Picking a bag for the year ahead, which picks up on the hottest trends for S/S12, is a tricky business. While some trends continue to return every year, like pastels, pinks and oranges, other trends, like sporty luxe, are much harder to nail. You don't want to go so overboard on the trend that it ends up looking like a fashion victim, but you don't want to end up using the same little black bag that you've used for the past three seasons. 

If you're not sure what's in for S/S12, or you're not sure which bags are your best bits, we've put together a handy little guide for you to use.

Pastels

Pastels have made a welcome return to the catwalk for S/S12. After the dark colours, tough fabrics and practicalities of A/W11, it's nice to have something a little lighter and sweeter. 

With pastels, the trick is to go for a style where the colour is the main detail. Don't go for a bag with lots of bells and whistles, as it will date very quickly.


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The D&G Rose Quilted Circular Cross Body Mini bag is a delicious shade of candy pink, ideal for pairing with some of the lighter tones of the AW11 pieces, and with the pretty dresses and crisp look of SS12. It's from MyWardrobe, and it's £290. 

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The See by Chloe 'Sally' bags are another example of pastels for summer. The pretty greens, oranges and soft whites are all the details these bags need. 

Pinks and Orange

Pink and oranges isn't necessarily a colour combo you'd assume would work, but it's a bold look that works well if you go with the right tones. Avoid too many bright colours for the rest of your outfit, and this can look amazing. 

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The Marc by Marc Jacobs Memphis Colorblocked Satchel ($528) is a great example of when pink and orange make a powerful impact together. The Marc by Marc Jacobs range is known for pushing the envelope when it comes to hot trends, so it's no surprise to see them working this look. 

The pink and orange trend can be combined with another hot trend for S\S12 though. Jewels and Sparkles. 


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The Burberry Small Beaded Wristlet has that pink and orange combination on the embedded beans and jewels across the front of the bag. It's an unusual piece for Burberry, but one I wouldn't be surprised to see on the wrist of a celeb or two. 

Sporty Luxe

Sporty Luxe blends well with a strong S\S12 colour - white. Imagine if you had to strut the catwalk in your gym gear, and you're thinking along the right lines.

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This Valentino White Studded bag has the perfect shape for sporty, and the luxe edge with the studs. This Valentino bag will see you through the summer, and the studding makes it tough enough to see you through early A\W12 too.


Animal Print
Animal Print is still in this season, but it's a tough trend to approach. Too much and you'll end up looking more like Pat Butcher (RIP) than Angelina Jolie. The key is in the print and what you pair it in. Soft fabrics and soft prints work well with sandy and darker fabrics. Avoid red, gold and leather like the plague. 

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Anya Hindmarch has added a little bit of animal magic to her classic clutch, with the more unusual sea snakeskin. The pale colour makes it a clutch that's suitable for day and night accessorising. While it does have a gold toned rim, it actually works quite well with this pattern. 

The Anya Hindmarch Natural Marano Sea Snake Clutch is £485 from MyWardrobe.

Which designer handbag will you be investing in this S\S12? 
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