Style Notes
Celebrating National Handbag Day with Style Expert Claudia Berresford
10 May 2024
We’re celebrating one of our favourite days of the year along with a style expert and influencer who loves handbags (almost) as much as we do. Claudia Berresford talks us through some of her favourite Radley London handbags along with styling tips for how to wear them.
Make sure you read to the end to find out about some exciting events for National Handbag Day.
In celebration of National Handbag Day, please tell us about your love for handbags.
“I love finding a good handbag, especially that feeling you get when you discover a new bag that makes your outfit stand out. Accessories and especially bags are the perfect way to upgrade your wardrobe and I really believe that you can make an old outfit feel fresh and new if you have the right bag.
“When it comes to choosing the perfect bag, I do need my handbags to fit everything I need by my side. The option of a long strap is so important for me to be able to have my hands free when I’m out and about.”
“The shearling sides make Hyde Road the IT bag of the moment.”
How have you styled each bag and where would you wear the look?
“I love wearing colours and the three bags I chose complement my old and new autumn and winter wardrobe pieces really well.
“My Liverpool Street 2.0 open top grab bag instantly made me think of the city and I think it’s the perfect piece to accessorise an elegant work outfit as well as add elegance to a casual day look. The conker brown colour is a great alternative to a black bag, it’s softer and more interesting and pairs so beautifully with a classic camel coat. I played around with different shades of brown, with my Keystone Crescent boots, camel coat and burgundy cashmere set to give this comfortable day outfit depth and elegance.
“The Peregrine Road bucket bag made me think of the perfect weekend outfit. Going out for brunch, shopping and taking a stroll. Those moments where you need to have a few things by your side but also need to be hands-free. I love the intensity of the burgundy against the pink trench coat and the floral day dress I’m wearing brings these two colours together.
“Hyde Road is the perfect fun but practical date night bag. I really wanted to show it off, so I went for a contrasting navy coat and heels to really make the bag stand out. I’m wearing a navy dress with white and burgundy print to tie in with the details of the bag. The shearling sides make Hyde Road the IT bag of the moment, shearling made a comeback last winter and it is going to be even bigger this season.”
“One trend I love this season is larger-than-life bags, I’m looking at you Painters Mews and Ash Mews.”
What do you love most about each of the three bags you’ve chosen?
“I love the depth of colour on Liverpool Street 2.0. It’s a modern take on a classic shape, and I love the interior pockets and compartments for organisation.
“Bucket bags have made a comeback and I love the how Peregrine Road keeps its shape whether it’s just got your keys or phone in or is packed full of ‘essentials’.
“I love how soft the Hyde Road shearling bag is - the quilted detail makes it feel like you’re holding a fluffy marshmallow.”
Which key handbag trends should we look out for this season?
“One trend I love this season is larger-than-life bags, I’m looking at you Painters Mews and Ash Mews. Think comfort bags - soft, squidgy shapes that you want to hug, a bit like Hyde Road, and colour-wise I do really think this deep brown leather with a ‘90s vibe is making a big come back.”
Thanks Claudia, we’re so glad we’re not the only ones who want to hug our Hyde Road.
If you can’t get enough of your favourite subject on National Handbag Day, make sure to join our Instagram Live this evening, Monday 10th October, at 6pm GMT. It’s an extra special edition co-hosted across continents by stylist @sarahcorbettwinder in the UK and US-based @thecarolinelin. They’ll be sharing new styles and talking must-see trends. In case you miss it live, we’ll have it saved to our highlights to watch later.
Find more bags that will make every day National Handbag Day for you in our New In category. And we keep you updated on the latest news and trends over on Radley Stories.
