I'm searching for the most stylish handbags for autumn—here are the six best ones I've discovered.

      Welcome to The Great Try-On! With autumn firmly upon us, we seized the chance to try out some of the newest arrivals from your favorite brands, documenting our experiences throughout. We believe the best way to shop online is to see items in real life and read honest reviews, so we hope this helps you make your most successful purchases of the year. For me, autumn begins the moment the calendar changes to September, regardless of the official start. It's always been the season I eagerly anticipate, partly due to my love for creating layered outfits, but also because of the fresh start it signifies. September feels like fashion's January—a time for new beginnings, fresh routines, and in my case, a renewed motivation to enhance my wardrobe.

      While the clothing is often the main focus as autumn arrives, to me, accessories—especially handbags—set the mood for the upcoming months and excite me the most. This year, I’ve been contemplating what constitutes the perfect autumn bag. It needs to be practical enough for everyday use (and resist a little rain), yet special enough to feel like a thoughtful addition to my collection. I’m drawn to rich textures like suede and grainy leather, and deep, tonal colors like burgundy, chocolate brown, and inky black; I also prefer designs that are classic yet still offer a contemporary twist. Moreover, the ideal bag should easily transition from a hectic workday to the weekend, so I don’t have to transfer my essentials between different styles.

      That said, I'm not completely overlooking the autumn/winter 2025 trends. The resurgence of '90s-style minimalist shoulder bags is everywhere, and I must admit I never thought I’d be interested in them. I’ve always favored larger, Mary Poppins-like bags that can accommodate everything. However, after trying Arket's lacquered crossbody, my perspective shifted. The small, sleek design felt incredibly chic, and there's something liberating about carrying a smaller bag; it’s nice to avoid lugging around a cumbersome tote. On the flip side, the long-awaited return of the Chloé Paddington evokes nostalgia, as both of my older sisters had one, and I always admired theirs.

      Between high-street brands and luxury names, I've curated a selection of bags that cater to my needs: wearability, durability, and that delightful feeling that comes with sporting something new. In narrowing down my options, I found myself gravitating back to certain brands that consistently deliver at this time of year: the sculptural shapes from Savette, the timeless designs from DeMellier, the minimalist aesthetic of COS, and H&M’s surprisingly sophisticated leather offerings were all clear starting points. Coupled with Chloé’s heritage revival and Arket’s trend-led pieces, I now have a well-rounded selection that feels both personal and relevant, ready for you to explore.

      So, continue scrolling for my autumn bag recommendations. While I may not purchase them all, I know each one would fit beautifully into a fantastic autumn wardrobe.

      **The Best Bags for Autumn 2025, As Tried and Reviewed By an Editor:**

      1. **Savette Slim Symmetry Pochette**

       - **My Review:** The Savette Slim Symmetry Pochette instantly grabbed my attention with its shape and suede finish. Soft to the touch without being overly heavy, suede feels perfect in autumn. This bag is compact, making it unsuitable for office days; instead, it's ideal for daytime or weekend outings. It holds the essentials: phone, small wallet, keys, and perhaps a compact mirror and lip product. What surprised me was how well it matched my outfit that day: wide-leg trousers, a sweater vest, flats, and a cropped trench. The design was both simple and effective. The structure is firm around the top handle, giving it a polished edge, and because of its small size, it works well as an evening bag, provided you're traveling light. The suede retains its color nicely, but I'd be cautious in damp weather and recommend applying a suede protectant. For this upcoming season, I envision pairing it with casual outfits that still have some formality, like a wool coat or tailored trousers.

       **Shop the Bag:**

       - SAVETTE Slim Symmetry Pochette Bag in Mink Suede

       - Savette Slim Symmetry Pochette Bag in Espresso Suede

       - Savette Slim Symmetry Pochette Bag in Black

       - Savette Slim Symmetry Pochette Bag in Bone

      2. **COS Gallery Tote Bag**

       - **My Review:** I usually like to invest in a new work bag every year or two, and COS has nailed it this season with this suede tote. The dark-brown hue feels particularly relevant—it's softer than black but still versatile enough to match everything in my autumn capsule wardrobe. The tote features a clean, minimalist design but is surprisingly roomy, which is what I need for commuting. It lacks compartments, meaning items such as my phone,