In winter we're forced to cover up our lovely outfits in giant jackets and coats. So if anything needs to stand out, it's our accessories – specifically, our handbag.

Whether your bag is purely for show or whether it contains your entire life (laptop, wallet, make-up, tampons…), it's an essential for any style-conscious lady.

Here are a few we're dying to get our hands on this season…

1. The clutch
Unless you're seriously minimalist when it comes to personal possessions, a clutch bag is strictly for nights out, but it beats carrying your giant leather handbag through a nightclub any day.

Hard Glitter Clutch, €52, Warehouse

2. The shopper
A hold-all, functional bag will see you through well into next year. We love this leather and suede mix one:

Leather Suede Lucy Shopper, €69, Oasis

3. The satchel
Perfect for accessorising your winter woollies. How gorgeous is this structured burgundy one?

Panel Satchel, €29.99, New Look

4. The "holds everything, and I mean everything" bag
It's an overnight bag, an airplane carry-on and everything in between. We all need a bag with seemingly endless capacity for storage. So what if you need to replace the zip every once in a while?

Pebbled Faux Leather Tote, €25.45, Forever 21

5. The budget buy
If you're the kind of girl who wears a different bag with every outfit, budget buys are your best friend. We're in love with this navy snakeskin number:

Contrast Shopper, €22.99, New Look

6. The backpack
Festivals, nights out or general day to day wandering around – a backpack will see you through.

Pile Backpack, €29.99, H&M

7. The obligatory expensive one
A girl can dream…

Michael Kors Bedford Zip Top Satchel, €350, Brown Thomas