From cavernous and slouchy to metallic and structured,it's time for mama to get a brand new bag this season.

Where exactly would a woman be without her most beloved of all fashion accessories, the handbag? Not only is it incredibly functional, allowing us to carry around everything that fits into it, including make-up, wallet, mobile phone and, if the moment takes us, the kitchen sink, but it also serves as a wonderful way of achieving that up-to-date look without spending an absolute fortune.

And best of all, a good bag will last a whole season.

This autumn and winter, bags are making a statement with metallic shades, different fabrics, like velvet, and bag charms.

First off the shelf, (or more fittingly, the shoulder), are oversized, slouchy bags.

Deep and cavernous, you might find yourself getting lost inside all the room these bags provide, and you can take pride in having a key accessory for this season's look.

Liven up any outfit with Cherokee's teal velvet bag, £12 at Tesco, Marks & Spencer's teal slouchy suede bag, £59, or Warehouse's three-ring scoop bag, £20, in the season's hottest colour, purple.

Alternatively, opt for a personal favourite, the suede gathered hobo bag, £40, from Accessorize.

Brown is a perennial autumn favourite, so embrace its arrival with Faith's Becky tan suede large shoulder bag, £30, or River Island's tan suede necklace bag, £39.99.

If you prefer darker hues, take a look at Oasis' brown suede and leather saddle bag, £65 or Principles' chocolate plaited-handle slouch bag, £22.

And black is back this season, so Dorothy Perkins' applique bag, £18, will see you through the colder months.

To add some glitz to your outfit, opt for a metallic bag. River Island's purple metallic slouch bag covers all the trends of the season and is a bargain at £29.99.

Accessorize's metallic hobo bag, £20, Dorothy Perkins' gold charm detail slouch bag, £22, and Next's gold metallic leather snake effect bag, £89.99, are perfect for encompassing both the metallic and slouchy trends.

For those looking for a bag to make an impression, Faith's Kelly silver fabric ruched detail shoulder bag, £20, and Principles' green wow' bead bag, £37, are sure to reap compliments.

If you prefer to have everything in its place, then a structured bag is more likely to be your preferred choice, as opposed to the slouchy bags which may well require a topological map to get around.

Along with the return of feminine, tailored clothes this season, the traditional framed bag is the perfect accessory for autumn.

Cross-body bags are really in demand this autumn. Next offers a choice in tan or black, for £10.99.

Combine the metallic and ladylike trends with Dorothy Perkins' gold snakeskin buckle bag, £25, or Gap's tweed frame tote in green or burgundy, £34.

Alternatively, introduce some colour with Next's purple suede bag, £54.99, or Principles' red big pocket bag, £27. But if you prefer subtle, check out Faith's dark brown Victoria bag with pockets, £25 or Oasis' black suede studded bag, £50.