Your guide to the season’s best bags

The puffer jacket has been a must-have cover-up for the past few seasons, so it was only a matter of time before bags pumped up. Off-White c/o Virgil Abloh pads out this black and white tote for that swaddled-up, wintery feel, without the risk of overheating on the tube. Win-win. 

No guide to the season’s best bags (or best anything, really) would be complete without Bottega Veneta. Creative Director Daniel Lee has transformed the revered Italian brand into something that feels modern yet loyal to the signatures of the house’s heritage. This exquisitely crafted, tan Arco tote is that rare thing – so now and yet will always soar high above the trends. Carry it against louche tailoring for the full Bottega effect. 

Inspired by the unconscious glamour of travel and comfort, Maison Margiela’s Glam Slam bag not only looks like it would hold everything you need on an aeroplane, but it would make a pretty good in-flight pillow, too. Avant-garde and practical? Only Maison Margiela. 

Stand Lolita faux-fur tote

With its cosy, snuggly teddy-bear coats, Stand is responsible for the season’s penchant for ‘duvet dressing’ – the trend for wearing, rather than hiding under, your comfort blanket. Now the Scandi brand is taking its fuzzy logic one step further with tote bag versions of its cuddlesome coats. We defy you to feel grouchy when carrying one of these strokably soft delights. 

AW19 marked the first ever bag collection from cult New York brand 1017 ALYX 9SM, and it did not disappoint. The brand is known for its commitment to detail and innovation (including some pretty impressive sustainability credentials), and, with its signature rollercoaster buckle, handy external zipped back pocket and sophisticated diamond logo pattern, the Anna shoulder bag is streetwear at its most elegant. Oh, and did we mention it’s exclusive to Selfridges? 

Tiny bags are big news this season. Shrunk for AW19, By Far’s croc-embossed version certainly has the novelty factor (read: instantly Instagrammable), but is also surprisingly practical. Stick with us, here. Yes, it may have room to hold little more than your phone and cardholder, but ask yourselves: what else do you need to carry? Think of it as an existential turning point, urging you to consider what’s really important in life.