Remember when it was all the rage to carry a bag that was big enough to hold your laundry? Olsen twins and VB, we're looking at you. Then came the bags that could barely fit your lip balm and a crisp ten pound note. Well praise be to the fashion gods as both ridiculously oversized and microscopic bags have had their day and the focus now is on reasonably sized accessories that can fit everything you need without breaking your back (or your bank balance for that matter.)
We've scoured the highstreet and our favourite luxury brands to compile a list of the best new bag styles to add to your wardrobe, stat. From buckets to clutches and everything in between, meet summer '16's It Bags.
Since Alexander Wang introduced the Diego way back when in 2009, we've been big fans of the bucket bag, but if the 2016 must-have bucket, Mansur Gavriel's Rosa, is slightly out of your price bracket then this mini from H&M is a worthy runner up.
A classic clutch never goes out of fashion and a white evening bag is the perfect way to complete a crisp, summer look.
Hannah Weiland a.k.a. Shrimps a.k.a. our favourite faux fur designer has produced a capsule collection for the Selfridges ‘Shakespeare Refashioned’ project, taking inspiration from Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo & Juliet. It doesn't get better than a pink fluffy clutch decorated with cartoons of Leo and Claire. Swoon.
Shrimps Clutch, £195, available at Selfridges from 4th July
If you're not ready to try the patchwork denim trend then give this bag a go instead as Coach has reimagined one of its most iconic silhouettes as an artfully hand-pieced patchwork.
In the leather bag stakes, Céline has ruled the roost for a few years but recently the fashion set have been fawning over Hillier Bartley's new handbag series, particularly this mini tan satchel accented with a chic silver-tone front clasp.
Hillier Bartley mini satchel leather cross-body bag, £556, available at Matches Fashion
If you're frantically searching for a festival bag, look no further than this monochrome cross body from Topshop. There's just enough space to fit your purse, sunglasses and phone and it will go with everything from your denim hot pants to your waterproof poncho.
You've seen this bag all over Insta and on the arms of your favourite frowers at fashion week. However, rather than the obvious blue and black versions, we love this olive green shade.
J.W.Anderson monogram leather shoulder bag, £695, available at Matches Fashion
Fashion editors bow down at the alter of Alessandro Michele, Gucci's Creative Director, but if you're not fully on board with his vibrant, heavily patterned, vintage-inspired geek chic collections, the bags are a wise investment.
Gucci Dionysus GG Supreme mini cross-body bag, £916, available at Matches Fashion
Inspired by a vintage camera case, L.K. Bennett's Mariel is outfitted in saffiano black leather with contrasting gold hardware and is the perfect little bag for casual weekend summer dressing.
If you've been lusting after a Goyard but aren't quite ready to commit financially, Liberty's bag line is the next best thing.
We don't encourage telling lies but when your friends compliment you on your new bag, we understand if you pretend that it's far more expensive than it actually is. Oh this? Yes, exactly, it's [insert luxury French fashion house].
If understated chic sums up your style then this unstructured leather backpack is the bag for you this summer.
Remember when the Bayswater and the Alexa were the must-have accessories? Well fast forward ten years and Mulberry is back on track thanks to the new creative direction of Johnny Coca, whose impressive CV includes Accessories Design Director at Céline under Phoebe Philo. We're spoilt for choice with his latest collection for the British fashion house but have a soft spot for this burgundy camera bag.
Oh Zara, where would we be without you... We've already got this little suede cross body in black but the brown version is the perfect update for festival season.
And Zara strikes again with this architectural contrast colour bag. Minimal chic at its finest.
If you're sick of staring at your battered old work bag and the unknown detritus at the bottom of it, it's time to upgrade to something new for summer. This Mary Poppins-esque classic from Coach can fit all your work documents, life admin, makeup bag, keys, wallet, kitchen sink etc.
Summer means it's time for tassels and fringing and this simple but sophisticated design from Maje can take you seamlessly from day to night.
Mango may not be our first port of call on the highstreet but after spotting this bag, we'll be paying it far more frequent visits.
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