Paris Street / IMAXtree

A handbag is a woman’s calling card, and choosing a new style will certainly show the world that she is fashion-savvy. There are some things to consider when shopping for a new handbag next spring. In general, bags are getting smaller, just big enough to carry electronic essentials. Elegantly tailored looks prevail early in the season, but as temperatures rise, a more carefree, casual summer fashion mood emerges, and bags will keep pace with colourful embroidery, folkloric and ethnic touches as well as floral prints. Here are 10 handbag concepts to consider for next spring.

1. Chloé / IMAXtree 2. Burberry

Standing tall is the motto of these small-scale north/south bags, just big enough for phone and other bare essentials. They can be hand-held or worn as a shoulder bag

3. Simon Miller 4. Paris Street / IMAXtree

Mini bags, barely larger than the hand, are a tailored silhouette are a must-have silhouette for the fashion conscious

5. Marni / IMAXtree 6. Altuzarra / IMAXtree

Shoulder bags can be worn very differently: with a long strap cross body, adjusting the strap to suit bag length or even shorter, so the bag fits just under the shoulder