In my opinion, any contender for the prime spot of “everyday handbag” has to tick a few boxes. It must be large enough to stow the daily essentials—I’m talking phone, keys, blusher, earphones and gum—without being so large as to make your shoulder hurt when wearing it. Comfort is key here, so a cross-body design is always a plus. Colour is important, too; something versatile or a brighter shade I love to wear. To find a daily bag that meets this criteria isn’t always easily done. So, you can imagine my delight when my colleague, deputy editor Maxine Eggenberger, turned me on to one she’d seen IRL in Marks & Spencer.
Whilst shopping in her local M&S store this week, she said she saw “at least six” people pick up the same bag which had been merched with different looks throughout the shop floor. “I know for a fact four of the people I saw bought them; they were in the queue at the same time as me,” she revealed. So, what does this M&S bag look like? My attention piqued, I asked her to send me the link. What I then saw was a bag I knew I’d get lots and lots of wear out of.
Featuring a thick strap that falls comfortably across the body and a neat zip closure for easy access, , Marks & Spencer’s sling cross body bag is the sort you can throw on and go with, not unlike Uniqlo’s cult crossbody of a similar shape. Its minimal detailing and impressive faux leather finish give it a high-end feel, while the chic colourways only add to the appeal. Personally I love the rich chocolate brown shade, but the trending bag also comes in black, orange and cream and is quickly becoming one of the brands new bestsellers.
Whilst crossbody bags have been trending for a few seasons now, practicality points mean that the beloved silhouette is here to stay. Large enough for a trip across town without every weighing you down, and styling well over my favourite trench coat and jeans, this crossbody might be the best one I’ve found.
Coming in at an affordable £25, the elegant bag looks well above its price point. Already a talking point within the Who What Wear offices, I expect this style will be selling out before we know it. To get in before it’s gone, read on to discover the trending bag here, as well as our other favourite Marks & Spencer bags below.
SHOP MARKS & SPENCER’S SLING CROSSBODY BAG HERE:
Marks & Spencer
Faux Leather Sling Cross Body Bag
The chocolate brown colour trend is set to be a major trend for this spring/summer.
Marks & Spencer
Faux Leather Sling Cross Body Bag
In my opinion, a classic black cross-body is the only bag you need in your collection.
Marks & Spencer
Faux Leather Sling Cross Body Bag
Add a splash of colour to your transeasonal wardrobe.
Marks & Spencer
Faux Leather Sling Cross Body Bag
This light cream shade will style well with light denims and pinks.
SHOP OUR OTHER FAVOURITE MARKS & SPENCERS HANDBAGS HERE:
Marks & Spencer
Straw Shoulder Bag
This also comes in dark brown and green.
M&S Collection
Cross Body Bag
The piping detail elevates the feel of this classic bag.
Marks & Spencer
Faux Leather Tote Bag
This is large enough to store a laptop as well as your other daily essentials.
Marks & Spencer
Faux Leather Shoulder Bag
This also comes in a light cream shade.
Marks & Spencer
Faux Leather Cross Body Bag
Style as a cross body or remove the straps and wear as a clutch.
Marks & Spencer
Canvas Cotton Rich Grab Bag
The canvas and tan combination brings a bright summer edge to the bag.
Marks & Spencer
Rattan Shopper
The perfect day-to-day shopping bag.
Marks & Spencer
Straw Tote Bag
This features a drawstring closure and an internal zipped pocket for extra security.
Marks & Spencer
Straw Bucket Bag
This has rocketed to the top of my wish list.
Marks & Spencer
Ruched Shoulder Bag
The ruched detail adds an elevated effect.
Marks & Spencer
Faux Leather Top Handle Tote Bag
This chic bag looks more expensive than it is.
Marks & Spencer
Braided Top Handle Shoulder Bag
Add a splash of red into wardrobe rotation.
Marks & Spencer
Faux Leather Woven Cross Body Bag
This also comes in black.
Marks & Spencer
Straw Round Shoulder Bag
Marks & Spencer
Leather Drawstring Tote Bag
This features a magnetic closure and an internal zip pocket.
Lead image: @marksandspencer_zarah