Our fashion expert reveals the fall bags to invest in and the copycats that will leave stylists guessing…

August is drawing to a close and the days are getting noticeably shorter – sure signs that it’s time to put away those summer raffia bags and baskets and transfer your clutter into something more appropriate for a wet British autumn.

But before you dust off your trusty old handbags and crossbody bags from years past, consider whether it might be time to update your accessories.

The autumn/winter designer collections were full of bold and elegant bags in sumptuous chocolate browns and burgundy, cosy alpine-inspired textures and bolder chain embellishments.

The good news is that high-street brands sell perfect knockoffs, meaning you don’t need to be Miss Moneybags to own the latest fashion handbag.

Here’s how to get those designer looks for less…

Elegant chocolate

Chocolate brown is the colour of the season. Less strident than black, it is expensive and combines equally well with neutral tones as with brighter colours.

Coach’s Brooklyn bag has taken social media by storm, with fashion experts declaring it the bag of the season (£495, uk.coach.com).

Its minimalist shape makes it a timeless classic that some may consider worth investing in. If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, pick up Anthropologie’s Love Knot for under £100.

Very elegant lambskin

Shearling isn’t just for jackets and Ugg boots. Chanel’s soft, neutral-coloured tote bag stole the show on the autumn/winter 2024 runway.

The high street has also been making the most of this style. Check out Russell & Bromley’s smart tan suede tote with shearling trim (£345, russellandbromley.co.uk). New Look has a smaller faux suede style with a detachable strap (£24.99, newlook.com).

Lanky but smart

Just as going back to school was an excuse to buy a new pencil case, returning to the office after the summer holidays is the perfect reason to treat yourself to some new arm jewelry.

Forget structured shapes and boxy bags, this season’s must-have is a casual and relaxed style, as shown at Miu Miu’s autumn/winter 2024 show.

Red was the colour of the summer, but for an autumnal look, opt for a muted berry shade like this PU shoulder bag from Next (£40, next.co.uk).

This street-ready design can be worn under the arm, but also has multiple straps for those who prefer to keep their hands free.

Lots of practical pockets

It’s generally not wise to revisit trends from your 20s or 30s, but there is one ’90s accessory you can wear again.

Remember shoulder bags with multiple pockets – one for lipstick and one for keys? They’re back, and Acne Studios is leading the way with theirs in a variety of colours and sizes (from £850, acnestudios.com).

Cheaper but equally striking, Charles and Keith have a similar style in burnished brown (£89, charleskeith.co.uk).

And for an even better deal, head to Tu at Sainsbury’s and pick up their black faux leather utility bag.

Thick chain ornament

Stella McCartney’s Falabella has been a celebrity favourite for years, worn by everyone from Rihanna to Jennifer Garner.

This slouchy tote bag, with its distinctive chain embellishment, was launched in 2009 and remains a best-seller.

Chain handles are back in fashion with Spanish designer Loewe adding a striking silver pebble-shaped chain to its Flamenco bag (£2,550, loewe.com).

You can get an almost identical style at River Island for £32.

Just in fashion, red

Deep red has been the colour of summer and will continue to be the colour of autumn, and a cylinder bag (more luxurious than a baguette and with curved edges) is the perfect way to incorporate that pop of colour into your wardrobe.

They are roomier than they look and are a perfect bag for cocktails… or coffee!

Take inspiration from Jil Sanders’ autumn/winter 2024 show, where her bright Cannolo bag was paired with an all-black ensemble, and wear her red shoulder bag with a monochrome outfit (£1,130, jilsander.com).

High Street knockoffs are hard to come by, but Mint Velvet has a great alternative that will easily hold all your essentials (£199, mintvelvet.com)