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I can’t believe this luxury-looking M&S bag is only £45

Marks & Spencer's new statement bag could be mistaken for designer.

(Marks & Spencer / Yahoo Life UK)
There's a reason this bag from M&S is being described as the must-have accessory for spring. (Marks & Spencer / Yahoo Life UK)

Marks & Spencer has taken accessorising to new heights this season with the launch of its latest luxury-looking bag: a bold red braided shoulder bag that is sure to be the talking point of your spring wardrobe.

Quick overview

Possibly one of my favourite finds this spring, it costs just £45 and features a very on-trend woven design (similar-looking designer options cost up to an eye-watering £1,970). M&S's version may be affordable, but that doesn't mean it's short on luxury finishes, from its gorgeous braided fabric to a practical magnetic fastening.

Making waves online and now sold out on M&S's website — although we have a sneaky feeling it will be restocked in no time — it's left shoppers excited to style it, with some even stating that they've already had "lots of great comments about it".

The ongoing hype over this bag aside, I decided I wanted to go see it in person. And let's just say it's just as good, maybe even better, than I had imagined.

🛍️ Product reviewed: Braided Top Handle Shoulder Bag
Rating: 4/5
💸 Reasons to buy: Looks a lot more expensive that it is, designer-style, lots of room
Reasons to avoid: No internal pockets or compartments

Add a pop of red to your wardrobe with this designer-style shoulder bag from M&S. 

£45 at Marks & Spencer

💸 Reasons to buy

First off, it looks the part. Replicating that designer-style we see from many luxury brands, it features a gorgeous braided fabric hand-woven to create a slouchy, chic-looking shoulder bag.

The bag itself is roomy enough to fit all of your essentials thanks to its oversized shape, and it's great for adding a pop of colour to an otherwise neutral outfit.

The bag is the perfect statement spring accessory. (Yahoo Life UK)
The bag is the perfect statement spring accessory. (Yahoo Life UK)
(Yahoo Life UK)
Give that luxury look for less. (Yahoo Life UK)

£45 at M&S

The cherry red hue has also made an impression on shoppers, with multiple comments noting its vibrancy. After seeing the bag in person, I would have to agree!

I styled it with Marks & Spencer's Pure Cotton Textured Midi Tiered Dress in black and a pair of basic white trainers to add a flash of colour, but I can see it looking just as nice teamed with some light wash jeans and a t-shirt for everyday wear.

(Marks & Spencer)
Dress up an otherwise plain outfit with this gorgeous bright red shoulder bag. (Marks & Spencer)
(Marks & Spencer)
It comes with a single top handle and magnetic fastening. (Marks & Spencer)

Shop now Browse all M&S bags

In terms of quality, the bag also felt first-class. It had a good weight to it and perched comfortably over the shoulder.

Hugely on-trend right now, this bag earns major points for style and value.

Reasons to avoid

My only gripe would have to be the shortage of compartments and pockets inside actual the bag, which would have been good for storing small everyday items like your keys or phone.

Another thing to note is the magnetic fastening, a zip might have been a safer choice. But even so, that didn't stop me from falling in love with this fashionable pick from M&S.

Shop now: Braided Top Handle Shoulder Bag | £45 from Marks & Spencer

More great value designer-style bags from M&S

If you want that same aesthetic for even less, or maybe you didn't nab the red version in time, M&S is also stocking a number of other gorgeous designer-style bags, including this Woven Braided Grab Bag.

Available in two colours for just £35, it's woven with an intricate braided pattern and comes with a secure magnetic fastening.

Marks & Spencer

A great everyday black bag that will instantly elevate your outfit. 

£35 at Marks & Spencer
Marks & Spencer

Standout in orange with this handmade grab bag. 

£35 at Marks & Spencer