Over the past few years, there has been a rise in affordable designer handbags. Most of the It bags that you see all over your Instagram feeds are selling the fast and all have one thing in common: a croc-effect finish. Lisa Aiken, Net-a-Porter's fashion director, said at her A/W 18 trends presentation that this trend is only going to get bigger this autumn and that the key is that it photographs well.
"Lots of contemporary brands are working this into their collections but it still feels super premium," says Aiken. "It's something you'd have and treasure for a long time." Staud's croc-effect Bissett bag always sells out very quickly, and Rejina Pyo's and Nanushka's bags are all in a luxurious soft brown croc-effect leather. A look that can be easily mimicked by more affordable brands—it's very hard to tell an expensive croc-effect from a more cost-effective one, but you'll be likely to notice the difference in terms of silhouette, hardware and quality of finish.
Scroll to see how people are wearing their new mock-croc bags, and to shop some of our favourites at every price point.
Style Notes: Lisa Aiken previews one of the best upcoming bags of the season—an oversized croc-effect tote from Nanushka.
Style Notes: We told you croc effect is photogenic. This Nanushka belt bag looks just as tempting as the pancakes.
Style Notes: This By Far bag is all over Instagram right now—lucky Lou Lou wears her like a total expert, with a whole host of brown shades.
Shop Our Edit of the Best Croc-Effect Bags
Look. At. That. Clasp.
So many fashion girls have this one, and love it.
The bucket has had a bit of a makeover.
Hi, 1990s!
Guaranteed to generate compliments.
The belt-bag version of this has already sold out.
So elegant.
This colour works well all year round.
Lemaire is the last word in chic.
Related: Winter 2018 Fashion Trends: The Only Looks You Need to Know
For something a little more punchy.
Part picnic basket, part work tote, 100% great.
Rejina Pyo is one of the leaders of this trend.
Belt bags are going nowhere for 2019.
Related: These 6 New Bag Trends Will Make You Want to Start Writing Your Christmas List
See?
This classic style has been given a new makeover.
So good over a blazer.
Boxy bags are only going to get bigger (popularity-wise) next year.
People are going nuts over the Rachel.
A very sophisticated version.
For more shopping inspiration, join our Facebook group, So… Should I Buy This?
Opening Image: Style Stalker
This piece was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
