THESE IT-BAGS WORK FOR ANY OCCASION

A good bag is practical and stylish – the perfect outfit finisher.

But while bags are wonderful, they’re also infamously difficult to style. We’re all guilty of planning an outfit and forgetting to account for the bag. Left till last, these must-have accessories become less ‘cherry on top’ and more ‘chore’. To help you navigate the overwhelming world of men's bags, I’ve pinned down 5 styles that will suit any occasion. Keep scrolling.

ASOS DESIGN croc crossbody bag in brown, £22

I’ll start with the hardest category – the formal bag. I say hardest because the formal bag is undeniably the least practical at your disposal, and often comes out at the trickiest of events. If you’re planning a party-guest look, chances are a bag is either yet to cross your mind, or is causing you considerable trouble. That show-stopping suit you’ve purchased looks great as is – but where to put your phone, keys and emergency gum? A small, neat leather bag is the answer. And the secret to finding your match is keeping things simple. No bells or whistles required when your outfit is already elevated. This ASOS DESIGN mini cross-body comes in smooth leather or sleek croc-effect depending on your preference.

ASOS DESIGN tote bag in khaki, £16

Tote bags are the accessory du jour for grocery shoppers and book worms. But while they may be overlooked from a fashion perspective, a good tote will never let you down. Spacious, practical and effortless, it’s worth having one on hand for last-minute excursions. This ASOS DESIGN canvas tote is simple enough to pair with your daily wardrobe, with a gentle pop of colour and a sturdy design that feels intentional without trying too hard.

ASOS DESIGN faux leather holdall bag in brown, £40 (back soon)

Like it or not, we spend most of our time at the office, and it’s also one of the few places where a bag is non-negotiable (if we’re talking corporate work, that is). When you’re carrying any accessory so regularly it’s sure to get boring, so pinning down a good work bag is an annual event for most. You want something big enough to hold your laptop, but not too bulky that it ruins the commute. It’s also worth investing in something you’ll want to wear beyond work hours. A leather holdall ticks all the boxes, with soft leather detailing, an elongated strap for versatile wear, and a surprisingly spacious interior.

The North Face Base Camp Duffel Bag in black- S, £118

To avoid overstuffing your work bag, it’s worth having a second, more robust alt in your roster for post-office gym sessions. This is the kind of bag you want to throw in a locker and fill with sweaty socks without worrying about it. You need something that’ll stand the test of time, a bag that will look fresh after countless workouts. That, my friend, is The North Face duffel bag. You can wear it as a backpack or duffel, and it’s got enough room to store your essentials for a long session or a weekend away.

Herschel Supply Co Heritage tote in green, £85

A day spent sunning yourself calls for back-up – be it a book, beverages or a beach towel. All those accoutrements call for a big bag, preferably something waterproof or wipeable that can take on the elements without shouting about it. This Hershel tote features all the above, including extra hidden pockets for water bottles, sunglasses, and anything else a day by the sea could call for.