Anya Hindmarch is bringing back the tote - and it's a workwear game changer

OK, hands up: I worked for the woman for nearly eight years so yes, I’m biased. But I’m genuinely excited about Anya Hindmarch’s new Bags That Work collection. Once you’re married to a brand it’s usually for life, and I’m lucky enough to own a really good collection of Hindmarch’s bags. In recent years, though, taking my beloved Bathurst bag – covered with fried egg and banana skin stickers – into corporate meetings has raised more than just a few eyebrows. Sometimes you just want a bag that blends in, inimitable in its simplicity and practicality.

From left: Coach brown leather tote, ￡295, John Lewis, Navy leather tote, ￡795, Anya Hindmarch

Which is exactly what Hindmarch is offering. “Women wear many different hats and whilst sometimes we want our bags to be a fashion statement, at other times we need them to just really work,” she says. True to her word, the new bags boast little internal pockets for this and that, all labelled beautifully, and loads of zippable sections ideal for a secure commute. My favourite styles are the Nevis (pictured here) and Ebury, both roomy totes with shoulder handles but not so big that you are tempted to fill them with your whole desk and throw your back out. I’ve been carrying fairly small bags all summer but, moving into autumn and thinking about coats and boots, the idea of a tote appeals once more.

It seems that they’re staging a bit of a comeback, with a really good selection appearing in the shops. Whilst none of them will have the dream internal filing system of an Anya Hindmarch, I appreciate not everyone can spend that much on their work bag.

From left: Yellow pocket tote, ￡50, Zara; Ted Baker burgundy leather tote, ￡185, John Lewis

My best of the rest includes Coach’s chic tan tote, with elegant long handles and discreet branding. A tan bag is a summer staple, but will also look really lovely in the colder months with camel and black coats, or even a bit of leopard print (it’s everywhere, even for the office). I love the rich plum colour of Ted Baker’s tote, complete with a detachable pouch for securing valuables, which cleverly doubles up as a clutch. I know Zara’s mustard seems a brave choice, but I promise you it will go with more than you realise: try it with your favourite navy jacket and watch how it lifts it immediately. If this is all a little too understated for you, an animal print tote will bring you bang up to date this coming season. Uterque has a great snake print leather version ￡150 (uterque.com): treat it as a neutral when getting dressed.

Once you’ve found your favourite, just chuck in everything you need for the day, then enjoy the admiring glances.