The Birkin. The Kelly. The Alexa. Great handbags need no introduction. And when we find one we love, we'll never cheat on it, right?
Wrong! (At least, that should be wrong...)
Because when so many fantastic new and innovative designs hit the stores each season, we'd be doing our hands a disservice to forgo them.
There are a number of trends that caught our SS16 eye (and incidentally got caught up in our mitts) – and a couple of standout designs too – like Mulberry's cross-body 'Clifton' Bag, Burberry's monogrammed backpack and any designer bucket bag, for instance.
But if you've yet to make your new season purchase, see the latest trends below and get shopping...
The Cross-Body
Worn to be displayed, the cross-body bag is designed for warmer weather. Dinky and compact, it lacks the bulk of winter holdalls (which have to have room for all that cold wear paraphernalia) but it's large enough to hold all your summer essentials – you know, lipstick, phone, wallet.
The new trend is to wear the straps shortened, so it sits just under your armpit (trust us, it works), and this year's must-have options include the aforementioned Mulberry's 'Clifton', Chloe's 'Jane' and Saint Laurent's Monogram Satchel.
The Bucket Bag
Made famous by Mansur Gavriel back in 2013, the bucket bag has found its way into a number of designer collections in recent years – being, as it is, user-friendly (i.e. can chuck anything in it) whilst retaining its style credentials (could be full, could be empty, it looks exactly the same: GREAT).
Best of all, if you can't afford the big timers, high street options are just as good (well, almost).
The Tote
Totes have been firm favourites both on and off the catwalks for years, favoured for their classic design, size and work-appropriate aesthetic.
The most famous, of course, is Hermes' The Birkin. But since it graced our presence in 1984, a number of other impressive options have hit the stores too. Like all those designs by Longchamp, and that recent design by Louis Vuitton (Neverfull)...
The Bum Bag
Welcome back old friend...
It was formerly the pal of the tourist, now it's the go-to accessory for the festival-goer.
Chanel even put one down their SS16 couture catwalk (though not for festival-goers, mind).
The Backpack##
It all started with Burberry and their nylon, leather embossed number of the SS16 collection and now, backpacks are everywhere.
Saint Laurent even put out a festival version... so if you've got your ticket to Coachella, to Glasto, to Wireless, to Lovebox, to Secret Garden Party (you get our drift) get packing.
The Beach Bag
Hello sunshine!
Back in fashion every summer, the beach bag plays host to that small little list of seaside staples...
Towel
Sun Cream
Copy of Grazia
Hat
Flip-flops
Sarong
Novel
Water
Speakers
Second bikini
Snack
Phone
Keys
Purse
Make-up (just in case)
Sun protection hair spray
Change of clothes
Aftersun
And for some inexplicable reason, always, a lone 1p coin
For this reason, it's gotta have depth.
[Shop the latest Beach Bags by clicking here
** The Clutch**
Thank you Anya...
The only purse to take with you on a night out, the Clutch has undergone some serious redesigns of late. Bye-bye: subtle, one-colour stiff boxes. Welcome: logos, graphics, textures and novelty shapes.
We can't get enough of 'em.
** The Logo Bag**
Because, cha-ching!
Wearing logos is no longer seen as naff and bad taste – well, not for the time being it's not. So get aboard this branding trend pronto – before subtle minimalism returns (booooring!).
The Canvas Bag
One of the best bags we've seen. Ever...
The ultimate Geek Chic accessory, the canvas bag is beloved by celebs and college kids alike. The kookier and funnier the better.