With autumn less than a month away and the temperatures starting to drop here in the UK, my hunt for the most polished autumn wardrobe staples has officially begun. And although I like to dip my toes into trends to add some interest to my outfits every so often, the truth is that I’m a classic dresser to my core. To me, it’s all well and good to hop on the latest fad, but the most elegant, put-together wardrobes always have a foundation of timeless basics you can rely on year after year. Think of the type of classic pieces that can be dressed up and down with ease, can be mixed and matched to create a wide range of outfits, and, most importantly, will never look dated or out of style.

And so, with the new season fast approaching, I decided to go on the hunt for the classic pieces that will make up the basis of my autumn capsule wardrobe. From luxury investments that are sure to stand the test of time to affordable staples that look way more expensive than their high-street price tag, I spent hours scouring the web as well as the Instagram pages of the most elegant dressers I know to find the classic pieces that can be relied upon year after year.

And the best part? I’ve rounded them up for you below. From polished outerwear to refined accessories, keep scrolling to shop the classic pieces I’m planning to add to my wardrobe for autumn 2026 (and beyond).

Classic Pieces to Buy This Autumn 2026

1. Outerwear

2. Knitwear

3. Bottoms

4. Shoes

5. Dresses

6. Bags

7. Tops

As far as seasons go, autumn offers one of the richest colour palettes to mine for inspiration. From burnt siennas to spiced crimsons, there are a plethora of shades that signal the cooling weather and browning foliage synonymous with this time of year. Introducing them into your wardrobe, however, is a different matter entirely. If the recent runways are any indication, the key autumn bag colour trends offer a seamless way to inject vibrant tones into your ensembles.

Of course, there is an instinct to reach for warm mochas and rich chocolate browns the minute the skies begin to grey. After all, if the mood is darkening, shouldn’t our clothes too? Though this might’ve been the most logical choice in previous years, the current collections actually prove the opposite.

At Tory Burch, dominating primary tones rendered in more savoury palettes, like tomato red and mustard yellow, were fashioned into sumptuous knits and rich corduroy trousers. At Prada, bright yellows, octane plums and brilliant oranges punctuated satin skirts, scarves and lace-up boots. At Marc Jacobs, hot pink tights were layered under vinyl-style pencil skirts.

As for how this translates into the autumn bag colour trends, this expressive use of tone wasn’t just limited to ready-to-wear offerings. At Jil Sander, baguette bags appeared in icy turquoise and rich khaki shades. At Bottega Veneta, intrecciato leather styles were adopted in deep navy blues and decadent creams. At Chanel, the full colour spectrum was on display, from iridescent opals to deep burgundies.

All this to say, if there’s one season to embrace a more individualistic and saturated note in your personal style, it’s through the key autumn bag colour trends. Ahead, uncover the key shades that prevailed on the runways and are set to be on every chic person’s shoulder come September.

6 Key Autumn 2026 Handbag Colour Trends

1. Burgundy

Style Notes: As we inch closer to fireplace season, the perfect accompaniment to the warming embers is a glass of moorish red wine. Designers know this pairing is ideal for cool temperatures, which is exactly why burgundy bags are prevailing this season. Leading that charge is certainly Matthieu Blazy for Chanel, with the French-Belgian designer making this shade synonymous with his tenure at the helm of the maison. Following in these footsteps is Chemena Kamali at Chloé, who just released an oversized burgundy Paddington bag, and Johnathan Anderson at Dior, whose top-handle Cigale bag has been a favourite of Jennifer Lawrence, Sabrina Carpenter and Natalie Portman.

Shop the Trend:

2. Cobalt

Style Notes: A signature shade of prolific creatives, including French artist Yves Klein and British designer Phoebe Philo, cobalt blue is a hue that has continually commanded attention this year. It’s a shade that holds no bars in the way it commands attention, unwavering in its ability to make you appear more premium and thoughtful. However, for those wanting a softer touch, the cobalt bag comes in clutch. There’s the Celine New Luggage, of course, but also Givenchy’s Vouyou, which is Sarah Burton’s first bag design as creative director.

Shop the Trend:

3. Mustard

Style Notes: A colour that is surely underrated, mustard has proven to be one of the more prevailing autumn bag colours spotted on the runways. Completing this hat trick of winter-esque, Mondrian-inspired colours, mustard brings an opulent edge to dressing without feeling too obvious. It also perfectly lends itself to delicious fabrics like velvet and suede, as spotted in the Jacquemus Valerie and Prada silk pouch.

Shop the Trend:

4. Red

Style Notes: Traffic-stopping and blood-rushing, red is a shade that has always held cultural cachet. Still, it’s found new relevance this season as more people seek ways to add a pop of this tone into their wardrobes. Both Prada and Chanel are offering very chic croc-embossed styles, whilst Celine has introduced a very covetable new icon with the release of the tomato coloured Soft Triomphe Little Halfmoon. (How sweet is that name!)

Shop the Trend:

5. Olive

Style Notes: A common theme you’ll see throughout these autumn bag trends is the desire to take a conventional hue and dial down the saturation. That’s why you’ll see shades like navy replace turquoise and aubergine usurp lilac. Olive is another colour that follows this pattern. As autumn’s answer to the verdant and grassy colours that commanded the spring and summer, this shade brings a practical and utilitarian nature to cold weather dressing that very few colours can replicate.

Shop the Trend:

6. Grey

Style Notes: 50 shades of chic. Given how the renewed interest in Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s workwear wardrobe thrust ‘90s New York back into the spotlight, it should be no surprise that grey bags are all the rage this autumn. Once a signature of iconic Manhattan designers like Helmut Lang and Calvin Klein, appetite for this in-between hue has ramped up, making an appearance at both heritage brands like Dior and Bottega Veneta and cult favourites including Marni and Acne Studios.

Shop the Trend:

With a fresh wave of newness arriving with the Autumn 2026 collections, it takes something special to break through the noise. Many of us have waited patiently since the autumn/winter runways at the start of the year for the latest collections to drop, and already one particular bag has set itself apart and nestled into some of the most stylish celebrity wardrobes around. With clean lines, precise construction and a subtle nod to its luxury origins, the Ferragamo Cara bag has quietly become the It bag of the moment.

For a bag to reach It status takes a harmonious balance of finer details. Immaculate construction, considered colourways, refined materials and an enduring appeal that allows it to transcend just a season. Since its first unveiling on the autumn/winter 2026 runway, keen-eyed handbag enthusiasts have quietly waited for the Cara bag to arrive. First presented alongside the brand's refined tailoring, slouchy knitwear and luxurious outerwear, the bag was a key feature of the show. Whilst autumn has only just arrived, stylish celebrities have shown that the Cara bag is already a proven hit.

True to Ferragamo form, the Cara bag is a clear example of design expertise. From the brand that brought us the iconic Soft Bag and the Hug, Ferragamo applies its eye for detail to this latest addition. Bringing together practicality and form, the bag is composed of over 100 individual components, meticulously assembled to create a sleek shoulder bag with a central pocket and two outer sections. The leather of the side components wraps around, echoing the distinctive feature also noted on the Hug bag, finished with the understated yet eye-catching Gancini closure.

From Rihanna to Anne Hathaway, Karlie Kloss to Monica Barbara, stylish celebs have shown that the refined appeal of the Cara bag can suit all style aesthetics. Rihanna sported hers whilst attending the World Cup Final, paired with cargo shorts and suede boots, whilst Emma Roberts carried the soft blue version alongside a colourful slip dress for the US Open. Both Anne Hathaway and Karlie Kloss reached for the Cara bag to complement tailored looks, and Jack Innanen showed the effective appeal of matching your bag to your tie. Evidently, it's a bag created to bring an elegant finishing touch to all occasions.

Whilst currently a celebrity insider favourite, this bag is sure to be the breakout star of autumn 2026, and if you want to add it to basket before everyone else does, scroll on.

Shop the Ferragamo Cara Bag XS

Shop the Ferragamo Cara Bag S

Shop More Ferragamo Bags

September has only just arrived, but already autumn's hit bag has been unveiled. Dedicated to creating sleek, timeless and understated bags, DeMellier's new collection sees a new style in the spotlight. For now, the Brooklyn bag is the insider bag on every fashion person’s autumn wish list, and I’m snapping it up before everyone else does.

Named the Brooklyn, there are clear familial links to the brand’s iconic New York tote. It follows the signature metal closure across the front and spacious size, but distinguishes itself with an east-west silhouette and flap closure. As with each of the brand's creations, practicality and look are considered in equal measure when approaching the Brooklyn bag. Long straps allow the bag to sit neatly over the shoulder or be carried in the crook of an arm, whether you're wearing a light knit or bulky coat in the cooler months. A zip pocket and card slots keep treasured items close at hand, whilst the overall look of the bag is high-end, without the matching four-figure price tag.

The first unveiling of the Brooklyn bag sees two distinct sizes: regular and midi. Each is spacious and offered in a series of sleek colourways and various finishes, from suede to grained leather to croc-effect. Like all of DeMellier’s creations, this bag was designed to go the distance. The shape feels current yet enduring, the leather is high-quality, and the finer details of metal feet on the base support the longevity of the style. It’s the kind of bag that will induce compliments every time you wear it and encourage onlookers to ask, “Where did you get that?” as the understated appeal isn’t based on bold branding, but immaculate craftspersonship.

Already, some of the most stylish fashion insiders have added this to their autumn rotations, paired with soft knitwear and tailoring, smart blazers and capri pants and just about everything else. Whilst it remains an insider favourite for now, this bag is sure to be a sell-out success. Trust me, autumn 2026 will be all about the Brooklyn bag.

Shop the New DeMellier Brooklyn Bag

Shop More DeMellier Bags We Adore

Long before the first leaf changes colour, designer brands start to slowly release their new autumn pieces, much to the delight of the members of the fashion crowd who have been anxiously awaiting them since they made their initial debuts on the runways and in lookbooks. It goes without saying that one of the most highly anticipated first of the autumn drops is The Row—the cult brand's bags and shoes, in particular.

Much to my delight, I just discovered that The Row has begun to quietly release new pieces, and I think we all know that every one of them is going to sell out. We live in a Row-obsessed world, so if you're in the market for a new investment piece from the brand, I highly suggest you place your order (or preorder) now, and I highly suggest it be for any one of the bags and shoes below. You can thank me later for bringing this to your attention.

Shop New The Row Bags

Shop New The Row Shoes

After a long, hot summer, there's a back-to-school feeling in the air, and the fashion world is preparing for a reset. Whilst the languid days still roll on, slowly we're starting to compile our autumn wardrobes. Loafers are laid out to be polished, wool trousers ready to be pressed, and the first jacket is hanging by the door, in preparation for the looming shift in weather. Moving through the core updates that will ease us into autumn, next on my list is to brush the sand of my basket bag and nestle it into the back of my wardrobe, making space for something a little sturdier, a little fresher. And if you're currently considering which bag will take over from your raffia tote, a fresh wave of inspiration has rolled in as the first It bags of Autumn 2026 have been unveiled.

If you kept a keen eye on the autumn/winter 2026 runways, then you may already be familiar with the new season lineup. Whilst last year saw a focus on revived heritage bags, this autumn is all about subtle signatures applied to new releases, with each one feeling like an in-the-know discovery.

Bottega Veneta's Giorno reinforces the significance of an identifying weave through its clutch style and reminds us how the brand reinvented the clutch once before and is about to do it all over again. At The Row, silhouette and form still guide designs with the curved, clean lines of the Alma Baguette, whilst Miu Miu's playfulness comes through by way of the Vivant silhouette, nodding to the bowling bag with a soft trapeze shape and rich colourways.

The takeaway from the autumn It bag lineup is balance. House signatures are paired with fresh silhouettes; heritage is subtly dispersed alongside fresh colourways and new designs, working in tandem with practicality to cement the staying power of each. With autumn on the horizon, it's time to dive into the 7 designer It bags of 2026.

7 Autumn It Bags That Should Be On Your Radar This Season

1. The Row Alma

Style Notes: A new bag has joined The Row's stellar lineup, and already celebrities and fashion people are adding it to their baskets. Following the clean lines, smart proportions and understated design that have become a signature of the brand, the Alma Baguette is already a hit.

Shop The Row Alma Baguette:

2. Bottega Veneta Giorno

Style Notes: Following its name, this bag is designed to be a perfect everyday bag. The soft silhouette can be tucked neatly under the arm for a clutch, or you can secure the drawstring closures to create a strap to wear over the shoulder. Bringing together versatility, a sleek design and Bottega Veneta's signature Intrecciato weave, this feels like a 2026 update on the brand's iconic clutch bag.

Shop the Bottega Veneta Giorno:

3. Gucci Horsebit Duomo

Style Notes: If polished and sophisticated are key desires in your autumn bag, then you'll want to take a close look at the Gucci Horsebit Duomo. The structured shape makes this bag feel like a heritage style already, with Gucci's iconic Horsebit motif serving as the closure. Adding a touch of versatility, the shorter strap can be swapped out for a longer version if you prefer to wear your bag crossbody.

Shop the Gucci Horsebit Duomo:

4. Ferragamo Cara Bag

Style Notes: From Rihanna to Anne Hathaway, Karlie Kloss to Monica Barbara, the Cara bag has already had a series of celebrity outings. Whilst the understated designs exude luxury, the nod to branding comes from the subtle Gancini buckle closure, nodding to the brand's heritage, along with the wrapped leather around the sides, which echoes the design on the Hug bag. Just wait, there will be plenty more sightings of this bag to come.

Shop the Ferragamo Cara Bag

5. Prada Buckle Bag

Style Notes: Since its unveiling on the 2024 runways, the Buckle Bag has cemented its place in Prada's permanent lineup. Whilst the original took on a bucket bag form, the new style is a tote shape, with a short handle to carry in hand or over the shoulder, and a longer strap for various ways to wear. For in-the-know people, the style is recognisable from the decorative belt around the top.

Shop the Prada Buckle Bag

6. Miu Miu Vivant

Style Notes: There's a vintage charm to Miu Miu's Vivant bag. Inspired by bowling bag silhouettes, the shape is incredibly striking, and the style has already been spotted on a series of celebrities and fashion people. The supple form adds to the heritage feel of the bag, and with the new season comes a host of new colourways, each of which feels exceedingly refined.

Shop the Miu Miu Vivant

7. Loewe Amazona 180

Style Notes: The Loewe Amazona 180 has spent the past few months settling into the chicest wardrobes around. The original Amazona was released in 1975, and to celebrate Loewe's 180th anniversary, the brand brought back the iconic style with an updated silhouette but still retaining the history of the original. Designed to be worn slightly open, even the inner lining is a key feature of the design, with the Loewe anagram on the lining to nod to the bag's origin.

Shop the Loewe Amazona 180:

Is there anything better than handbag shopping? There's no queuing for changing rooms, no wondering if it'll fit, no praying that your size is still in stock, or going back and forth on whether to size up for a more relaxed fit. Handbags always get it right, but shopping for "the one" does have one major drawback.

Unlike the sequin skirt you bought for that New Year's Eve party, or the feathered shoe you wore to your friend's wedding, there's something about bags that can encourage us play it a little too safe. We put so much onus on them being "timeless!", "so versatile!" and "something I'll use every day!" that we all too often skip the punchier, more fun aesthetic in favour of a plain old classic.

For those of us who are just a little tired of the same-old, however, autumn's runways brought good news. If you thought summer was the season for fun, frivolous fashion, A/W'26 is here to prove that theory very wrong.

We've done the legwork and sifted through the endless classic black totes (no shade, we love them too) and found some of the most fun handbag trends for autumn 2026. Here are the ones that made it onto our wish list...

5 Runway-Approved Fun Handbag Trends for Autumn

1. Pendant Purses

Style notes: Jewellery aficionados, assemble. This season's handbag game is venturing very much into your arena. Just as pendant necklaces have begun taking over from simpler chains in recent months, pendulum-like vessels swung from the hands of several models during the autumn/winter 2026 shows. With everyone from Chanel to Chloé, Gucci and Christian Dior tapping into the trend, there was no denying that style was very much in favour over substance when it came to these party bags. Intricate design, beautiful detailing and light-hearted, tongue-in-cheek concepts? Absolutely. Space to fit your phone? Who needs one of those?

Shop the Trend:

2. Carpet Florals

Style notes: Have you ever looked at your Grandma's intricately floral, woven carpet and thought 'if only I could have a handbag made in that exact fabric'? It seems A/W '26 heard your call, and has served up these nostalgic florals in abundance when it comes to the season's top bag offerings. The perfect antidote to the neutral tones and fuss-free simplicity of recent must-have bags, these are statement accessories that pack enough of a punch to carry even the most basic jeans-and-a-tee outfit.

Shop the Trend:

3. The Great Unzipped

Style notes: If you've ever caught a glimpse of yourself on the Ring Doorbell looking frustrated and a little flustered after rummaging in your bag looking for your house keys, then screenshot it. Study it. Because that's the look. Bag hanging open, buckles unclasped, zips unzipped, contents threatening to make their escape. And if you think I'm joking you only need to look to the likes of Altuzarra, Balenciaga, Loewe, Chanel and Fendi for corroboration. With enough internal hardware and subtle fixtures to ensure that these intentionally relaxed silhouettes are in fact structurally sound, it seems that the more lived-in look loved by Jane Birkin (who famously carried her namesake Hermès bag with similar abandon) is going nowhere.

Shop the Trend:

4. Heavy Metal

Style notes: While we may not have made it to party season just yet, December's favourite arm candy is making an early entrance into the handbag rotation come autumn. Whether you're a millennial who can't let go of that yellow gold yearning or a Gen Z who's backing the resurgence of silver, as long as your bag game has a touch of metallic about it you're hitting the right notes. From Dior's crinkled, foil-like totes to Rabanne and Stella McCartney's more chainmail takes, heavy metal hit the season's top runways with unanimous enthusiasm, meaning that the high street's iterations won't be too far behind.

Shop the Trend:

5. Make a Fuzz

Style notes: For those whose love language is physical touch, we present to you the season's fluffiest offering. With faux fur and super soft shearling proving some of the more popular fabrics for your next handbag, the rest of it is very much up for discussion. Whether you're looking for something small and perfect for eveningwear à la Simone Rocha, something immediately attention-grabbing like Chanel's oversized flap bag, something fun and colourful via Fendi or something a little more fuss-free and monochrome like Bottega, the autumn runways' only stipulation is that there must be no scrimping on the fluff.

Shop the Trend:

As someone who works in fashion, it should come as no surprise that I have a pretty long list of designer items that I hope to one day invest in. And as we slowly move out of summer and into the transitional season, I’ve started to think about the It bags that will define the next few months. But as someone who prides themselves on their minimal and polished style that will stand the test of time, I have to be honest and say that I’m not really looking for ostentatious logos or easily identifiable shapes. In fact, I want the very opposite: an It bag that, of course, comes loved and coveted by the chicest dressers, but that also remains under-the-radar, pared-back and most importantly, timeless.

Well, after spotting one of minimalist fashion house The Row’s lesser-known bags on Kendall Jenner this week, I think I’ve found just that. Enter The Row’s Astra bag.

Spotted in LA wearing the brown hand-embroidered leather iteration with a classic black T-shirt and straight-leg jeans, Kendall proved just how much this bag lends itself to everyday styling, meaning you’re sure to get your money’s worth of wear out of it. With a soft elongated body and long flat handles, this understated bag has long been known by the chicest dressers as the "IYKYK" style to invest in. So much so that when I first discovered it, it was completely out of stock. However, now that a few of the colours have restocked online (with hopefully more to follow), now is the perfect time to snap up yours before it inevitably goes again. Its sleek yet effortless appeal makes it easy to dress up or down for any occasion, and in true The Row fashion, you’ll never have to worry about it going out of style.

And don’t just take it from Kendall; the bag is loved by both elegant dressers and editors alike, firmly proving its place as one of the it bags that will dominate autumn 2026 (and well beyond this, of course).

Keep scrolling to shop Kendall Jenner’s exact bag, and then take a browse at some other The Row it bags I currently have my eye on.

Shop The Row's Astra Bag

Shop More The Row It Bags We Love

The autumn/winter 2026 runways were a wash with seasonal pieces and covetable silhouettes that will no doubt be everywhere by the time the collections hit boutiques come September. However, of all the designs presented, it’s the autumn bag trends that prove the most noteworthy.

After all, designer bags continue to be the most powerful sales drivers for luxury brands as of late, from Gucci claiming the launch of the Borsetto and Paparazzo lines helped “drive stronger brand visibility” and “renew client engagement”, as listed in Kering’s 2026 H1 financial report, to LVMH also alleging that Jonathan Anderson’s new Ciagle bag for Dior has “been well received” and majorly contributed to the brand’s “accelerating growth”.

Of course, it’s not just the data that’s proving how in demand these bags are. Earlier this year, news from fashion’s upper echelon hit mainstream when queues for Matthieu Blazy’s first collection for Chanel reached a frenzied pitch. Between the hours in line waiting for the new shopping tote and maxi flap bags to drop and the styles instantly selling out the moment they reached store floors, there’s no denying that the current cohort of designer bags is not to be missed.

Still, there were so many standout shapes to know, even if they were hidden under one of Chloe plaid coats or nuzzled against a Miu Miu leather trench dress.

At Prada, croc embossing was a dominant feature, rendered in glossy tones that rivalled an autumnal palette of glossy burgundy and rich olives. At Bottega Veneta, Louise Trotter presented her sophomore collection with a suite of oversized bags that showcased the Italian brand’s signature intrecciato weave. At Celine, Michael Ryder’s continual injection of American sportswear into the French maison resulted in bags that were both bourgeois and bohemian, preppy and polished.

Consider this as an early indicator of what's to come and uncover the key autumn 2026 bag trends ahead.

The 5 Key Autumn 2026 Bag Trends

1. Open Carry

Style Notes: In a trend that will scream “attenzione, pickpocket”, the inherently laissez-faire mode of wearing your bag intentionally open has evolved from a new styling technique to a bona fide trend.

First spotted on the ultra-rich who needed a fresh way to wear their Hermés Birkin bags—see: leaving the hardware unfastened—the look has evolved in a way where designers are now designing bags that are intended to droop, sink and slump.

Unstructured and unzipped, the style is a call for any petty thieves or voyeurs loitering nearby to steal a peek at the contents of your bag. Call it tempting fate or just call it straight up chic.

Shop the Trend:

2. Locked Tight

Style Notes: To flap or not to flap, that is the question. Well, if you were to ask those at the helm of the industry’s most profitable brands, the answer would certainly be the former. Indeed, from Demna at Gucci to Miuccia Prada at both Miu Miu and Prada, designers are indicating that a flap bag is a solid investment.

No one is making this their mission more than Matthieu Blazy. Since becoming the third designer to lead the artistic vision of Chanel since Gabrielle’s passing, the French-Belgian designer has upheld her legacy and signature ‘isms’ with a playfulness and reverence only seen once before with Karl Lagerfeld.

The result? Flap bags given the XXL treatment and maximised with grained calfskin, or rendered with a leopard print faux fur texture, or given a tail and head to look like a Central Park squirrel. And as I previously hinted at, it’s a feature the fashion set is going nuts for.

Shop the Trend:

3. Cocktail Hour

Style Notes: If the spring/summer 2026 season is an ode to dressing up and going out, then the autumn/winter 2026 bag trends can be considered the pieces that’ll outfit you for these occasions. Because when you spend a hot summer’s day slouching towards aperitivo hour, the last thing you’re going to wear for the occasion is a ludicrously capacious raffia tote or structured leather carry-all.

The technical name for a cocktail purse is a minaudière, which is a bag that’s designed like a jewellery piece and designed to complement evening attire. These pieces have been scattered all over the runway, from Johnathan Anderson’s frog purse for Dior to Chemena Kamali’s swan styles for Chloé. They’ll fit little more than lipstick and a miniature fragrance, though when they’re objects of art themselves, why would they need to?

Shop the Trend:

4. Supersize Me

Style Notes: Since autumn is all about piling on excess layers, it should come as no surprise to see the most in-demand bags receive a similar treatment. The autumn/winter 2026 runways were an act of supersizing classics, be it the extra-large Paddington bag or a colossal version of the Coach Turnlock bag that swings well below your knees when worn on your shoulder.

Leaving your house amid cold snaps sometimes feels like you’re bracing for battle, so whether you’re just nipping up to the high street or braving a bigger odyssey like a city break, pack a bag that can fit all your bare essentials and leave extra room for more.

Shop the Trend:

5. Strings Attached

Style Notes: Call me a hoarder, but there’s nothing I adore more than holding onto every dust bag or shoe cover that comes with each luxury purchase I make. Now, Mrs Prada is giving us a reason to finally wear them without looking like a social pariah after sending a collection of chic satin pouches down Prada’s spring/summer 2026 runway last September.

Since then, more brands have caught on, including Bottega Veneta, Coach and Vaquera. Sophie Buhai’s teardrop-embellished drawstring pouch is currently at the top of my wishlist, as is Le Sundial’s version, which is made with a velvet chartreuse fabric and finished with a tassel trim.

Shop the Trend:

Why Trust Us?

At Who What Wear UK, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognisable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality and real-world wearability.

We regularly try on pieces ourselves—everything from best-selling jeans to designer shoes—and speak to external experts and fashion insiders, staying closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise, and each and every buy we feature has to meet our exceptional taste standards—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.

As soon as summer rolls around, we spend a lot of time carefully curating our wardrobes. Gone are the jeans and trainers we wore throughout the rest of the year, and now the focus is fashionable and functional pieces that will keep you cool during scorching heatwaves. Let me guess, at this stage in the season your rotation has already been updated with light linen co-ords, crisp cotton dresses and a pair (or two) of flip flops, but you haven't actually put the same amount of thought into one of the most important accessories in any wardrobe—the bag.

A good summer bag doesn't just look good, it's one of the hardest working pieces in your arsenal, and luxury and designer bags may cost a little more, but you can trust that the design, craftsmanship and quality will stand up for years to come. Once your suitcase is packed, it's time to focus on your carry on, and the right summer bag will transition effortlessly between the airport, hotel, beach, bar and dinner, as well as looking great back home too. So where might you find this elusive wonder bag I hear you ask? Don't worry, this fussy fashion editor has done the work for you.

So, if the flights are booked and your passport located, before you finalise your summer outfits, here are the very best luxury holiday bags for summer 2026. You can thank me later.

The Best Luxury Holiday Bags for Summer 2026

As a shopping editor, I have a pretty extensive wish list running at all times. After all, I spend day in and day out searching through the new-in sections to uncover the most worthwhile buys, from the most elegant high street pieces to the latest designer icons. Through it all, I’m constantly adding to my own wish list, filling it with tiny treasures along the way, and one new release has completely stopped me in my tracks. Meet the Shuldo bag, the latest release from beloved leathergoods brand Polène.

I first came across Polène eight years ago. Almost immediately, the brand’s intent was clear: beautifully crafted bags made from exquisite leather in distinctive silhouettes. What started as an under-the-radar name has slowly become a cult hero, as icons like the Cyme and Dix continue to be spotted across the globe every single day. Whilst I already have a few styles in my collection, I’ve been searching for a bag that brings together a spacious interior, a sleek look and, of course, quality craftspersonship. As luck would have it, Polène’s latest release ticks all the boxes.

The first thing to note about the Shuldo is its form. Balancing supple and structured, the style is primed to be a reliable everyday bag, work tote and travel companion as you move through your summer plans (and beyond). The precise folds distinguish this bag from others, lining up to meet a single handle that sits comfortably over the shoulder, in the nook of an arm or in hand. Inside, smooth suede lines the bag, continuing the refined appeal, with a zipped pocket to keep treasures close to hand, closing with a sleek hook and ring.

One aspect of Polène’s designs which is always worth talking about is the colourways. Yes, the brand knows the appeal of a classic black bag, but alongside it you’ll find rich burgundy, soft white and a delicate green, any of which could nestle comfortably into a refined minimalist wardrobe. With attention to detail at its core, a refined look inside and out, and a timeless appeal that will see this become your staple handbag for years to come, you'll want to scroll on.

Shop the Polène Shuldo Bag

Shop More Polène Bags

There’s quiet luxury, and there’s logomania. Then, there are Bottega Veneta bags, which neither whisper nor shout. They don’t need to: the impeccable craftspersonship, instantly recognisable woven leather and sculptural silhouettes speak for themselves. So it’s no wonder that the 60-year-old Italian house’s Intrecciato handbags, old and new, are high on every Who What Wear UK editor's wish list. This summer, five of them are captured in a striking portrait series which highlights new-gen Bottega Veneta icons (the Mini Andiamo and Madison flap bag), an older silhouette in the Lauren 1980, and gives us a sneak preview of the Baby Barbara and Baby Campana totes that are due to drop soon.

Bottega’s first female creative director, Louise Trotter, understands the importance of imbuing clothing with meaning, and has wasted no time delving into the prestigious house codes. She’s freshened things up with a few contemporary touches here and there, like shrinking the Barbara and Campana totes to playful "baby" proportions, pulling details from the archive and adding a mouldable flap to the Madison. All of these standout features—alongside that beautiful, unmistakable woven leather—keep Bottega Veneta in a logo-less league of its own.

The new portrait series is thoughtfully named "Il Mio", an Italian expression that translates to "What belongs to me." This intimate campaign explores the relationship between a treasured object and the person who chooses it. Drew Vickers captures models Chu Wong, Selena Forrest and Sihana Shalaj in a series of posed and candid shots, wearing outfits from casual to corporate and evening that showcase just how versatile these handbags are.

Ultimately, Trotter is encouraging us to treat Bottega’s Intrecciato pieces as more than just transient arm candy, allowing them to evolve into life companions before we pass them down through generations (yes, they’re that well-made). Bottega has mastered the balance between timeless and on-trend, so its luxury handbags are always worth the investment. Each piece is exquisitely crafted from fine leathers, and you can be sure that it will get better with wear, developing that unique patina that only comes from truly loving and living in your accessories.

Below, discover the merits and unique stories of each star bag. We'd be proud to carry any of them.

Style Notes: First up is the Andiamo, an Intrecciato bag with a boxy structure and knotted hardware. Debuting at the spring/summer 2023 show, the name ("andiamo" means "let's go") and convertible, sliding straps instantly signalled that this design was for women on the move. Louise Trotter introduced the smaller Mini Andiamo—which can also be worn cross-body, in-hand or over the shoulder—in March, extending its reach so it could become something more evening-appropriate.

Style Notes: The Campana tote was originally introduced for spring/summer 2004. The capacious hobo silhouette feels especially relevant now, whilst fashion is in the midst of a Y2K renaissance. Trotter’s Baby Campana release is perfect for those who love the nonchalance of an unstructured silhouette but prefer not to be weighed down by too many things. We hope the Baby comes in the same shades as its big sister, because we’re in love with the off-kilter Travertine and Lava Red colourways.

Style Notes: Lauren Hutton immortalised this Intrecciato clutch in American Gigolo (1980), a cult film that propelled Bottega Veneta into the cultural spotlight. This frame-structured pouch (with a delicate chain strap) re-launched in 2016, carried down the runway by none other than Hutton herself. And when Trotter took the reins in 2025, she immediately paid respect to the house’s original It bag for her first show, making sure the actor was front row. Hutton’s original Barolo colourway is a favourite, but we're also very into Espresso and Sea Salt for their versatility.

Style Notes: Created during Trotter’s tenure, the Barbara is totally new to the Bottega family. The house has already nailed daytime bags and their "ladylike" clutch counterparts, so a practical city-slicker tote like this to hold your laptop fills a gap. The Baby Barbara is coming later this summer. For the woman who loves the easy access of a structured bag, not to mention the desk-to-dinner versatility of a smarter silhouette, this mini iteration is ideal.

Style Notes: There’s a playful Trotter twist on the new-gen 2026 Madison design: a "memory" flap that can be reshaped time and time again, which freshens up this classic chain-strap bag. Named after Bottega’s first New York store (and indeed the first store outside of Italy), which opened in 1972, this bag was once part of a limited-edition run by former creative director Tomas Maier, and now it’s a hero piece.

Some designer handbags are backed by decades of history, such as the Hermès Kelly and the Louis Vuitton Speedy, both of which were designed in the 1930s. Others are appealing for the complete opposite reason: They're new and different and instantly signal your up-to-date insider knowledge of the fashion industry. This story is focused on the latter category. There will always be a time and a place for collecting handbags with history, but if you're looking for novelty, you've come to the right place.

For spring and summer 2026, we've been treated to an especially wide array of luxury-bag launches because of all the recent creative-director shake-ups. Naturally, newly installed designers at prestigious houses like to make strong first impressions with customers, and bags are a time-tested way to do just that. Scroll down to shop my favourite new handbag styles from Gucci, Loewe, Dior, and Versace.

My Favorite Designer-Bag Launches of Spring/Summer 2026

1. Loewe Amazona 180

Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez's debut spring/summer 2026 collection for Loewe was rife with standout moments, but one handbag caught my eye: the Amazona 180. "First introduced in 1975," Loewe explained, "the Amazona emerged at a moment of societal and cultural shift in Spain. Its name signals both a new beginning and a continuity: marking Loewe's 180-year anniversary in 2026."

Shop the Bag:

2. Gucci Borsetto

Just this week, the Gucci Borsetto was photographed on Demi Moore at the Cannes Film Festival. Other recent A-list sightings include Anne Hathaway, Dua Lipa, Kate Moss, Tyla, and Vittoria Ceretti. If that doesn't prove that this is one of the season's buzziest It bags, I don't know what will.

Shop the Bag:

3. Versace Pivot

The new Versace Pivot is "a tactile, sculptural interpretation of the bucket bag defined by its distinctive hardware, capturing the strength and sensuality at the heart of Versace," the brand explained in a press release. "Bearing the signature Medusa, newly rendered. A distinctive emblem set within a leather oval macaron. An inviting rendering of an icon with an alluring depth to her gaze, capturing the details of the Medusa decorating the door of Via Gesù 12, the original Milan home and atelier of Versace."

Shop the Bag:

4. Dior Médaillon

Since taking the helm at Dior, Jonathan Anderson has masterfully reintroduced the maison's medallion motif from 1947. My favourite new version of this house code? The Médaillon Flap Bag, which is offered in small and medium sizes. The dusty-pink version, in particular, is calling my name.

Shop the Bag:

If you think you've exhausted your options for woven summer handbags, this selection of MUUÑ basket bags is likely the breath of fresh air you're looking for. Classics are deemed so for a reason; however, I understand the itch for differentiation. These are the details that allow an item to fold in neatly to the rest of your summer wardrobe, as opposed to you stretching to accommodate it. Even if something is marked as fashionable or classic, it isn't guaranteed to align with your personal style.

This conundrum often leads me to ask, "How can I make this interesting?" When I'm presented with a look or a style or a trademark of summer outfits, I like to source options that lean toward unique. Once you know the trends, as well as the classics, it becomes much easier to bend the rules and adjust the boundaries so you can make wardrobe staples better fit your personal style. MUUÑ absolutely embodies this concept. Basket bags are a given when June rolls around, but admittedly, many start to look the same. Once you see one, it's easy to feel as if you've seen them all. I felt similarly until I came across MUUÑ, a brand excelling at quiet luxury handbags—especially those in the basket category.

The concept for MUUÑ sparked on a trip that founder Audrey David took to Ghana, where she met exceptional craftspeople who excelled at traditional straw-weaving techniques. Working closely with the tradespeople she met and pulling inspiration from the original creators and developers of minimalism (Japan and Scandinavia), David forged ahead to build MUUÑ, a line of thoughtfully crafted basket bags that are just that little bit different from the rest.

Each bag is an amalgamation of talented artisans who are exceptional in their craft, and each person contributes a component to create the whole. Most of the basket bags are still handwoven with elephant grass in Ghana. The inside pouch is sewn by people with disabilities working for ISTA. The leather tanning and finishing touches come together in French workshops. Even the winter bags feature wool collected and knitted by women from the Caucasus in Georgia. The end result is a piece with a storied origin and a silhouette that differs from the most common shapes spotted on the high street.

So if you're looking for a summer basket bag that contains more charisma but won't feel dated by next June, scroll on for 14 MUUÑ bags chosen by a handbag obsessive.

The Best Muun Basket Bags for Summer 2026