Thanks to the slew of micro trends that emerged from SS18's fashion month, this season, accessories are just as exciting as the clothes they accompany. Whether it's directional shapes or contemporary colours, the shoes and bags you'll be wearing this spring are strong enough to form the starting point for a whole host of outfits.
Click through to see the eight accessories trends we're wearing now through to summer.
You'll have noticed your favourite street stylers carrying rather impractical bags of late. Teeny tiny bags are having a moment, and while they may only fit our phone and keys, they're the sweetest trend to come out of spring's catwalk collections.
Simon Porte Jacquemus has treated us to more than one micro bag but Le Sac Chiquito, which comes in canary yellow and is emblazoned with his eponymous brand's logo, is our favourite. Simon Miller, meanwhile, kickstarted a circular-handled bag trend that you'll spot everywhere on the high street. His mini Bonsai bag, a diddy bucket bag no bigger than a purse, is our seasonal pick.
& Other Stories Mini Leather Saddle Bag, £39, available at & Other Stories
Jacquemus Le Sac Eivissa Leather Crossbody Bag, £505, available at Mytheresa
Rebecca Minkoff Ring Feed Small Bag, £379, available at Farfetch
It's not too early to invest in a beach-appropriate basket bag, as seen at Mango, Zara and Topshop. You may associate the woven and wooden bags with sunnier climes, but we encourage you to pair yours with your workwear checked blazer and kick-flare denim.
Our favourite structured number comes from Cult Gaia, the brand responsible for creating the statement Ark and Lilleth bag seen on the arm of every influencer on Instagram. You can stay structured and contemporary or go more '70s, leaning towards raffia and bamboo offerings.
Mango Bamboo Basket Bag, £89.99, available at Mango
Cult Gaia Green Mini Ark Woven Tote Bag, £315, available at Browns
Carolina Santo Domingo Corallina Raffia Tote, £410, available at Net-A-Porter
Western boots have been the footwear du jour for some time now, as part and parcel of the return to a more wholesome, rural aesthetic – think corsets and prairie dresses, too – perhaps inspired by HBO's mega hit Westworld. We love classic white, brown and black but a postbox-red or sci-fi silver pair looks just as rad with your everyday outfits.
Make like Ganni, who paired oversized white denim jackets and jeans with theirs, or follow Natacha Ramsay-Levi's direction at Chloé, who toughened up pretty-pretty floral dresses with stomping cowboy boots. Yee-haw.
Topshop Graphic Western Boots, £79, available at Topshop
Ganni Callie Metallic Leather Ankle Boots, £355, available at Net-A-Porter
Chloé Rylee Leather Ankle Boots, £640, available at Matches Fashion
The refreshed tourist staple infiltrated our wardrobe a while ago – in fact, Chanel sent a glittering silver belt bag down its SS14 catwalk – but its popularity shows no sign of waning. Whether you go full '90s raver with a more sporty style, or keep it sleek and work-appropriate with a boxy, fitted number, there are hundreds to choose from.
Gucci's Marmont is the best known (and most replicated) belt bag, with its quilted finish and prominent logo. Marc Jacobs gave us more utilitarian pieces, while Alexander Wang maintained his leather aesthetic with his offering.
Natalie Kingham, fashion buying director at Matches Fashion said of the trend: "All belt-bag styles have sold out quickly, particularly from Lutz Morris which have been incredibly popular. We have already reordered the signature style after selling out within a week of being online."
Bershka Belt Bag With Chain, £15.99, available at Bershka
See By Chloé Kriss Small Leather Crossbody, £220, available at Mytheresa
Gucci Ophidia Textured Leather-Trimmed Printed Coated-Canvas Belt Bag, £535, available at Net-A-Porter
Bags have become pared-back in recent seasons, with more muted colours and simpler shapes. That's not to say they're not statement-making; minimalist doesn't mean boring, and our spring plus-ones are just as scene-stealing as in previous seasons.
"Minimalist handbags continue to be a key focus for spring, including sleek shapes and high quality leather, from brands such as Wandler," said Kingham. The brand's trapeze-shaped totes have simple handles and sophisticated colour ways, while Staud's block-colour bucket bags are a permanent fixture on Instagram of late. It's the ultimate antidote to the Gucci-led maximalism that's dominated the fashion narrative for the past few years.
COS Soft Folded Leather Bag, £115, available at COS
Zara Mini Tote Bag, £15.99, available at Zara
Wandler Hortensia Medium Leather Shoulder Bag, £645, available at Net-A-Porter
In retaliation to the easygoing, comfort-first trainer – which has reigned supreme as the footwear staple of everyone from your mum to your favourite musician for the past few seasons – a more thoughtful and artistic shoe style has grabbed our attention. Slingbacks, mules and boots with an interesting, almost architectural heel, are allowing us to put our best foot forward this spring.
Rejina Pyo's gorgeous western-sculpture hybrid is our go-to for evening events, while Jacquemus' almost-too-pretty-to-wear pyramid heels look great with denim and a slogan tee. J.W.Anderson's take included a cylindrical golden heel, and Mulberry has some fabulous Victoriana pumps fit for a palace ball. Weather permitting, we're toe-tapping in these beauties all season.
Mango Metal Heel Leather Mules, £69.99, available at Mango
Rejina Pyo Yasmin Ivory Leather Mule With Honey Heel, £465, available at Rejina Pyo
Jacquemus Ornamental Heel Pumps, £477, available at Farfetch
While Céline's SS18 plastic tote bag, complete with brand logo, will set you back £600, the transparent trend is easier to tap into than you might think. Staud's two-in-one bag has been seen on the arm of Man Repeller's Leandra Medine, while Raf Simon's Shopping Bag is a take-to-Tesco alternative.
From Off-White's Virgil Abloh giving us his sky-high transparent heels, to Burberry reinventing its trademark trench in plastic finishes, the rain-proof fabric is perfect for April showers. Why not nab a belt bag or backpack in a blue, orange or pink tint, too?
Bershka Transparent Belt Bag, £12.99, available at Bershka
Mm6 Maison Margiela Transparent Clutch, £150, available at Farfetch
Raf Simons Shopping Bag, £129, available at Vooberlin
Arts and crafts have taken over our wardrobe, thanks to the likes of Shrimps and Susan Alexandra, who've taken a super playful material – beads – and made entire bags out of it. Part '90s school kid, part '70s bohemian, this is for those who like to have a little fun with their fashion. If you ask us, the more rainbow-bright you go, the better.
Shrimps' Antonia bag caused sellout fanfare with every iteration – lime green, pearlescent white and slick black – and has been seen on Instagram at weddings and during Sunday market strolling. This season, it came in XXL, meaning the fabulous and rather silly handheld bag can now fit your daily essentials.
Mango Beaded See-Through Bag, £39.99, available at Mango
Shrimps Antonia Faux-Pearl Embellished Bag, £450, available at Matches Fashion
Susan Alexandra Ash Bag, £172, available at Susan Alexandra
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