From the Spring/Summer 2003 Luella Bartley-designed Mulberry bag named after Gisele to Proenza Schouler's 'anti-It Bag' PS1, the tan bag has weathered the ebb and flow of trends. Now, for SS18, it's back and more desirable than ever.
Sure, for the past several seasons bold, bright bags have ruled, with '90s monogramming enjoying a particular renaissance right now, but that only amplifies the appeal of the tan bag. In its neutrality – of both colour and material – it makes a great bedfellow for nearly every item in your wardrobe, and in eluding garish prints or outlandish finishes, it avoids becoming dated. What with fashion's current maximalist aesthetic, perhaps we're all craving the quiet stability of a tan number.
"This season it’s all about tan bags; we saw them everywhere from the likes of Gucci to Chloé, and we’re already seeing this shade filter through into AW18," Hollie Harding, accessories buyer at Browns, says. "Neutral colours such as tan are a really great base to have in your wardrobe and in my opinion are poised to replace the classic black bag for SS18."
Givenchy was among the brands that revived the classic handbag for SS18 with its micro belt bag with central buckle. Altuzarra's braided handle and tasselled tan bag brought a touch of the Wild West to its show, while J.W.Anderson debuted the most luxurious mixed-leather bag with gold finishings.
Off the catwalk, who should we be watching for the best pieces this season? "Loewe is definitely one of my go-to brands for the perfect tan bag and this season they’ve introduced several new styles, including a beautiful woven leather tote in addition to their classic puzzle and hammock-style bag," explains Harding. "Alongside Loewe, both Staud and Wandler have absolutely nailed the tan bag and are definitely brands to invest in now. The Staud ‘Moreau’ bucket bag and Wandler’s ‘Hortensia’ bag both have a great price point and are key shapes for the season."
Much like leopard print and denim, a timeless tan bag can be reimagined in countless ways, and is therefore one of the smartest buys you can make. Click through to find our pick of the season, from designer to high street.
Simon Miller's Bonsai bag was seen in the hands of every street styler on our Instagram feed. When it's this sweet, can you blame them?
Simon Miller Bonsai 15 Mini Leather Bucket Bag, £385, available at Net-A-Porter
We love the triple gold hardware on this Zara bucket bag. Big enough for work papers, convenient enough to carry all day.
Zara Bucket Bag with Studded Detail, £29.99, available at Zara
This is how to do macramé in 2018. Staud offers many contemporary and covetable handbags, but we think this one will see us right through until summer.
Staud Moreau Macramé and Leather Bucket Bag, £310, available at Net-A-Porter
The hobo shape and simple details on this Topshop bag make it look far more luxe than the price tag suggests.
Topshop Harper Hardware Hobo Bag, £34, available at Topshop
A classic tan in a not-so-classic shape makes for an interesting staple that'll set your bag apart from the rest.
Wandler Brown Leather Hortensia Shoulder Bag, £700, available at Browns
Trust Mango to come up with a fantastic high street alternative; we're wearing this both cross-body and with circle in hand.
Mango Circle Handles Bag, £49.99, available at Mango
Everything from the horseshoe-shaped bottom to the shade of the leather screams rodeo – we're pairing with a Chloé-inspired floral dress and cowboy boots for a nod to this season's badlands trend.
Chloé Small Nile Cross Body Bag, £1,190, available at Harrods
Uterqüe is fast becoming our go-to mid-range store, with high quality pieces that don't cost the earth. This leather tote is in our shopping cart thanks to the off-kilter handle hole.
Uterqüe Mini Leather Tote Bag, £120, available at Uterqüe
It's hard to go wrong with a classic leather, cross-body bag and chain strap. Versatile enough to be worn as a clutch, it's the perfect size to fit all your daily essentials.
C.Nicol Georgia Bag, £287.50, available at C.Nicol
Our adoration for J.W.Anderson knows no bounds, and his work at Spanish brand Loewe is just one reason why. We've fallen hard for this trapeze-shaped number.
Loewe Hammock Leather Bag, £1,895, available at Selfridges
Want more like this?
Dust Off Your Dark Denim: The Noughties Are Back
Forget Mad Men, Here's How To Wear A Pencil Skirt In 2018
5 Easy Styling Updates For Spring (Zero Effort Required)
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
H&M's New Studio Collection Is Truly A Work Of Art
Go West: Badlands-Inspired Style For Spring
This New Brand Donates 90% Of Profits To Charity & The People That Made The Clothes