Sorry Radley! These dated handbag brands will make you look mumsy - here's where stylish A-listers and Royals are shopping instead

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Tote bags might have had their moment, but still there's nothing as chic as a good handbag. 

Unfortunately, there are a few brands that are bound to make you look a little mumsy, no matter how great the rest of your outfit. 

So, hold onto your hats, ladies, because what I'm about to say might not be well-received; particularly if you're still clutching onto the straps of a certain 2010s staple.

Still relying on that trusty Radley handbag? That might just be a sign to update your 'bag-drobe'. While their bags were once a symbol of style and success, the brand no longer carries the same fashion kudos and can even feel a little dated.

As for other formerly 'It' handbags, it's bad news for Michael Kors, whose bags feel just as relevant as a CD. Nostalgia has little place in your outfits; why not keep it in the back of your wardrobe instead?

And while the Marc Jacobs tote bag still has its moment, the less said for other bags, including 'Marc by Marc Jacobs', the better. 

If you're now wondering what you should be carrying all of your daily essentials in, don't worry. We've compiled a list of the 'In' handbag brands and styles that have been royal and A-lister approved. 

European label DeMellier is loved by the celebs including The Devil Wears Prada trio, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Meryl Streep who have all been papped carrying a bag from the brand. 

Aspinal of London is a brand not only adored by the royals - Zara Tindall owns a healthy collection of their handbags - but also supermodels Gigi Hadid and Emily Ratajkowsi as well as Selena Gomez.

Fairfax & Favor is another royal-approved brand potentially for its chic country heritage style often sported by the likes of the Princess of Wales and Duchess of Edinburgh. 

The little-known Dragon Diffussion is a quiet achiever with its Bottega Veneta-style bags and purses that fashion-lovers ought to explore while Mulberry remains a strong favourite with its timelessly elegant designs. 

Another royal-loved handbag brand to keep an eye on is Scottish-designed bags of Strathberry that can elevated almost any outfit. 

DeMellier

DeMellier is a London-based handbag brand that A-list celebs and royals cannot get enough of. The brand was founded in 2017 and has since been worn by the likes of Anne Hathaway, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Emily Ratajkowski.  

Kate Middleton has been a long-time fan of the brand, having worn the DeMellier Nano Montreal bag since 2021. Most recently, she was spotted carrying the bag at Wimbledon over the summer. The princess also wore the DeMellier Small Hudson bag in mocha brown suede at the Christmas Day service at Sandringham in 2025.

Some of its most popular styles include 'The New York Tote', with a structured shape and spacious inside. And, with prices starting at £395, DeMellier's handbags feel like a more accessible option to a well-made and beautiful bag.

The brand's six most popular styles... 

Aspinal of London

Zara Tindall is no stranger to Aspinal of London handbags. In fact, the royal has almost 50 styles in her wardrobe, including the Mini Mayfair handbag in burgundy as well as more practical styles that include the Soho Crescent and City Holdall.

Princess Kate is another firm fan of the brand and has been seen carrying the Mini Mayfair in black five times between 2018 and 2022. 

But it's not just the royals who are obsessed with Aspinal. Across the pond, Hollywood A-listers have been seen carrying Aspinal bags. Even megastar Taylor Swift was spotted carrying the Trunk clutch bag while out with Travis Kelce in 2025.

Fairfax & Favor  

Fairfax & Favor is quintessentially British, known for its country-to-town lifestyle wear. Its also quintessentially royal, with Zara Tindall appointed as an official brand ambassador in March 2025.

Unsurprisingly, she wears their bags a lot. Some of her favourite styles include the Connie bag, the Mini Loxley in brown croc and perhaps the most aptly named, the Mini Windsor. 

So, in royal dressing 101, Fairfax & Favor would appear top of the list. 

Strathberry

Strathberry is another 'In' handbag brand that has received the royal stamp of approval. The bags, designed in Scotland, have been worn on multiple occasions by the Princess of Wales, who particularly favours the Strathberry Multrees Chain Wallet. 

Zara Tindall has also worn the brand, recently carrying the Strathberry Mosaic Nano bag at Wimbledon this summer.

Exuding grace, style and elegance, it's easy to see why the brand is a favourite of the royals. Strathberry is timeless and is sure to royally elevate any outfit.

Dragon Diffusion

Specialising in woven leather handbags, Dragon Diffusion's selection of gorgeous totes and bags are easily wearable but will definitely make you look like you know more about fashion than you otherwise do (or don't!).

The bags can be dressed up and down as has been showcased by the celebs and royals who have carried them. 

Dakota Johnson, on the other hand, was spotted wearing the Santa Croe Woven Handbag in 2022 with a much more casual, monochrome black look.

Mulberry

Mulberry is a classic brand that is still just as relevant (and stylish) today. Princess Kate has worn a selection of Mulberry handbags, including the Mulberry Amberley satchel she wore during a visit to Northern Ireland earlier this month.

In fact, Kate's relationship with Mulberry predates that of the royal family. The Princess (before she was a Princess) frequently wore the Mulberry Araline Satchel and Mulberry Hellier Tote.

The Mulberry Amberley clutch was also Zara Tindall's choice for the Royal Ascot in 2025 and 2026. 

Our takeaway? Royal or not, Mulberry has continued to stand the test of time.