In my opinion, any contender for the prime spot of “everyday handbag” has to tick a few boxes. It must be large enough to stow the daily essentials—I’m talking phone, keys, blusher, earphones and gum—without being so large as to make your shoulder hurt when wearing it. Comfort is key here, so a cross-body design is always a plus. Colour is important, too; something versatile or a brighter shade I love to wear. To find a daily bag that meets this criteria isn’t always easily done. So, you can imagine my delight when my colleague, deputy editor Maxine Eggenberger, turned me on to one she’d seen IRL in Marks & Spencer.

Whilst shopping in her local M&S store this week, she said she saw “at least six” people pick up the same bag which had been merched with different looks throughout the shop floor. “I know for a fact four of the people I saw bought them; they were in the queue at the same time as me,” she revealed. So, what does this M&S bag look like? My attention piqued, I asked her to send me the link. What I then saw was a bag I knew I’d get lots and lots of wear out of.

Featuring a thick strap that falls comfortably across the body and a neat zip closure for easy access, , Marks & Spencer’s sling cross body bag is the sort you can throw on and go with, not unlike Uniqlo’s cult crossbody of a similar shape. Its minimal detailing and impressive faux leather finish give it a high-end feel, while the chic colourways only add to the appeal. Personally I love the rich chocolate brown shade, but the trending bag also comes in black, orange and cream and is quickly becoming one of the brands new bestsellers.

Whilst crossbody bags have been trending for a few seasons now, practicality points mean that the beloved silhouette is here to stay. Large enough for a trip across town without every weighing you down, and styling well over my favourite trench coat and jeans, this crossbody might be the best one I’ve found.