This Saturday Special is all about my favourite bags on instagram in January. And what I’ve loved is the resurgence of the top handle bag in smaller dimensions – suited to these days when we’re carrying less. What is great about a nano top handle bag (and I’m not often heard saying this) is that is can subtly smarten up a casual outfit – and let’s face it we’ve all been rocking the lounge look! So, what a lovely way to step into February, the month of love or if you’re into your pagan or Irish calendars, the official start of Spring – yes, for the Irish, the 1st of Feb is St Brigid’s Day, where traditionally the farmers start to sow seeds as it is the first day of Spring. Before I get too distracted by the many different cultural references, let’s get back to the bags – the top 10 of top handle bags for SS’21.
It’s a classic
We’ve know Loewe’s puzzle bag for a while now but what is NEW is the nano – the smallest puzzle bag and how cute is it. Choose from a Loewe rainbow of colours; classic tan brown, red, apple green, yellow and the colour of Spring this light blue.
Shape up
There’s nothing like a distinctive shape to catch the eye. NEW in at J W Anderson, is the Knot bag. Here is such an early glimpse, courtesy of the ‘gram, as this bag is yet to hit the brand’s website. And a standout bag from Gabriela Hearst, the mini Baez bag in two tone red and cognac nappa. You’ll definitely stand out with either one of these designer offerings.
J W Anderson Knot bag 
A new no.1
Straight from Paris, the Number One bag from Polène is now available in nano size. Everyone needs a classic black bag in the wardrobe. This bag can easily go from casual day out to night time with dress and heels. That’s what I call versatility and value per wear!
Can do colour
As it will be Spring soon, a dash of colour will bring that bounce to your outfit. The Love bag from Gu_de is a fabulous shape and comes in a variety of shades. From Elleme, the soft Dimple bag is featured here in a violet shade. Top tip, one of the fashion trends for SS’21 is to match your bag to a colour in your outfit.
Gu_de Love bag 
Dinner date
When you don’t take yourself too seriously head to Lulu Guinness. And whether you have Valentine’s Day dinner plans or not, with this Black Chalk Tuxedo bag, you’re guaranteed a date with a well dressed companion!
From day to night
Neither of these bags are nano sized, however, to give you top handle bag options for when you’re on the go all day, here are two top handle bags that will cope. Firstly, from Bally, the Ekyra bag is made from 100% recycled nylon, so it scores well for being environmentally friendly. Or, wanting to keep it classic and need a bag to blend with the spring trench coat? Charles Keith has this lovely trapeze shaped top handle bag.
Bally Ekyra bag 
Choices
If you really don’t know what size or colour of top handle bag you need but you do want to splash on a designer label, head to Jacquemus! Head of the game when it came to going nano and mirco sized, this brand will have lots of options to choose from. Just take a look here!
There you have it – something for the weekend – bag fashion for Valentine’s Day, Spring, Summer or a way to add a bit of style to your outfit. Thank you instagram for the inspiration.
If you need more inspo for spring and summer wardrobe planning, check out:
- The fashion trends for SS’21
- Armchair guide to women’s fashion trends of 2021
- High street hits at the start of 2021
Photo credit: Thanks to Aliis Sinisalu on Unsplash for the header image of the first signs of spring
Bagwhispers 