Experiencing wardrobe fatigue? These under £50 bags will instantly update your look

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Experiencing wardrobe fatigue? These under £50 bags will instantly update your look

By Harriet Davey

6 years ago

Searching for an instant wardrobe refresh? These under-£50 handbags are the arm candy updates that will satisfy all your new season style cravings. 

Are you experiencing fashion fatigue? We know the feeling. After approximately 25 months of winter the wardrobe of cosy knits and chic coats that we couldn’t wait to wear in September simply no longer sparks joy. The fail-safe black turtleneck we thought we’d love forever? Fifty wears later and it simply doesn’t have the same allure. If having a wardrobe full of clothes but nothing to wear feels all too familiar, then you’re in need of a serious wardrobe update. But forget any notions of a Pretty Woman-style spree on Rodeo Drive; instead you can create a complete wardrobe update with just a single piece. Yes, really.  The secret? A statement handbag. 

With fresh new arm-candy around, there’s a plethora of new bags that will fully update any outfit.  From sculptural clutches to chic cross body bags, vintage-style beading to Ibizan inspired crochet, there’s a handbag to instantly inject a serious dose of new season style into your wardrobe. Looking for a vibrant burst of colour to shake up your collection of black knits or a crisp monochrome bag to add interest to your trusty midi dress? The high street has your aesthetic covered.

Not only has the Stylist fashion team found the best handbags to completely refresh your style, but we’ve done it on budget that leave you with extra cash to splurge on the key investment pieces you’re looking to spoil yourself with. From Topshop’s vintage-look beaded beauty to Mango’s could-be-designer cross-body, these are the best under-£50 handbags that’ll give your everyday outfits a new spin – and they start from just £5. You’re welcome.

Mango

Inspired by Bottega Veneta’s iconic leather woven bags, this warm caramel style feels effortlessly chic. Spacious enough to carry all of your everyday essentials but delicate enough to wear with square-toed heels and a stylish top for evening too, this bargain bag is a wardrobe staple in the making. 

Shop Mango braided design bag, £35.99

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Topshop

This beaded bag of pure happiness looks like it could be a hidden gem from a vintage shop. Wear it with your wardrobe staples to add a touch of off-beat chic to an otherwise classic look or lean in to those boho vibes and style it with a floaty floral dress. 

Shop Topshop orange beaded mini grab bag, £22

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Weekday

A vibrant shade of green is the injection of mood-boosting colour that we’re craving right now. Pair yours with white jeans and a colourful cardigan for a chic look that feels just-right for spring. If you prefer a neutral palette, this same style is available in black and tan too. 

Shop Weekday green carry bag, £30

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Arket

You’ll have seen this colourful string bag all over Instagram, now we’ve tracked down where to find it. Originally designed as a sustainable solution to plastic shopping bags, this string bag has evolved into a bone fide statement accessory in its own right. With 10 shades to choose from, you can add an entire rainbow collection to your wardrobe for just £50. 

Shop Arket turtle bag string bag, £5

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&Other Stories

A woven basket bag is basically summer distilled into a single accessory. Wear it now to put a little extra spring in your step and have you dreaming of those glorious sunny days still to come. 

Shop &Other Stories fringe woven tote, £45

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Oliver Bonas

The chic accessory that pairs to perfection with a timeless tan trench coat, a cross-body bag never goes out of style. The rattan detail on this pink style evokes a summer-ready mood that will uplift all your spring outfits. 

Shop Oliver Bonas pink cross-body bag, £39.50

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Pull & Bear

Another classic cross-body, this time in a fresh shade of mint. The silver hardware makes for a cool-girl alternative to gold that feels understated enough to style with blue denim by day, but the sculptural shape offers enough interest to take straight into evening too. 

Shop Pull & Bear green cross-body bag, £12.99

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Opening Ceremony

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Zara

Gingham is fast becoming our new favourite pattern. We love it on puff-sleeved tops, on floaty midi dresses, and now, we want to wear it on our handbags too. This black and white style is understated enough to wear with suiting but retains enough of that playful summer-ready feel that pairs with all your off-duty outfits too. Double gingham? Yes please.  

Shop Zara gingham bag, £19.99

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H&M

Get that holiday souvenir aesthetic without going overseas thanks to this patterned straw bag. If anyone asks, we’re saying we bartered for it in Marrakesh.

Shop H&M paper straw shopper, £34.99

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Asos

Looking for a conversation starter and a handbag? Then look no further that this distinctive double frame bag.  The double bag trend is one of the biggest stories on the spring/summer 2020 catwalks, as seen everywhere from Fendi to Hermes. Now, the style of wearing one mini bag stacked against your larger clutch has finally trickled down to the high street.

Shop Asos double frame bag in colour block, £25

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Images: Courtesy of brands

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