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We're officially in the swing of back-to-school season. In years gone by, that would have meant the thrill of new pencil cases, pens and book bags. But for us grown-ups, it brings an even more exciting accessory: new-season handbags.

You'll want something sturdier and more practical than you've been using all summer (yes, it's time to put away that straw-basket tote). It must see you from the office to the evening, but that doesn't mean it can't be fun, too. This autumn, we're seeing designers be more playful with their accessories and, as ever, the High Street is quickly following suit.

Studs and animal print, for example, are suddenly all over our bags, but if that sounds like style over substance, never fear.

I've trawled through store after store to find the bags that deliver on style, price tag and practicality.

From chic woven totes to capacious carry-alls, here is my pick of the best...

Studded

If you're looking to follow the latest trend, opt for a studded bag.

Suede, Topshop

Chunky-stud designs by white-hot luxury brand Khaite, for example, have been sported by models Alexa Chung and Sofia Richie (from £1,640). But the same look without the hefty price tag can be found at Topshop, which does a tan suede studded bag for £38 (topshop.com).

£38 Shop Clutch, Whistles

Studs are an excellent choice for an easy transition into evening, too. Whistles' clutch bag (now £95.20, whistles.com) with silver detailing will certainly make a statement.

£95.20 Shop Mosaic bag, Strathberry

If you're looking for a more subtle approach, Strathberry, a favourite of the Princess of Wales, has taken its bestselling Mosaic bag and transformed it into a smaller, more compact size (£445, strathberry.com

£445 ShopWoven

Another style spotted on the arm of many a fashionista this season is a woven handbag - not the straw-basket kind but in stylish leather.

Hand-woven slouchy bag, Katie Loxton

For someone like me who carries the kitchen sink in their handbag, a roomy number that fits perfectly on the shoulder is a must, and I've been wearing this woven Katie Loxton bag to work every day. While I can't afford Bottega Veneta's tote (from £3,140), this does the trick at a fraction of the cost. The straps are surprisingly comfortable and the slouchy vegan leather looks far more expensive than its £84.99 price tag (katieloxton.com).

£84.99 Shop Woven Leather bag, Aspinal of London

At the dearer end, try this crescent-style bag (inset) in rich chocolate from Aspinal of London (£550, aspinaloflondon.com), another brand with Kate's royal seal of approval. Crafted from responsibly sourced lamb-skin leather, it also has a useful adjustable strap.

£550 ShopShoulder bags

There are two key trends for desk-to-dinner shoulder bags...

Faux leather, New Look

The first comes from Chloe, which has brought back the iconic Paddington bag, unveiled initially in 2005. Retailing at £2,050, it's a steep investment, but luckily the High Street has cottoned on to the trend. New Look's faux leather version (£19.99, newlook.com) comes with a similar chic padlock detailing (above right). The other shoulder bag must-have this year is suede - but this time it's about classic, wearable designs rather than slouchy boho style.

£19.99 Shop Italian suede, Radley

In January, Radley announced Fernando Soriano Iglesia as its new design director - a previous collaborator with Loewe - and part of his latest collection is this Italian suede bag in a warm brown hue (£259, radley.co.uk), which whispers autumn chic.

£259 Shop Stylish red, John Lewis

£99 Shop Burgundy suede, Demellier London

£395 ShopAnimal print

If animal-print clothes are a little too much for you, then a bag is a good way to nod to the trend.

Leopard print, Kate Spade

Leopard is always the failsafe option and the shoulder bag from Kate Spade set on a cotton canvas with burgundy leather trim (£275, katespade.co.uk) is a gentle toe-dip.

£275 Shop Statement, Massimo Dutti

My top pick? This slouchy gem (£249, massimodutti.com). Make a statement by slinging it over a classic white tee and jeans.

£249 Shop Animal leather, Next

Product description

£86 Shop Zebra, Essentiel Antwerp

£145 ShopCarry-alls

At this time of year, many of us are looking for a bag that can accommodate an all-weather, rain or shine survival kit (light jumper, sunglasses and mini umbrella).

Black buckle bag, Next

Next's black tote (£32, next.co.uk) can not only carry everything, it goes with everything, too. Complete with a zip fastening, you won't have to worry about items falling out and the big gold buckles add a fashionable twist.

£32 Shop Brown, Reserved

Another good option is this excellent faux leather carry-all (below) from Reserved (£45.99, reserved.com). OK, nobody's going to mistake it for a Birkin, but the shape is iconic for a reason. From books to make-up bags, pots of supplements and spare shoes, you can squeeze it all in here.

£45.99 Shop Suede tote, Marks and Spencer

£130 Shop

AMY KESTER: The best 11 new bags this autumn