We’re less than a week into 2024 and I’ve already found the accessory that’s going to be everywhere this year.
For the last 12 months, the Uniqlo crossbody has dominated the city scene, but this year, it’s a more luxe-looking bag that’s going to take social media and your wardrobes by storm.
Marks and Spencer has released an oversized quilted shoulder bag that comes in at £35 and looks strikingly similar to the Cos Oversized Quilted Crossbody, which has been seen slung across the shoulders of celebrities and influencers in their droves.
At £85, it’s one of those cool-girl accessories that was just out of reach for many, but Marks and Spencer’s lookalike purse is the perfect alternative that’s accessible, stylish and practical.
Rivalling the roomy, well-hyped handbag the high street favourite’s Nylon Quilted Shoulder Bag is priced at a purse-friendly £35, making it £50 cheaper than the highly sought-after COS creation. The zip-up bag boasts a popcorn-style quilting similar to seersucker bedding, which M&S says ‘lends a modern edge to this nylon shoulder bag’.
The half-moon shape is generously sized with enough room for a laptop, making it ideal for taking to the office, using to carry all of your daily essentials, a boujee gym bag or even as a weekend bag.
Inside, there’s a convenient zipped slip pocket for keeping valuables like your phone and headphones safe. One of the only difference is that the handle on the M&S bag is much shorter, making it a shoulder bag rather than a crossbody like Cos’, however, we did find one on Amazon for under £25 with a longer handle, if that was a deal-breaker.
The coveted Cos bag has become a viral sensation for very good reason, loved by celebrities like Trinny Woodall, who recently raved about the sell out silver version on her Instagram. The £85 bag now comes in white, black, silver and blue – all of which are sold out – as well as a new burgundy shade. Meanwhile, M&S’s is currently available in cream, black and pink.
The M&S alternative is bound to go with almost every outfit, and is an on-trend option for those who want to stay ahead in the style game without breaking the bank. Whether you're a seasoned trendsetter or a budget-conscious shopper, M&S has your back – or, in this case, your shoulder. You can shop the Nylon Quilted Shoulder Bag here.
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