The ‘croissant’ – and other chic handbag shapes for this season

lisa armstrong

For Lisa’s outfit details, scroll down – Arved Colvin-Smith

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There hasn’t been a bona fide It bag for years. OK, Uniqlo’s £14.90 ‘round mini shoulder bag’ (which is, in fact, more croissant-shaped than round) has repeatedly sold out since it launched in 2022, but its practical nylon doesn’t make the heart soar.

I love my Uniqlo – for dog walking. It holds leads, treats, whistles, poo bags and any groceries you might need to buy on the way home. Even though Uniqlo didn’t bother to come up with a catchy name, it’s genius. Perfect for when you’re visiting a museum or out all day and need all your bits about you, and destined to end up in museums around the world as a classic of functional, democratic design. But for those who love craft and luxury, the Uniqlo bag experience can seem a bit too utilitarian.

Uniqlo’s £14.90 ‘round mini shoulder bag’

However, there are plenty of deluxe versions floating towards us. Croissants are now available at every price point, from Bottega Veneta’s £2,240-plus Intrecciato Sardine (it’s a croissant with a gold handle that looks vaguely fish-like) to Cos and John Lewis. The one I’m wearing is the love child of Aligne, a sustainably minded fashion line, and Been London, an excellent small UK brand that makes lovely, sleek bags from leather offcuts that would otherwise go to landfill.

If you discovered your ideal bag shape aeons ago and don’t want any alien ones complicating your life – well, nor did I. But I like the way the croissant sits reasonably high up the torso. Its ergonomic design makes it nestle comfortably into the body. It’s generally light and lends everything you wear it with a more relaxed, youthful air, including something as classic as this wool skirt and kitten heels.

This bag, designed by Aligne and Been London, holds all the essentials – and then some

Bags can shake up your look with almost zero effort on your part, other than choosing one. Other shapes to consider this year include top handles, which are back, drawstrings, large hobos, fan shapes, buckets and envelope bags. Generally, the flatter the bag sits against the body, the better it looks with fitted dresses and skirts. Save the buckets and hobos for slouchier outfits and block heels or flatforms. Size-wise, micro bags have finally been put out to grass. Huge ones were popular on the catwalks, but haven’t made much of an inroad IRL. Go for something that fits the basics, otherwise it just becomes an irritant.

By the way, this lovely cream jumper, from the new upcycled collection by ELV Denim and The Outnet, comes in two detachable layers. You could wear the top part in summer on its own as a cropped piece, and there’s a version with detachable sleeves that can be worn as a sleeveless tank. Versatility in all things is the name of the game.

The shapes to know this season

Top handle

lisa armstrong handbags

Mortimer Leather bag, £1,695, Anya Hindmarch

Hobo

lisa armstrong handbags

Yela Leather bag, £510, Maeden

The barrel

lisa armstrong handbags

Braid barrel shoulder bag, £110, Cos

Drawstring

lisa armstrong bags

Jil Sander Dumpling Leather bag, £710, Matches Fashion

The fan

lisa armstrong handbags

Mini Rider Leather and canvas bag, £995, Mulberry

Bucket

lisa armstrong handbags

Lana Osette Midi leather bag, £445, Strathberry

Envelope

lisa armstrong handbags

The Vancouver Croc-effect leather bag, £405, DeMellier

The grab

lisa armstrong handbags

Crossbody leather bag, £89, John Lewis

Lisa wears: Cashmere jumper set, £245, E.L.V. Denim x The Outnet; Wool blend skirt, £175, Jigsaw; Satin shoes, £195, Bobbies x Icone; Recycled leather bag, £295, Been London x Aligne; Gold vermeil earrings, £150, Kitty Joyas; Hair and Make-Up by Oonagh Connor at Joy Goodman, using Nars and Dr Paw Paw

Lisa solves your style dilemmas

Each week, Telegraph Head of Fashion Lisa Armstrong responds to your queries, lending her expertise to help you shop smart. Have a question for her? Submit it below.

More from Lisa Armstrong: ‘How can I wear yoga leggings and joggers without looking like I’ve given up?’

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