Becksöndergaard Skyway Blue Grid Josie Bag

Big bags are surprisingly hard to get right. They're either too floppy, too heavy, or they look as though you're carrying your entire life around with you. This avoids all three.

The first thing I noticed was the check. Sky blue and chocolate brown isn't a combination you see very often, which is exactly why it works. It feels fresh without being seasonal, and graphic without shouting. I'd happily carry this with denim and knitwear now, but it'd look just as good with a simple black coat once autumn really arrives.

It's properly roomy too. Not "fits your essentials" roomy. Properly roomy. Laptop, notebook, water bottle, cardigan, the bits you inevitably end up carrying for everyone else... it all fits without feeling like you're dragging around an oversized shopper.

Inside, Becksöndergaard have thought about the practical side as well. There's a zipped pocket for the things you don't want disappearing to the bottom, along with additional compartments that make finding your keys or phone a lot less frustrating.

For me, the best bags are the ones you don't have to think about. You grab them because they work, then months later you realise you've carried the same bag almost every day. This has that sort of feeling.