It has to be said, we've actually got quite a lot to thank the high street for. Weekend queues and busy dressing rooms aside, its convenience and competitive prices have made it our shopping go-to, and when it comes to refreshing our wardrobes, it's the best place to find accessible takes on runway trends without having to break the bank. If you've got the time to spend searching through the stores, you're guaranteed to find some unexpected gems (before they become viral successes), but should you looking for an easy edit that does the hard work for you, you've come to the right place. There is a lot to get excited about this season in particular, but there is one major accessory that the high street has perfected right now—the designer-looking handbag, and we've found the very best.
Marks and Spencer have had a particularly good run of standout accessories over the last few months, and COS have given us bags so good they have a cult following, but it was scrolling through the Massimo Dutti site recently that really piqued my interest and highlighted just how expensive high-street bags can look.
Whether you're a crossbody stan, a top-handle devotee, or prefer roomy tote bags for all of your essentials, M&S, COS and Massimo Dutti are all hot topics in the Who What Wear office thanks to their eye for style, focus on practicality, and of course, unbeatable price. A luxury bag for under £100? What more could you ask for?
Just when I thought it couldn't get better than the Bottega-esque woven bags at Massimo and M&S, I spotted Zarah's polished top handle (pictured below). And when The Row's Margeaux tote inspired a need for an XXL brown bag, I came across Massimo's glossy shopper. Oh, and lest we forget, the COS crossbody that sold out time and time again is back, and in new colours, making your only decision which shop to head for first, or whether to settle on all three.
So, should you be looking for an affordable handbag that looks like you spent four figures, keep scrolling for our edit of the best new bags for under £250. How's that for arm candy?
BEST MARKS AND SPENCER HANDBAGS
Everything from the colour to the mock croc is simply beautiful.
Minimalist perfection. And for under £40.
Such a good everyday option.
This genuinely looks four times it's price tag.
It's no surprise that this has been so popular.
This shade of buttermilk yellow is so chic.
The simpler, the better.
Big enough to hold your laptop too.
So cute for spring!
Don't love the grey? This comes in classic black too.
BEST COS HANDBAGS
There's the Loewe Paseo, and then there's COS' fold shoulder bag.
Such strong, sculptural lines.
The bestseller is back, and now there's a khaki colourway.
It's all about this XXL size.
I could easily see this on a runway.
A designer look-a-like with COS' signature hallmarks.
Such a chic crossbody.
BEST MASSIMO DUTTI HANDBAGS
I don't know what I love more, the bucket shape or the elegant detailing.
This comes in three equally chic colours.
There's nothing I don't love about this bag.
Prepare for compliments.
Peak "quiet luxury".
There are evening options too.
This will fit everything, and the kitchen sink.
Just as delicious as the name suggests. Bottega Jodie, who?
For the days you're only carrying the essentials.
No one will believe that this is from the high street.
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