Handbag heaven: Five beauties you’ll want to have and hold forever

As the new season dawns, the most exciting pieces to invest in are the three “biggies” – a handbag, shoes and a coat. These can really define your autumn/winter wardrobe, and elevate it to street style star status. And you don’t need to pay over the odds either. Investing means buying a great piece, not necessarily a famous brand (although sometimes they’re both the same thing). Here are five fabulous new-season handbags to suit every pocket.

I rarely fall in love with a handbag but this one from Acne Studios got me at hello (as the saying goes). The image on the front of the bag is from the fourth issue of the brand’s acclaimed magazine, Acne Paper. To me, this tote is original and fresh. There’s no emblazoned logo, so only people in the fashion know will recognise the image and know where the bag is from (which makes it feel even more special). It also doubles as a cross-body so is super-functional too.

Baker printed PVC tote, Acne Studios, €370 at net-a-porter.com

The bags I like to invest in are the one’s that will never date. Sequins for day always feels fresh and modern and is a great way of adding a point of difference to your outfit. This sequin bag is now only €20 at Topshop.

Sequin shoulder bag, Freedom, €20 (was €40) at topshop.com

This leather bag from Mango looks so premium. The warm shade of tan is AW18’s key colour and the fringing adds a stylish point of difference. This is a really classic piece that will anchor any number of outfits. It’s top of my wish list.

Fringe leather bag, €179.99 at Mango

If you’re going to choose a slogan handbag, this is a pretty upbeat, feel-good option. I love the vibrant graffiti print, and the message is one that will never go out of style.

Spiked printed leather tote, €1,290 at Christian Louboutin

I’m badly in need of some animal print this season – my wardrobe is seriously lacking – and this gorgeous leather mini bag nods to the trend nicely. It’s also perfect for weekends out and about when the last thing I want to do is carry a tote bag. And if animal print is suddenly desperately out of fashion (which is highly unlikely) it’s just a nod not a shout out to the trend, so I’d be happy to wear it regardless.

Leather zebra-print mini cross-body bag, €55 at River Island.