Our fashion expert reveals the autumn bags to invest in and the dupes that will keep stylists guessing...

August is coming to an end and the days are getting noticeably shorter, sure signs it's time to pack away those summer raffia bags and baskets and transfer your clutter into something more suitable for a wet British autumn.

But before you dig out and dust down trusty old totes and crossbodies from previous years, consider whether it might be time for an accessory upgrade.

The autumn/winter designer collections were full of bold, chic bags in sumptuous chocolatey browns and burgundies, cosy, alpine-inspired textures and edgier chain trims.

The good news is that High-Street brands are selling perfect lookalikes, meaning you don't need to be a Miss Moneybags to have the latest 'it' bag.

Here, we show you how to get those designer looks for less...

Chocolate chic

Slouchy bag, £98, anthropologie. com

Brooklyn shoulder bag, £495, coach.com

Chocolate brown is the colour of the season. Less harsh than black, it looks expensive and works just as well with neutrals as with brighter colours.

The Brooklyn by Coach has taken social media by storm, with fashion experts declaring it this autumn's 'it bag' (£495, uk.coach.com). 

Its minimalist shape makes it a timeless classic that some may consider worth the investment. For a more purse-friendly alternative, head to Anthropologie for the Love Knot at under £100. 

Seriously stylish shearling

Designer: £7,650 Chanel bag AW24 collection

(L) Suedette borg trim crossbody bag, £24.99, newlook.com (R) Suede tote, £345, russelland bromley.co.uk

Shearling isn't just for jackets and Ugg boots. Chanel's soft, neutral-coloured tote stole the show on the AW24 catwalk.

The High Street has pulled off the style, too. See Russell & Bromley's smart tan suede tote with shearling trim for (£345, russellandbromley.co.uk). New Look has a smaller suedette style which has a detachable strap (£24.99, newlook.com).

Slouchy but smart

Shoulder bag, £40, next.co.uk

Leather, £2,550, miumiu.com

Just as going back to school was an excuse for a new pencil case, heading back to the office after your summer holiday is the perfect reason to treat yourself to some new arm candy.

Forget structured shapes and boxy bags, this season's musthave is a casual, slouchier style, as modelled in Miu Miu's AW24 show.

Red was the colour of the summer but for an autumn upgrade, opt for a muted berry shade like this PU shoulder bag from Next (£40, next.co.uk).

This high-street design can be bundled under your arm but also has multiple straps for those who prefer to go hands-free.

Plenty of practical pockets

Multi-pocket bowling bag, £89, charleskeith. co.uk

Faux leather utility shoulder bag, £19, tuclothing. sainsburys. co.uk

Multipocket bag, £1,300, acnestudios.com

It's usually unwise to revisit trends from your 20s or 30s – but there is one 1990s accessory you can pull off again.

Remember shoulder bags with multiple pockets, one for your lipstick, another for your keys? They're back and Acne Studios are leading the way with theirs in a range of colours and sizes (from £850, acnestudios.com).

Cheaper but just as eye-catching, Charles and Keith have a similar style in a burnished brown (£89, charleskeith.co.uk).

And for an even better steal, go to Tu at Sainsbury's for their black faux-leather utility bag.

Chunky chain trim

Stella McCartney AW24

(L) Flamenco purse, £2,550, loewe.com (R) Chain handle clutch bag, £32, riverisland.com

The Falabella by Stella McCartney has been a favourite among celebrities for years – seen on everyone from Rihanna to Jennifer Garner.

The slouchy tote, with its distinctive chain trim, was launched in 2009 and is still a bestseller.

Chain handles are popular again with Spanish designer Loewe introducing a statement pebble-shaped silver chain to their Flamenco bag (£2,550, loewe.com).

Over at River Island you can pick up an almost identical style for £32.

Right on trend red

Jil Sander AW24

(L) Cannolo small shoulder bag, £1,130, jilsander.com (R) Leather sling bag, £119, mintvelvet. com

Racy red has been the colour of the summer, and is set to continue into autumn and a cylinder bag (more luxe than a baguette and with curved edges) is the perfect way to work that pop of colour into your wardrobe.

They’re roomier than they look and are a perfect statement bag for cocktails – or coffee!

Be inspired by Jil Sanders’s AW 24 show, where her bright Cannolo bag was paired with anall-black ensemble, and wear your red shoulder bag with a monochromatic outfit (£1,130, jilsander.com).

Good High Street lookalikes are hard to find, but Mint Velvet has a great alternative that will easily hold all your essentials (£199,mintvelvet.com)