Seasons Change – Change Your Bags
WHEN THE LIGHT CHANGES, SO DOES THE BAG
There is a moment every October when the bag you carried all summer suddenly looks out of place. The coral clutch, the lemon crossbody, the bright woven tote — they belonged to long evenings and open windows. Now the light is lower, the coats are heavier, and your bag needs to keep up.
Changing your bag is the simplest way to change your season. One swap, and your whole wardrobe reads as autumn.
This month, for the first time on ChicSkill, I am dedicating the whole post to bags. Every one of my brand partners makes them, and every one does them differently. So here are six ways to carry the new season . . . with a handbag.
From Bright Days to Deep Shades
Summer bags are made for daylight. They are lighter in colour, lighter in weight, and often a little playful. Winter asks for something richer. The palette deepens, the leather thickens, and the shapes become more structured.
These are the five shades I reach for when the seasons turn:
CHOCOLATE BROWN — Warm, grounded and the most versatile colour of autumn. It sits beautifully with camel, cream, a crisp white shirt and denim.
BLACK — The constant. Sharp in the day, polished at night, and never wrong. A wardrobe essential.
NAVY — Softer than black and quietly elegant. Try it with grey and burgundy tailoring, or a camel coat.
BURGUNDY — The colour that feels like a glass of great red wine. Rich, confident and made for colder months.
TAUPE/GREY— Calm and modern. Charcoal, slate and mushroom bring a cool, city edge to warmer knits.
Texture matters too. Suede, croc-embossed leather, quilting and polished calfskin all catch the lower autumn light in a way summer canvas and raffia never could.
Six Ways to Carry the New Season
Aspinal of London — The Heritage Bag
Aspinal is where I begin, because bags are what they do best. Their English leather craftsmanship comes into its own in autumn, especially in deep tones and croc-embossed finishes. Look for a structured top-handle bag in black or chocolate: the kind that goes from a meeting to dinner without a second thought.
Heads Will Turn When You Carry This Beauty.
MY PICK: SAVANNAH – Deep Shine Amazon Brown Croc
Base Blu — The Suede Bag
Nothing says autumn like suede. Base Blu's soft Italian suede in brown, taupe or burgundy brings warmth to a plain coat and pairs perfectly with suede boots. A slouchy shoulder bag here feels relaxed but still considered.
An Elegant and Versatile Accessory Designed to Add Style to Every Moment of the Day.
MY PICK: COCCINELLE – C-EASY Large Shoulder Bag – 2 Shades of Brown
BORN2SHOP THE ICONS with HEWI — The Investment Bag
Some bags are for a season. Others are for a lifetime. HEWI (Hardly Ever Worn It) is my home for iconic designer pieces, now including brand-new stock alongside pre-loved treasures. Autumn is the perfect time to invest in a classic in black or deep brown that will outlast every trend.
A Considered Investment and One You'll Cherish Forever.
MY PICK: HERMÈS LIMITED EDITION KELLY – 28cm Galop Retourne Au Visit in Noir Togo Leather with Palladium Hardware
The Double F — The Statement Bag
The Double F brings a modern designer edge. This is where to find a bag with a strong shape or unexpected detail, in a dark shade that keeps it wearable. Let your bag be the talking point while the rest of your outfit stays quiet.
Top Handle Bag with Rectangular Form in Intreccio Leather, Featuring Leather Tassel Zip Pullers. So Stylish.
MY PICK: BOTTEGA VENETA – Small Petroleum Elio bag
Tory Burch UK — The Everyday Bag
Tory Burch UK designs the bags you actually use every day. Quilted leather in navy or black, a crossbody that frees your hands, a shoulder or tote bag with room for everything. Polished, practical and ready for all occasions.
The Ultimate Everyday Bandbag that Will Always Be in Style.
MY PICK: ROMY TOTE – Best Seller – 8 Colours
Anine Bing — The Minimalist Bag
Anine Bing does clean lines and understated cool. A slim shoulder bag or a generous tote in black, espresso or fig sits beautifully with oversized knits and tailored wool. Simple, modern and very Scandinavian.
Designed to Elevate Everyday Looks. This Timeless Silhouette is Finished with Exceptional Gold-Tone Hardware for a Polished Statement.
MY PICK: ELLY BUCKET BAG – Grained Leather – 3 Colours
Putting Summer to Rest
A good bag deserves the best care and a good rest. Before you make the swap, give your summer bags a little care so they come back looking their best next year:
EMPTY EVERY POCKET. Receipts, lip balm, lipstick, make-up, hand cream and sun cream can mark the lining over the months. Ink or felt pens can leak over time, so remove them before storing your bags.
WIPE THEM CLEAN. A soft, dry cloth for leather; a gentle brush for suede and woven textures. Wipe off any marks or stains on fabric bags. Trim any loose threads and replace any missing beads. You can always get bags cleaned at a specialist bag spa. Repairs done at the retailer you purchased your bag from or at a shoe repair shop.
STUFF TO KEEP THE SHAPE. Acid-free tissue paper keeps structured bags from sagging or creasing. I've even used bubble wrap. Pillow bag shapers or blow-up bag shapers can be purchased online at eBay and Amazon.
USE A DUST BAG. It protects against dust and fading while letting the leather breathe. Avoid plastic. If you bought a pre-loved bag, not all come with a dust bag, or if yours didn't come with one you can buy them at many online retailers and on Amazon.
STORE UPRIGHT, OUT OF THE LIGHT. Keep them on a shelf rather than hanging by the handles, away from direct sun. Don't pile them on top of one another, because they can get crushed and dented from other bags. You can buy acrylic shelf dividers/closet separators to keep each bag in its one compartment.
Your Season, Your Bag
The seasons will keep changing, and so will we. But one well-chosen bag in a deep, rich shade can carry you through every grey morning and every candlelit evening until spring.
Which one will you carry this autumn?
Explore all six picks and more on The Collection.
BORN2SHOP. THE COLLECTION.
THE FUTURE OF LUXURY CONTENT.™
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