The ultimate autumnal accessory you need to buy now

With autumn comes a back-to-school feeling. Summer is over and everyone heads to the office looking for the latest workwear attire to make the colder and shorter nights a bit more bearable. This year, expect to see the humble shoulder bag as the quick, yet chic, accessory to instantly elevate your autumnal wardrobe. Updated in criss-cross leather, metallic shades, buckles and badges, shoulder bags are chicer than ever before. Here at Good Housekeeping, our fashion team have carefully selected ones that are still comfortable enough to slip over your arm and fit in your necessities – both pretty and practical.

Opting for a smaller bag can be a quick and easy styling win to dress up a simple outfit, from dresses to jeans, for a brunch date or at your favourite weekend market. Shoulder bags are also the perfect accompaniment to evening wear. Small enough to fit into your oversize tote to get you to work, simply slide out your shoulder bag for the easiest day-to-night dressing hack that elevates your attire to new luxe levels. We have also included a few oversize tote shoulder bags that will see you from hybrid working days to weekends away.

In this edit, we’ve included bags for every budget and look. If you prefer minimalist versatile styles, go for Uniqlo’s viral shoulder bag or John Lewis’s leather saddle bag. Or, if you want to add more drama to your day-to-day wardrobe, a bold pink colour, such as Anthropologie’s offering, or Mint Velvet’s silver bag will give your trusty jeans-and-black-coat combo a new lease of life. Pack essentials like your phone, purse, brolly and keys, and you’re good to go for a girls’ day or night out…