The return of the bag

It’s okay to have missed carrying bags. I have longed for the ritual of picking out a different style depending on what I’m doing, what I’m wearing and, yes, how I’m feeling. There is a buzz you get from your bag that echoes the one that shoe enthusiasts feel when they select their pair for the day. 

The last year has presented little need for bags at all, beyond maybe a shopping tote or a trusty cross-body for all the endless walks and errand runs. I feel sorry for the oceans of embellished evening bags, left languishing in the cupboard – all dressed up with nowhere to go apart from the kitchen disco. 

I’m a fan of what I like to call bags with personality, something fun and eye-catching that peps up an outfit and maybe even prompts a conversation. In lockdown there’s not been much cause for those kinds of bags, or the colourful ones, or the vintage beauties that are perfect for a dinner date. In a time when practicality is king, the personality bag takes a back seat.

Not anymore. Bag lovers rejoice for we are gradually, cautiously, coming out of hiding. ‘It is definitely a comeback moment for the bag, particularly after a year of not really needing one,’ says Partner and Buyer Sarah Holland. ‘We’ve seen an increase in bright seasonal colours that help us escape the everyday and encapsulate the joy of shopping. Now we can finally use those treat purchases that we’ve been storing in the back of our wardrobes!’ 

Choosing a bag that sparks joy for you is not a bad place to start. Or, if it’s hard to shake off the practicality element, then a bag that does ‘double duty’ is also a good option. ‘We are seeing an uplift in bigger, more practical styles such as totes and backpacks,’ says Sarah. ‘These can pack all the necessities for a day at the office or a picnic in the park.’ Or for throwing in extra layers if you’re in it for the long haul at the local beer garden.

This year has taught us to be prepared, but also to find the joy where we can. With this in mind, we’ve rounded up the best bags for a return to normal life.

Sitting in the practical yet versatile camp, we have the tote bag. Perfect for the weekend dash to the shops but also polished enough for a weekday trip to the office when you need room to stash extra essentials. The simple shape of this mainstay bag feels right for now, and the bigger the better if you want to be ‘on trend’. Classics like Longchamp’s Le Pliage Club will work just as well at the weekend as they will if you actually manage to board a flight this summer. And why not inject some personality with a print or pop of colour too?

This is your new dressy-but-not-too-dressy bag, which feels ideal as we tentatively start to populate our diaries with lunch dates and evenings out. ‘Crossbodies and shoulder bags are key to this trend and can be worn with a multitude of outfits – from jeans and a hoodie to a going-out dress,’ says Sarah. 

Go for the one you really want rather than the one that’s most practical. Lonchamp’s Creative Director Sophie Delafontaine describes their quilted ‘Brioche’ shoulder bag as ‘light and delicate with a gentle puff.’ just like the bread. A personality piece like that should help put a spring in your step – it’s special but its practical size means that it’s not frivolous.

Not dissimilar to a tote but usually a little smaller and more akin to a handbag, the bucket bag is popular at the moment because it’s practical but also tres chic. Who doesn't want to look like a stylish Parisian lady about town, eh? There are lots of good options, stretching from luxury labels to more affordable choices. See by Chloé’s Cecylia in caramel leather is the quintessential example of this bag – it never goes out of style.

Let’s be honest, backpacks are really useful, especially when on the go. Luckily, they’re also now really stylish too. ‘We are definitely seeing an uplift in bigger, more practical styles such as backpacks,’ says Sarah. ‘There’s a lot of choice when it comes to these shapes, from lighter, soft nylon styles that are perfect for commuting to a more structured leather shape that looks a little smarter.’

At the other end of the scale from the oversized tote, really small crossbody bags are having a moment right now. From mini satchels (very cute) to retro-looking phone bags, they’re ideal for when you want to travel light and appear low-maintenance. ‘Hands-free styles are perfect for on the go,’ says Sarah. ‘They fit all your essentials – phone, keys and cards – and are just the thing for impromptu meetings with friends.’ Sometimes less is more. You can always sling a tote over your shoulder for those moments that require more carry space.