Our annual summer bag report is here with 23 must have bags for summer 2023.
As the weather starts to heat up, it’s time to start thinking about updating your handbag from winter to summer. With a few simple changes, you’ll be ready for the season in style. Summer handbags are designed to be lightweight and feature bright colors and fun prints to reflect the warm weather and sunny vibe of the season. Investing in a summer handbag is a great way to show off your personality and add a pop of color to your wardrobe.
Whether you’re looking for something small and stylish or a large carry-all, there are plenty of options on the market right now. Our editors have twenty-three amazing bags perfect for you summer.
BEYOND THE BEACH
Of course, summer and beach bags go together like margaritas and lime. But this season, we’re not limiting these beauties to *just* the beach. These sturdy and stylish bags are making their way into mainstream everyday looks, showcasing plenty of smart storage, playful color pops and a joie de vivre that says “even at my 9 to 5, I’ve got my beachy vibes”.
Starting with this crisp white delight from Dagne Dover. Made from 100% organic cotton, it’s easy to keep clean and fresh with a quick hand wash and soap. Four generous outside pockets for quick grab items, there’s also two interior pockets and an interior sleeve pocket that can hold up to a 16″ laptop. Perfect for the beach, weekend errands or the office.
Dagne Dover, Vida Tote $175
Here’s a spring bloom you can carry all season. This large nylon tote from Dooney & Bourke’s collab with Italian handbag company Roberta Pieri has a spacious interior with two large interior pockets to carry various items and plenty of room in the center for work necessities, gym items or your fav beach accessories. The nylon is water resistant inside and out.
Dooney & Bourke + Roberta Pieri, Large Classic Robertina Tote $250
Created from natural woven straw and trimmed out in polished leather, this terrific top handle tote from Hobo bags will look just as great poolside as it does on your desk.
Hobo Bags, Sheila Bucket Bag in Natural Straw $248
Stylish and sleek, this elevated beach bag by M. Gemi is made from tightly woven, natural Italian raffia. You may find you have to come up with reasons not to use it all season long.
M. Gemi, The Vania Tote $248
Nicely neutral, this hand-crocheted tote from The Sak has a casual confidence that makes it easy to pair with your favorite summer maxi for weekend fun or down to the shore for some sunshine lounging.
The Sak, Casual Classics Crochet Tote $79
STYLISHLY SLOUCHY
Yes, the “big bag bug” bit us all a while ago, and nope…we’re no way done with it yet. Especially as we head into the summer months, when our list of carry items starts to escalate. Water bottle, sunscreen, etc, etc. What sets this season a bit apart though, is we’re really looking for slouch. As in folded, teardrop shapes, and lots of texture.
Supersoft Italian leather in a sophisticated teal for summer. This top-knotted large leather bag by Elie Tahari puts the fashion in function.
Elie Tahari, Large Knot Leather Handbag $336
It’s like finding that amazing vintage purse with heavy 70s vibes…without all the hours lost in search of it.
Amerileather, Brown Spirit Leather Tote $49.99
We love a great multi-tasker, and this beautiful blue bag from M.Gemi is exactly that. Carry it as a slouchy tote, or slip your arms through the straps and wear it as a backpack. Supple Italian leather feels great as move hand free between destinations.
M. Gemi, The Laura Convertible Backpack $298
Talk about a color pop! Khaite’s new season of bags comes in several colors ranging from neutral to bold. Our current favorite is this unabashedly bright purple suede version.
Khaite, Lotus Suede Tote Bag $2,500
Finally, we have a study in minimalism. This sculptural bag from MM6 Maison Margiela juxtaposes a slouchy silhouette with structured triangular lines. Like great wabi-sabi art, somehow these opposites come together to be greater than the sum of their parts.
MM6 Maison Margiela, Triangle Pebble Tote $440
BUCKETS OF FUN
With all sorts of surfaces from bright suedes to canvas, the practical but fun bucket bag is back in a big way this season.
Like this not too big, not too small, spicy orange sling bucket bag from Dagne Dover. It has a plethora of pockets inside (plus two mesh fellows at the front and a discreetly hidden phone pocket along the back). All that and each bag is made from 7 recycled plastic bottles. What more could you want? Well…how about getting it on sale?
Dagne Dover, Nova Sling Bag $89
(on Sale NOW from $155)
We voted this little bucket from TOUS to be ‘most mauve-lous’ (ouch…that’ll be enough of that). The tiny monogramed logo creates an almost three dimensional looking pattern play. Medium sized, it makes a great day-to-day bag.
TOUS, Mauve Cecilia Bucket Bag $279
From the bamboo handle to the grasscloth and pebble grain leather, this neutral bucket bag by J. McLaughlin packs a lot of tactile punch in a 10w x 14h size. Pretty neat!
J. McLaughlin, Baccara Leather Grasscloth Bucket Bag $268
Looking for a quality vegan leather bag that will last year after year? This adorbs mini bucket bag by Mansur Gavriel is actually made from recycled apple skins. Fr! Who knew a material like that would turn out to be super durable, plus waterproof, and look absolutely fabulous.
Mansur Gavriel, Apple Leather Mini Bucket Bag $495
Finally, this cheery burst of yellow sunshine by Jimmy Choo, simply sings summertime to us.
Jimmy Choo, Bon Bon Raffia Bucket Bag $1,199.99
(on Sale NOW From $1,650)
CUTE & QUILTED
This summer, there’s a whole lotta quilting going on. This playful pattern with its comfy texture leans right into our continuing desire for all things cozy. Rest assured, whatever your handbag silhouette preference is, there’s a quilted version just waiting for you.
Of course, one cannot think of quilted without the OG coming to mind. This taupey tote from the one and only Chanel is the neutral investment piece you’ll carry now and for years to come.
Chanel, Quilted Lambskin Medium Cambon Tote $1,600
On the other side, we have this futuristic, exaggerated quilt bag from Vic Matie’s new season. Truly a unique piece for the very unique you.
Vic Matie, Quilted Leather Tote Bag $499
This charming little jelly bag from Versona can be carried either as a crossbody or as a top handle. At only 5.75″ x 6.5″ it’s an ideal companion on those days when you’re traveling light.
Versona, Quilted Jelly Bucket Bag $19.99
Give your mood a little boost with a bright, gorgeous bag from V°73. The fun lock and key chain hardware keeps things playful and has us daydreaming of running barefoot across young, summer grass.
V°73, Imalia Quilted Handbag $175
Finally, this artfully crafted, chevroned bag by Quince will be your new BFF for all those upcoming summer weddings and events. The toasted taupe color will go with just about everything in your closet.
Quince, Italian Leather Quilted Bag $89.90
BAG YOURSELF A PARTY
Perhaps one of the biggest indicators to the return to normal…the going out bag is officially back on the trending menu.
If you’re looking for the poster child, look no further than this beauty by Karl Lagerfeld. Iconic Y2K inspired details such as the turn lock, the leather woven chain and a plethora of candy-colored crystal hearts. As Paris would say…that’s hot.
Karl Lagerfeld, Agyness Shoulder Bag $268
Craving something with a bit more metallic edge? Parisian brand, The Kooples, are happy to oblige you. Bright aqua combined with dark gunmetal hardware…this number is CBGB ready.
The Kooples, Small Emily Clutch Bag $185
And of course…lest we forget…on Wednesdays, we wear pink.
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