When it comes to the new season, there's no need to overhaul your whole wardrobe. But if you're anything like us, you might be looking at your old trusty favourites and feeling like they need a little autumn '26 zhuzh.
If you want a new-season refresh, we recommend addressing the big three: your coat, your jeans and your handbag. As the pieces you'll wear the most, they'll have the biggest impact on your look and can instantly transform every other piece in your wardrobe.
While a handbag should be for life (or least several years), not just for one season, if your old one is ready to be retired, we've rounded up the trending styles to know for autumn/winter 2026 – plus the buys we love – to bring a little new-season freshness to your staples.
The shoulder tote
Apparently, the crossbody bag is out. Which we're pretty much ignoring because we couldn't live without the option to go completely hands-free, especially when we're grappling with keys, coffees and umbrellas. Nevertheless, it's all about the shoulder bag this season – and the new version is roomier than ever so you can actually fit all your paraphernalia inside. Think: half handbag/half tote. Even better, some also come with crossbody straps (for the millennials among us).
We particularly love French brand Elleme's gorgeous leather belt bag – it is an investment but you'll wear it for years and it's the ultimate anti It bag. Plus, the brand is offering 20% off site-wide over GH's Good Buys Weekend (2nd to 4th October) so there's never been a better time to shop.
The 'squishy' clutch
Do away with the strap entirely with one of this season's gorgeous 'squish' clutches. With an unstructured, sometimes oversized design, they're the fashion equivalent of a stress ball. And they're made for everyday – just pop it under your arm.
The woven finish
The woven look, made popular by luxury brand, Bottega Veneta (and actor Jacob Elordi who uses a giant Bottega as his carry-on bag) continues to prove popular into the autumn. Either available in a classic handbag style, like Elleme's Boomerang, or the slouchy half-moon design now synonymous with Dune's Deliberate bag, it adds a little luxe to your everyday bag.
The baguette
Sadly, we can't all have a Fendi Baguette, but if you like the long, under-arm look, there are plenty of chic alternatives on the high street this autumn. Small, long and perfectly formed.
The hard-shell clutch
This trend taps into autumn 2026's playful side and is really an oversized piece of jewellery that doubles up as somewhere to stash your bank card and phone (and not much else in some cases). It has a hard shell and a chain strap, but beyond that, anything goes. If it's something Carrie Bradshaw would have carried (yes, we've found a take on JW Anderson's pigeon purse) you know you're on the right track.
The top-handle bag
Along with the return of the pencil skirt, the formal, top-handle handbag, made for nestling in the crook of your arm, is making a comeback this autumn. It's a timeless, elegant style many will associate with the late Queen (she famously carried a Launer bag). Most styles will also come with a longer strap if you do want to go hands-free, but always check first.
