Spring has well and truly sprung, so it's time to say goodbye to the wintery wardrobe staples we've been living in and hello to all things lighter and brighter. If (sadly) a whole new wardrobe is not on the agenda, there's no faster way to transform an outfit than with attention-grabbing arm candy. Which undoubtedly we'll need to snap up in several hues to complement the plethora of [statement summer dresses](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/search/?cgid=%20%20%20%20fenwick-website-4102-4129-4234) we plan on acquiring too. Or at least that's my excuse...
Shoulder bags, cross-bodys, buckets and totes; the question is, "can a girl ever have too many [handbags](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/women/bags)?" Well, no, she can't. The truth is, though they may be small, they certainly are mighty - with the power to upgrade an outfit from zero to hero in a matter of seconds, and the audacity to steal focus from the rest of the ensemble. The best bags, like the best women, are bold, strong, unique and there to be embraced. So, to ensure you bag the perfect spring companion (or five), here are the [handbag](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/women/bags) trends topping our shopping list. Buckle up!
Update your wardrobe with the attention-grabbing handbags we'll be snapping up this spring - plus our top tips on how to look after them.
The Beach Bag
Reminding us summer is just a whisker away, we're basking in the light of the glorious beach bag. And this year we’ve fallen for anything wicker - boxy or soft, we’ll take both. This playful update to the easy-going essential is one we can’t get enough of. They’ll work just as well to house all our holiday essentials as they will to accompany us to summer weddings.
The Bucket Bag
The must-have shape we were all carrying a few seasons ago is back with a bang. And this time the bucket isn’t shying away from bright colours, bold textures and exciting embellishments. Smart enough for work lunches and business meetings, but fun enough to join you for drinks, snap up the shape that’s set to be on everyone’s arm by summer.
The Colour Pop Bag
Add a dose of colour to your wardrobe with this season's it bag - the colour popping mini bag. A dreamy companion for every LBD and LWD you’ll be donning in the sunshine, and guaranteed to put a smile on your face and a spring in your step. Clashing or complementary, there’s no rules so it’s time to have some fun.
The (Faux) Snakeskin Bag
Move aside leopard print, when it comes to handbags, there's a new print in town: snake effect is now the print du jour. Whether subtle and chic is your shade of choice or your wanting something a bit more dramatic (hello dreamy pastel COCCINELLE mini that's ready to be welcomed into the wardrobe of yours truly), this is one trend thats worth splashing out on.
The Black Bag
As the late, great Amy Winehouse put it beautifully, "I go back to black". But black doesn’t have to be boring. With exciting textures and modern shapes to choose from, the trusty black bag is our effortlessly chic, goes with everything best friend, with magical style powers we’ll never truly understand, but undoubtedly worth every penny. Best to bag a few.
##### Fenwick's Top Tip: How to look after your handbags
Sometimes a bag is not just a bag. They're the first [accessory](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/women/accessories) we steal from our mothers, the gift we can't wait to receive from our lovers and their contents secretly shelter an undefined answer to the age-old question, "what do women want?" (One of the answers of course, is they want more bags.) To be sure the ones you love last forever, follow our top tips for keeping your bags looking good as new...
**1.** **How to clean a leather handbag:** the best way to keep your leather lovelies in check is brushing the fabric with a damp cloth, which will get rid of any surface stains in a flash. Use a soft, dry towel to blot away any moisture, then allow the bag to dry at room temperature environment. Sorted.
**2\. How to store your handbags:** make sure to keep your designer bags out of direct sunlight and in a cool, dry place where the fabric can breathe (preferably in a dust bag if you still have it), which will prevent the leather from drying out and cracking.
**3\. What to do if your leather handbag gets wet:** once you’ve escaped the rain and realise your precious accessory has got a bit soggy, don’t panic! Stuff the bag with tissue paper to avoid the leather shrinking and blot away any excess moisture. Never apply direct heat as this might cause the leather to crack and shrink.
**4\. What to do when you find a stain on your handbag:** if you discover a water stain it’s best to simply leave it to dry, but for more serious stains you might need to seek professional help. A top tip for suede stains is to try a white eraser, but make sure to test it first to ensure the colour doesn’t run.
**5\. How to hang your handbag:** basically, if it can be avoided, don’t do it. Hanging bags to store them will lead the leather to become distorted and stretched over time. It’s better to store your bags upright so they don’t get squashed or if you don’t have enough space then lay them flat.