There's something about the arrival of summer that always shifts the rhythm of things. The days stretch out a little longer, plans that once felt far-off suddenly creep closer and my diary starts filling up faster than I'd anticipated. Garden parties, weekends away, last-minute dinner bookings—suddenly it's not just the weather that's changing, it's my wardrobe too. I start rotating lighter layers and bringing out the linen, softer tailoring and reliable dresses that resurface around this time every year. But whilst the clothes themselves usually stick to a tried-and-tested formula, it's my accessories I rely on to do the heavy lifting. Especially in summer, they're what brings an outfit together.
As someone who tends to dress with a more timeless mindset, favouring pieces that are versatile, pared-back and not trend-dependent, accessories are the area where I find a bit of freedom. They're the switch-up that lets me take a plain dress from office-ready to wedding guest with just a different bag or pair of earrings. In the summer, this becomes even more important; depending on the event, the right handbag or travel pouch can change the tone completely. Structured top-handle bags feel perfect for those smarter dates in the diary, whilst oversized totes help me stay prepared for everything else, especially when I need to be out all day and still look put-together. Add in travel plans, a string of summer weddings and all the in-between moments, and it becomes clear how hard our accessories have to work this time of year.
Amongst the pieces I come back to every season, one brand always seems to be at the centre of my rotation: Aspinal of London. It's one of those names that has genuinely stood the test of time in my wardrobe. In fact, I'd go as far as saying that it's tradition for any British fashion person—or anyone who appreciates a well-made leather bag—to have at least one of the brand's items in their collection. For me, it started with a small structured crossbody I bought for a formal work event years ago. Since then, it's grown into a mix of handbags, travel pieces and small leather goods that I find myself reaching for constantly, especially when summer rolls around.
Aspinal's latest launch, The Great British Season collection, taps directly into this mood. It's a celebration of the most iconic touchpoints of a British summer; think Ascot, Wimbledon, barbecues and garden parties, and reflects the kind of joyful refinement those events tend to bring out. It's not themed or costume-y; instead, it feels like an elegant continuation of what the brand does best: creating pieces that are classic but never boring. The collection includes fresh updates on the styles I already rely on, like the structured Mayfair and London totes, alongside smart travel accessories and smaller leather luxuries that feel elevated without being over the top.
Below, I've pulled together an edit of my favourite pieces from the collection, and each one is a summer essential in its own right. From compact top-handles that make day dresses feel finished to hard-working totes and travel companions, these are accessories you'll wear now and still love in years to come.
If there's one bag silhouette that's having a proper moment this season, it's the oversized tote. Whether you're heading to the office, the beach or an all-day event that requires everything from makeup to mints and spare shoes, a roomy tote just makes sense. Aspinal's leather totes strike the right balance between structured and spacious; the Henley and the new London Tote are ideal for days when a mini bag just won't cut it. I'll be using mine for summer Fridays at the office (when I'm lugging my laptop and lunch) and those in-between weekend plans that require an outfit change and about seven hours' worth of essentials. If in doubt, tote it.
Let's be honest: British summer means making the most of any chance to escape. Whether it's a long weekend in Cornwall or something a little more far-flung, I'm in holiday-planning mode, and my packing list includes more than just SPF and sandals. Aspinal's travel accessories have been low-key heroes in my wardrobe for years, and this season's collection is no exception. The Connaught Cabin Suitcase is one of those things you'll be glad you invested in: durable, sleek and surprisingly roomy. And don't even get me started on the travel tags and passport covers. Matching sets might feel a bit "extra", but there's something quietly satisfying about having your documents and currency neatly stowed away in coordinating leather pouches. It makes airport chaos feel a bit more manageable.
When it comes to summer bags that really pull an outfit together, the top-handle silhouette wins every time. From vintage-inspired wedding-guest outfits to more pared-back looks for work events, a classic structured shape always delivers. Aspinal's elegant Mayfair is an obvious go-to—it's been spotted on everyone from the Duchess of Cambridge to Gigi Hadid for a reason—but this season, the brand's updated styles like the Midi London Tote and the new Paris Bag are also worth a look. I'll be opting for one of these when the dress code calls for something considered. The cream hues and woven textures feel especially right for now, but equally, black is never a bad idea. You’ll keep a bag like this for years, pulling it out each summer as the calendar starts to stack up with smarter events.
I've always been a planner girl; my year doesn't properly start until I've filled in a new diary. And whilst it might seem like a small thing, a great journal or planner really does make everything feel more under control (especially when your summer includes two weddings, a baby shower and back-to-back work events). Aspinal's leather-bound diaries and notebooks are some of the best I've used. The refillable styles are especially smart, and they look just as good on a desk as they do pulled from a tote mid-meeting. The brand's small leather goods range also includes card holders, coin purses and laptop cases, all in colourways that make sense for summer.
Aspinal's Great British Season collection shows that the brand understands the moment we're in now, where tradition meets personal style and practicality doesn't mean compromising on design. Whether you're heading to Wimbledon or just your local park, these are accessories that work hard for summer and look good doing it.
