s Styles Feel Just as Special

When it comes to shopping on the high street, I consider myself to be somewhat of an expert. Day in and day out, I search through hundreds of pages, whittling down everything in the new-in sections into concise edits of the very best pieces. From this, I've learnt that whilst treasures can be found in many high-street stores, some really excel in particular categories.

Arket's knitwear continues to be the best around, M&S does great jeans; and if you're after an affordable coat this season, H&M and Mango have you covered. Over the past few months, my ultimate high-street favourite, COS, has carved out a name for itself with its designer-passing handbags.

Of course, there are benefits to investing in designer bags, from high-quality fabrics to intricate craftspersonship and identifiable designs. But if you're looking for something on more of a budget, in my opinion, COS is the place to start. With just one peek at its handbag category, I'm sure you'll agree that the brand is excelling in this department. Of course, we knew that there was potential, with one of its most iconic pieces being the Swing Crossbody bag; a style that is practical, refined and ready for the everyday. Since then, COS' expertise in all things accessories has grown.

The Cavatelli was next to pique my interest, reflecting COS' identifying qualities of a refined silhouette with a practical design and premium edge. Named after the soft pasta shape, the clutch bag has a tactile, doughy texture thanks to the supple leather that just makes you want to squeeze it. Naturally, it sold out almost immediately, but popularity has brought it back in fresh new shades.

Then came a flurry of excellent styles, from the quilted bag I spy practically every time I step out my door to the very premium-looking fold that has also experienced enough demand to call for a restock. Most recently, the Bowling Bag joined the line-up of coveted handbags and has become almost as difficult to track down as its designer counterpart: The Row's Margaux.

Having successfully created a foundation of soon-to-be iconic handbags, the brand's accessories prowess continues to rise. The classics are being reinvented in new shades and sizes, and alongside, fresh instant best-sellers have emerged. So if you're in the market for a new bag, looking for gifting ideas that are sure to impress or simply want to see look at what's on offer, scroll on to explore the best COS handbags.

SHOP THE BEST COS HANDBAGS:

THE SWING CROSSBODY BAG

Style Notes: Previously named The Crossbody Bag, the newly titled Swing Crossbody is a do-it-all style. Featuring sleek leather, a half-crescent shape and a surprisingly spacious interior, this bag has become a trusted companion for many followers of fashion. True to COS' design ethos, the piece is refined and minimalistic without studs or accents, letting the quality of the fabric and design shine through.

The style comes in black, beige, cream, khaki and red, though the last two are currently sold out. For autumn 2024, COS has introduced a highly covetable brown suede style that I predict will be the next to sell out. Thanks to the adjustable strap length, it can be worn crossbody or simply slung over the shoulder, as you prefer. The bag comes in three sizes: micro, regular and oversized.

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THE FOLD TOTE

Style Notes: I'm not the only one impressed by COS' handbag selection, as the stock tends to fly when these very best styles hit. The Fold was one such instant sell-out last autumn, thankfully returning a year later to give us a second chance to secure this timeless tote. The large body features a canvas lining and inner zipped pockets to keep your essentials close to hand, and to retain the shape, the bag closes with a simple magnet. Rising from the body is the circular handle that adds to the striking silhouette of this bag. There are two sizes to choose from—regular and micro—with both available in black and the micro now available in a playful leopard print.

Shop the Fold tote:

THE BOWLING BAG

Style Notes: The COS Studio Bowling Bag was released at the start of September and immediately flew. With such demand, the brand consistently restocks the piece, which continues to move quickly. At the time of writing the bag is sold out in various colourways, but it's worth keeping a tab open and refreshing every chance you get—this bag is that good. The design nods to classic bowling bag silhouettes with its soft curves, boasting copious space to support your daily commute or weekends away, whilst the suede finish gives a premium feel. Currently, the bag is offered in a brown regular size and a grey smaller size—that is if you can find it in stock.

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THE CAVATELLI CLUTCH

Style Notes: As our managing editor Maxine Eggenbeger shows above, the Cavatelli Clutch is seriously chic. A plump silhouette crafted to reflect the shape of cavatelli pasta, this clutch is set apart from the rest by its roomy design. The smooth leather adds to the high-end feel of the bag, and its supple nature allows the piece to mould in shape depending on how you choose to wear it. Of course, you can keep it in hand as a classic clutch or tuck it under your arm like Maxine does here. The regular-sized styles also come with a detachable strap, offering crossbody and on-the-shoulder wear. Currently, the mini style comes in black and white, whilst the larger size is offered in bold red, classic black and a deep burgundy.

Shop the Cavatelli Clutch:

THE QUILTED BAG

Style Notes: Almost every time I leave my house, I spot someone carrying a COS quilted bag. Combined with sightings on Instagram and my own colleagues, it's clear that this is a fashion person's favourite. For me, the best handbags combine practicality and style, and the Quilted bag does just that. A relaxed half-moon shape that features dimpled quilting to add a touch of texture to any ensemble, the style comes in a wide range of colours, sizes and fabrics. More affordable are the options made from 100% recycled polyester, starting at just £45. If you're interested in a more luxurious and hard-working fabric, look to the leather versions, available in all three sizes. The largest is heavily oversized and can be worn crossbody.

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