Credit: Dune
3 min read
This bag ticks so many boxes: it’s roomy and practical, works seamlessly with this season’s boho trend and fits in with the season’s most important colour palette, which is all about deep reds and browns.
Big bags have been big news on and off the catwalks for several seasons. For autumn/winter 2024 the big bag du jour is brown, suede and nods firmly to the boho trend that’s been gathering pace since Chemena Kamali’s debut collection for Chloé put the trend firmly on the fashion map earlier this year.
Bottega Veneta offered supersized woven styles, worn with olive green sleeveless knit dresses; Lemaire showed large hobo-shaped bags worn with lightweight cotton shirts, skirts and jackets in charcoal and light khaki; and Loewe sent a supersized brown bag down the runway as part of the men’s autumn/winter 2024 show with an elevated but understated grey knit and khaki trousers. Chloé’s collection sparked a boho resurgence thanks to its 70s references, sheer blouses and dresses, retro ruffles and high wedge-heeled sandals.
Libby Page, market director at Net-a-Porter, said: “The clever combination of tough, slick outwear layered on top of chiffon dresses resulted in 70s bohemian meets modern-day romantic.”
The trend has translated to the high street in a very exciting way: it’s wearable but exciting; it’s retro but still feels modern. There are high-waisted flared and wide-leg jeans, sheer, ruffled blouses and many brilliant iterations of the brown suede bag – particularly hobo styles but also lots of totes, shoulder bags and more structured styles.
What’s particularly special about the brown suede bag is that this season’s key colour palette is all about deep reds and browns, which look great when worn together. Think caramel, chestnut, espresso, merlot and aubergine. The suede hobo taps into the seasonal trends but also transcends them, working with everything from elevated everyday pieces, as seen on the catwalks, to statement boho looks and full burgundy.
The bags come in light brown, almond and tan shades, which look lovely with denim or light tailoring. Mid-brown shades like chestnut and caramel look great with tonal knits, woollen trousers, coats and pastel shades. Darker brown chocolate and espresso tones look best with burgundy, navy and charcoal grey suiting and separates.
There’s a gentle timelessness to many of these styles, particularly the more minimal iterations. Simple and fuss-free, they will look good with jeans and a plain knit for the season to come.
Best brown suede bags
Jigsaw Heckfield Suede Slouch Shoulder Bag
This 70s-inspired style strikes the perfect balance between timeless and on-trend. Wear it with jeans, heeled leather boots and a fringed suede jacket.
Sandro suede and leather Tangoso bag
With a removable crossbody strap, this mid-sized chestnut brown Sandro bucket is one of the most versatile options around. Wear it with a slouchy charcoal suit, retro trainers and an oversized mid-blue shirt for an on-point work look.
Dune London Deliberate XL woven bag
More elevated than some of the other suede bags around, this supersized woven shoulder bag looks great with more structured silhouettes. Wear it with straight-leg indigo jeans, leather boots with a kitten heel and a chunky, playful knit.
M&S suede tote bag
The ultimate practical style, this roomy M&S bag is big and works best for daytime. It looks great with jeans, loafers and a knit or a boxy suit, fine knit and loafers.
Maeden Market tote
This excellent almond-toned hobo bag from fashion insider favourite Maeden makes a real statement. Wear it with everything from wide-leg, elevated joggers with a bright oversized shirt to a lightweight brown suit with a mid-blue shirt or a tonal knitted top and matching skirt set and delicate flats.
Reiss chocolate brown Vigo suede bag
This dark chocolate bag looks great with a crisp cotton shirt, jeans and leather flats or a full burgundy evening look and high-shine trench.
River Island slouchy shoulder bag
This suede slouchy mid-brown bag is a great wear-with-everything style that’s great for work, days out with friends and travelling.
Furla flow-top handle bag
This structured shoulder bag from Furla is neat and structured and looks great with tailored denim – smart indigo wide-leg jeans and a fair isle jumper, for example.
Images: Dune; courtesy of brands
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