Carryalls, east-west silhouettes, slouchy top handles, croc-effect leather, half-moon shapes and minaudières are the bag trends to know this fall. One bag from each family covers most of what you need. Brunello Cucinelli's chocolate suede tote, Simkhai's black east-west River Moto clutch, Dragon Diffusion's burgundy woven Santa Croce tote and Staud's red beaded Pesce clutch are a good start.

Long, narrow bags look sleek tucked under the arm. Savette's light brown suede Slim Symmetry Pochette and Bottega Veneta's east-west Andiamo tote are the everyday options, while Jacquemus's croc-effect Bambino and Victoria Beckham's brown Dorian clutch are better for evenings.

Croc-effect leather makes a simple shape look richer. Demellier's dark brown Midi Hudson tote and Toteme's belted croc-effect tote are the practical choices, while Tom Ford's chocolate Arc shoulder bag and Stella McCartney's snake-print Falabella clutch add some polish.

A slouchy top handle is the relaxed alternative to a structured bag. Balenciaga's large Le City Hobo and Proenza Schouler's ruched suede tote are the roomier options, while Victoria Beckham's gray Victoria Soft tote and Savette's black Soft Symmetry bag are more compact.

Evening bags are having fun this season. Pucci's printed silk-twill clutch and Carolina Herrera's floral-embellished Pats clutch bring colour, McQueen's croc-effect Skull clutch adds edge, and Judith Leiber Couture's pink Pomegranate minaudière is the showpiece.

Bag trends can be tempting because they are easy to spot, but the best bag is still the one that fits your day. If you take one thing away, let it be that shape matters more than finish: a slouchy top handle or a big carryall will get more use than a novelty clutch for most people. Croc-effect leather is the easiest trend to fold in, since it looks polished in any colour. We would skip very long east-west styles if you carry a lot, since they hold less than they seem to. Choose one everyday bag and one evening bag and let them do the work.