Amy Kester, deputy fashion editor at the Daily Mail, has rounded up what she calls the 11 best new-season handbags for autumn, noting a mix of luxury looks and accessible High Street alternatives. Published Sept. 15, 2025, her piece identifies recurring motifs — studs, woven leathers, shoulder silhouettes, animal prints and roomy carry-alls — and points to several brands that have leaned into those trends.
Kester frames the picks around the return to a back-to-school rhythm, arguing that many shoppers now seek bags that can move from desk to evening while remaining practical. She highlights designs across a wide price range, from budget High Street pieces under £50 to investment buys from established luxury houses.
Among the trend highlights, studded bags are presented as a key look this season. Khaite’s chunky-stud designs — which have been worn by public figures such as Alexa Chung and Sofia Richie — are cited as the high-end example, with alternatives available at High Street price points such as Topshop’s tan suede studded bag. Clutch styles with metallic detailing, exemplified by Whistles’ offering, are mentioned as an evening-ready option.
Woven leather appears as another dominant theme. Kester contrasts expensive woven pieces, including Bottega Veneta’s tote, with more affordable versions such as a hand-woven slouchy vegan-leather bag from Katie Loxton that she says functions well for everyday use. At the higher end, Aspinal of London’s crescent-style woven leather bag is offered as a pricier option; Kester notes Aspinal among brands favoured by the Princess of Wales.
Shoulder bags for a desk-to-dinner transition are split into two camps in Kester’s rundown. One is a revival of structured padlock-style designs, a look Chloe reintroduced with its Paddington revival; New Look’s faux-leather take is cited as a budget-friendly nod to that silhouette. The other is a return to classic suede shoulder bags, with Radley’s Italian-suede design singled out following the retailer’s appointment of Fernando Soriano Iglesia as design director earlier this year.
Animal prints are positioned as an easy way to adopt a seasonal motif without overcommitting to patterned clothing. Kester highlights a leopard-print shoulder bag by Kate Spade as a subtle option, set on canvas with leather trim. For shoppers prioritising capacity, the guide points to several carry-all options: Next’s black tote and a faux-leather carry-all from Reserved are offered as practical, affordable choices that can hold everyday essentials.
Kester presents price points throughout the article to illustrate accessibility across the market. Examples cited include Topshop’s studded bag at around £38, Whistles’ clutch reduced to roughly £95, Strathberry’s compact Mosaic bag at about £445, Katie Loxton’s woven vegan-leather bag at approximately £85, Aspinal of London’s woven leather at £550, New Look’s faux-leather shoulder bag near £20, Radley’s suede bag at about £259, Kate Spade’s leopard shoulder bag at £275, Next’s buckle tote at £32 and Reserved’s faux-leather carry-all at £45.99.
The piece situates these selections within broader retail behaviour, noting that High Street retailers quickly emulate designer cues and that seasonal accessories are often where brands experiment with playful details. Kester’s choices reflect both current runway and street-level activity, and she frames the list as practical recommendations for shoppers looking to update their wardrobes for autumn.
Kester’s guide mixes editorial observation with commerce-oriented detail, including retailer prices and availability. The selection underscores how a single season’s motifs can be found across budgets and brands, and it highlights a continuing influence of royal endorsements on consumer interest in specific labels.