Maisie Bovingdon
If I were on a game show, my special subject would be handbags. Designer, high-street, vintage, new - handbags are kind of my thing. So, when I come to tell you about a brand that embodies everything fashion people are looking for in a handbag right now - think timeless, quiet luxury that is incredibly versatile and won't require a second mortgage - you can rest assured I've got the knowledge to back it up. If you needed even more proof, this particular brand takes pride of place in my own handbag wardrobe. The brand in question? Polène.
The chic Mokki bag is practical enough to house all your essentials. Pair with tailored trousers, a cinched waist cardigan or blazer to take you from the office to after work dinner.
Parisian brand, Polène, burst onto the fashion scene in 2016, offering high-quality styles in an array of beautiful shapes that have since been spotted on the arms of everyone from Kate Middleton to our favourite fashion people. With so many styles out there, it takes a particularly special brand to set itself apart and end up in the arsenal of many of our editors. Case in point: Polène.
What sets this brand apart is the sculptural design, thoughtful details like various straps for new ways to wear, and all in an array of colours to suit all styles. Plus, the bags are crafted by artisans in Spain, using leather sourced exclusively from tanneries in Spain and Italy.
Shop the Best Polène Bags
1. Numéro Dix
This is the particular style that I've added to my collection. Aside from the attractive half-moon shape, the Dix has a lot of thoughtful features that make it a clever bag to invest in. Firstly, the strap is adjustable to allow for a shoulder bag or crossbody style, with leather tab details that keep the ends of the straps snug to the shape of the bag to maintain the silhouette. Wear across the body with jeans and a t-shirt for off-duty days, or with a pretty summer dress, slingback heels, and simply drape this bag over the shoulder.
A compact crossbody bag is ideal for days (or nights) when you need your essential valuables and want to go hands free. A classic black colourway will compliment any outfit and suit any season too, hence why it gets our seal of approval.
If you are looking to expand your collection of timeless bags to see you through all four seasons, I strongly recommend a brown hue, which is a softer colourway that pairs beautifully with neutral tones—I'm thinking ecru or white jeans, a crisp white linen shirt over a racerback tank top, and tan suede loafers.
The Duo Camel Canvas version of the Numéro Dix is better suited to the summer months when there is less chance of rain, sleet and snow from spoiling the textured outer.
2. Numéro Huit
The next bag on my wish list is the Polène Numéro Huit. The brand's signature bucket bag has a striking curved silhouette that sets it apart from all other buckets around. The true craftsmanship of the brand is demonstrated through the smooth curved design, with knot details on the straps adding a relaxed feel. The bag features a top handle for simple toting around, as well as a longer strap for hands-free wear. While this bag is suitable for everyday wear when worn on the longer strap across the body, it would be my go-to accessory for date nights, weddings or other formal events and held as a handbag on the shorter strap.
The innovative design needs to be on full display, hence why I would ditch the longer strap and hold as a handbag for upcoming weddings, or evenings on holiday. Style with a crochet co-ord, or a butter yellow milkmaid dress for a feminine twist.
A taupe-coloured bag is a versatile colourway that complements any outfit, whether it's day or night, summer or winter. The classic black handbag is a failsafe go-to, but a taupe bag is a close second.
If you are shopping for an alternative to the classic camera bag, this bucket bag style is a worthy contender. The drawstring top secures your valuables safely, while it also comes with a long and short top handle strap to wear multiple ways.
3. Numéro Sept
There's no higher praise for a brand than being spotted on the arm of a princess, and Kate Middleton has previously worn her Numéro Sept on various occasions. It's no surprise that the Princess of Wales would opt for this style. Classic, structured and undeniably timeless, the Sept is an understated style, which exudes quiet luxury from every angle. The hard part is choosing which shade to go for.
The rigid structure of this bag makes it a perfect accessory for those heading to a formal function, such as a wedding, christening, or awards ceremony.
Looking for a petite version to wear for formal occasions or eveningwear? You may want to check out the Numéro Sept Mini.
The vintage-inspired Numéro Sept bag is reminiscent of the clasp top handbags, otherwise known as lady bags, popular in the 1950s. However, the clasp top is replaced by a flap top and clasp front fastening.
The Numéro Sept is perfectly paired with a suit to hone in on the structured design of the bag, as well as the smart tailored outfit.
There are no two ways about it—a statement black handbag is beautifully paired with an LBD. There, we said it. I would style the Numéro Sept in Textured Black with a midi tank black dress, barely-there heeled sandals and a vintage neckerchief. It's giving Brigitte Bardot.
4. Numéro Douze
Also known as the Cyme, this style is everything you want from a holdall. A large base with plenty of room for everything you could need makes this the perfect partner whether you're headed to the office, travelling abroad, or heading out for a day at the beach. The silhouette again embraces the theme of versatility as it naturally sits as a basket silhouette, but the magnetic sides allow the shape to be amended to create a more hexagonal shape. It also comes in a small and large size.
Whether you pair with a matching linen set for an early morning flight to warmer climates, or tailored trousers, an oversize blazer and boxy T-shirt to the office, this bag will help you house everything but the kitchen sink.
Airport outfits have come a long way from louche tracksuit sets, or leggings and your boyfriend's hoodie. But you can't just opt for jeans and an oversize blazer, with a tatty frayed beach bag from three summers ago. Level up your accessories with the Cyme bag, which is chic and spacious—perfect for your hand luggage.
If, like me, you carry your laptop, planner, stationery, make-up, spare shoes and a water bottle to the office, then you need a Mary Poppins-style bag like the Cyme to see you through your commute, business meetings and beyond. The classic black colourway will suit every outfit for the office, post-work drinks, all year long.
The Cyme is more versatile than you may think at first glance. The winged design can be converted into a boxy tote bag with the sides tucked in and straps fastened.
5. Numéro Neuf
There's a lot to love about the Neuf. The supple leather is formed into a relaxed, almost organic shape, which gives a unique softness to the style. Even the handles are created to reflect the fluidity of the shape, adding to the overall expensive look of the bag. Again, Polène offers multiple ways to wear it with a removable strap, but I'm particularly into the grained leather and centre seam that show off the precision and quality of the bag. Perfect for day to night wear. Style with a shirt dress and sandals for spring/summer, a suit, or a even a simple jeans and a T-shirt combo.
Whether you attach to the long strap and wear over the shoulder, across the body, or as a handbag holding the top strap, it's unsurprising this style is a sell-out success.
Brown has been a hugely popular colour trend of late, so if you are looking to wear a full brown suit, or opt for muted neutrals, this multi-functional bag will pair beautifully with any tonal look. I would even wear with wide leg jeans, a white t-shirt and loafers for a smart casual ensemble.
The Numéro Neuf in Textured Chalk may just be my favourite colourway of all. This stone tone is not a pure white, or cream hue, but sits perfectly in the middle of the colour palette so it compliments any outfit instead of standing out like a bright white beacon, which can look cheap—in my humble opinion. Style with your winter whites or your summer dresses, this bag will see you through all occasions and seasons.
6. Numéro Un
The Numero Un exemplifies Polène's thoughtfulness throughout the design process of each bag. The silhouette offers both structured aspects through the handle and flap, with a softer body to the bag that makes it wearable for every day. Again, this style offers multiple style options, from the top handle to the added strap, which can be worn over one shoulder or draped crossbody. The interior zip pockets keep your essentials to hand, whilst the size allows for you to add in extras (I'd suggest an umbrella, knowing the British weather). It pairs beautifully with a straight fit white shirt and barrel leg jeans to match the curved silhouette of the bag, or an A-line midi skirt and button up cardigan for a preppy look.
It's worth mentioning the Numero Un also comes in Numero Un Nano for those looking for a smaller version of the original, or the Numero Un Micro, which is even more compact.
The Numéro Un is a hybrid between a clasp bag, oversize camera bag and a satchel in my opinion. So, if you'e shopping for an everyday work bag to replacing your existing design, this may just be the solution.
The curved sides, combined with the top flat, structured base and multiway straps, makes this bag ideal for heading to the office and carrying all of your work essentials.
The soft blush pink tone will elevate the simplest of outfits and is an easy way to inject colour into a muted ensemble.
7. Tonca
The Tonca is undoubtedly the perfect shoulder bag. Contemporary, yet timeless. it comes in smooth leathers and some textured options, as well as five colours. This style is a modern and timeless twist on the popular baguette style bag as it hugs under arm. The strap is adjustable, which is a nifty feature so wearers can style the bag as a shoulder bag, handbag, on a longer strap over the shoulder or across the body. Wear in the day with wide leg jeans, a tank top and suede jacket, for a casual off-duty aesthetic, or pair with a milkmaid dress, loafers socks and a preppy cardigan.
The Tonca is a hybrid between a cross body bag, saddle bag, baguette and clutch bag. Depending on how you hold the bag it can morph into each design and see you from day to night events. Adjust the strap to wear across the body with a casual outfit, or tuck the strap in and hold like a slouchy clutch for an evening out.
Look quick and this design could easily be mistaken for a more expensive designer bag—not naming any names.
The adjustable strap features eight holes, so this bag can be worn on the short length as a handbag, extended to slip over the shoulder, or fixed on the longest length to style across the body.
8. Nodde
The Nodde is an ultra-chic design, whether it's draped over the shoulder on a short or long strap, or worn across the body. When I say Polène is known for its artistry and craftsmanship, this design is exactly what I mean. Crafted from soft leather, with contrast stitching, and an interlocked-style front panel that resembles a chain, this bag certainly stands out with its intricate detailing. I think this bag is bound to score you major compliments. I think this standout bag needs a standout outfit, so I would slip into a satin slip dress, kitten heels and style the bag on a shorter strap to wear to any upcoming weddings.
This may be the most intricate of Polène's bags, as it boasts a chain-like detail on the front. Though this is not just style over substance, as the front sections wrap around one another and secure the shoulder strap in place.
Whether you style with and oversize black blazer, wide leg trousers and animal print pointed toe heels for an evening out, or swap the heels for trainers, this bag is the ideal accompaniment for all occasions.
In the spring/summer months we are yearning for colour in our closet, which is easily achieved with this pastel version. Considering pistachio is all the craze in the food department, I predict it won't be long until it seeps into our wardrobe too.
How Fashion People Style Polène Bags
There's no denying a neutral coloured bag lends itself to the warmer months.
Jeannine carries the Numero Dix.
Ditch the long strap if you want to truly show off the craftsmanship of your Polène bag, like Rosie.
Rosie wears the Numero Un.
The Numéro Huit bag may be a multiway design, but I love how Rachael has opted to hold on the top handle to let the flower shape shine.
Rachel carries the Numero Neuf.
Coordinate your shoes with your Numéro Neuf handbag like Enis.
Eni wears the Numero Neuf.
Lena proves just how versatile the Cyme bag is by cinching in the winged edges.
Lena wears the Cyme (Numero Douze).
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