Our annual summer bag report is here, chock full of summery options from boardwalk to boardroom, formal events to your day to day go-to…

We’re only a third of the way into 2024, and already it’s turning into a bold year. Denim for evening wear? Giant gold lobsters as a necklace? Fancy mesh footwear? A statement year like this deserves some equally fresh handbag trends. But fear not, there’s also plenty of returning main characters that have no intention of leaving our arm cradling anytime soon.

Ready to dive into ten of the biggest trends for the summer season? Let’s go!

WEAVING A TALE

Speaking of perennial favorites, woven bags tend to naturally peak in summer months. Something about being surrounded by tropical Tiki umbrellas and seagrass rugs gets our adrenaline going for raffia and rattan. This season is no different, but in a twist, we’re expanding into all sorts of fun materials including leathers, vegan synthetics, and much more.

Case in point, this natural straw clutch from Nina gets a touch of bling, courtesy of a few, well intentionally placed glass crystals. At 11.5″ x 7.5″ it’s perfectly sized to carry your necessities for a daytime lunch, or a warm night out. The delicate, silver chain optional strap is a great alternative for those who prefer to go hands free.

Nina, Xyla-Natural Straw Slim Clutch $68

Not only does this roomy tote look great as a weekend bag, it’s also made from super strong and water resistant poly-straw, making it an ideal beach bag too!

Sun N’ Sand, Woven Poly Straw Tote $44

This soft, woven leather belt bag is just in for the season from Hobo, but we have a feeling it’s about to become your new fav hands-free casual bag for years to come…

Hobo, Juno Belt Bag in Wave Weave Leather

$248

Combining two trends in one, this woven tote by Chloe has a timeless basket shape combined with the iconic Woody’s ribbon, this time in interwoven denim. Bonus – the basket is made from upcycled materials by independent craftswomen in Kenya.

Chloe, Large Woody Tote Bag $990

Finally, it wouldn’t be a summer bag piece if we didn’t have a color pop. This top handle woven bag from Boston Proper is just that. With the beaded gem top handle and fresh, grassy green straw exterior, it’s a fantastic way to instantly update your wardrobe for the year. It’s also quite practical, as it comes with a sewn interior that zip-closes the purse for protection and has two interior pockets for safe-keeping those smaller items.

Boston Proper, Gem Top Handle Woven Bag    $120

DIVING INTO THE BLUE

There’s no shortage of color options this year, but there’s definitely one shade that’s surfacing (heh) as the clear favorite. Ranging from icy pastel, to bold cobalt, to all manner of (you guessed it) denim hues, the color blue is the cool, reigning queen for summer 2024.

Not too dark, not too light, this perfect Azure blue bag by J. McLaughlin is also a great medium size (15″ W x 10″ H) that makes it an easy option for the office or the day-to-day. Supple woven leather, it has a quick-close magnetic top and a removable zipper pouch inside.

J. McLaughlin, Mega Tessare Woven Leather Handbag $498

On the lighter side, this drapey aquamarine shoulder bag by M. Gemi cools things down in soft Italian nubuck leather. Handmade in Abruzzo, Italy, the sizing is a generous 9.8″ high and 16.9″ long.

M. Gemi, The Elettra Shoulder Bag $348

If darker hues are your preference, this medium-sized, dark denim tote may be your huckleberry. The silhouette is structured, but doesn’t take itself too seriously, making it a great option for casual events, weekend wanderings and travel.

Hobo, Bellamy Medium Tote in Dark Denim $198

The sky is the limit in where you can take this supple Saffiano tote from Dooney & Bourke. Sleek and minimal, this 12.75″ long by 10.75″ high, structured tote is pretty enough for upscale events, but its durable coated leather will continue to look great even with everyday wear. The sky blue and gold hardware combo are a classic look you’ll be happy to shoulder for years to come.

Dooney & Bourke, Saffiano Wren Zip Top $209 (on Sale NOW from $388)

Finally, for those who crave a familiar luxury silhouette in this season’s “it” color, this long bag from Jacquemus is up for grabs. Italian pebbled leather in icy blue, this one is quite the show stopper.

Jacquemus, Le Chiquito Long Leather Shoulder Bag $559.99 (on Sale NOW from $800)

FEELING SLOUCHY

When it comes to popularity, slouchy bags are no slouch (again with the puns). Their malleable shape makes for easy stashing of items within, and (mostly) easy carrying. Perhaps their only challenge is when it comes to placing them, as they’re much better hanging from a hook than left to their own devices – i.e. oozing into a puddle on the table, desk or floor.

Starting with this smooth operator from The Row. Not only is it generous in size (18″ H x 17″ W), its triangular dimensions make it easy to carry and gently fold under the arm (thanks to soft nappa leather).

The Row, Bindle 3 in Black $2,250

This combination of canvas and leather from Rebecca Minkoff makes for one strong and durable bag, perfect for the office. It also comes with two strap options, a shorter, traditional shoulder length version and a longer, crossbody option.

Rebecca Minkoff, M.A.B. Surplus Crossbody $298

If versatility is high on your list, The Laura from M. Gemi is your new BFF. This tan beauty is large enough to carry your laptop, cosmetic bag, water bottle, and all the little essentials, with several compartments to keep you organized and on the go. But the truly cool option is the strap, which can be worn as a shoulder bag tote, or with a simple sliding of the arms into the side straps – presto! it’s now a totally hands free backpack. Talk about a two in one!

M. Gemi, The Laura Convertible Backpack $298

This lovely, white leather woven bag by Walter Baker is a great medium size bag, perfect for all those summer events from backyard barbecues to warm weather weddings.

Walter Baker, Hazel Woven Leather Hobo $119.99 (on Sale NOW from $398)

Finally, if you’re on the hunt for that perfect travel bag that can handle all your essentials, keep them safe and look chic while doing it, Elie Tahari’s raffia tote bag has you covered. Made from high quality, resilient raffia and Italian leather, this bag offers a drawstring knot closure top to keep all your stuff inside.

Elie Tahari, Raffia Tote Bag $598

STRUCTURED BAGS

As so often happens, for every one type of trending option that comes out, there is an equally popular yet opposite option. This season’s counter to the slouchy is the structured. From sleek, angular rectangles and trapezoids to rounded, hard surfaces, the structured shape bag stands (literally and figuratively) on its own this season.

One of the freshest examples of the structural bag is the instantly iconic Egg Bag by Lemaire. Featuring a hard molded exterior, courtesy of smooth leather worked over a metal structure, it’s a study in modern minimalism.

Lemaire, Egg Bag $1,800

For the more classic, top-handle trapezoidal satchel bag, there are plenty to pick from. But once our editors laid eyes on Spanish brand TOUS’s elegant Lucia city bag, we were instantly smitten. The goldilocks medium size, the distinctive cool slate grey color, and coated matching chain all came together to create something both familiar and unique.

TOUS, Lucia City Bag $335

For the gal on the go who likes to travel light but still keep things organized, this compact crossbody by Dooney & Bourke is an exceptional choice. With two outside pockets, three inside pockets, two inside zip pockets, and an inside ID card slot that holds up to sixteen cards, this bag makes carrying a purse and wallet pretty much obsolete. No wonder it’s one of the brand’s Best Sellers.

Dooney & Bourke, Belvedere Ambler $208.50    (on Sale NOW from $278)

Getting boxed in isn’t usually considered a good thing, unless of course you’re talking about this trunk-inspired crossbody by Rebecca Minkoff. This small but mighty fellow (9.25″ long by 5.75″ tall) called The Darren, has just enough space for your essentials, but is certainly big on character.

Rebecca Minkoff, Darren Top Handle Crossbody $228

CURVED CONVERSATIONS

From slightly curved to completely circular, our love of rounded bags is strong this year.

Starting with this round and rosy beauty of an evening clutch from Nina. Rouge red satin adorned by a gorg crystal flower, it’s right on-trend for anyone who loves their rosettes.

Nina, Flores Red Rouge Crystal Embellished Flower Minaudiere $118

Elie Tahari’s perfect half circle makes for a great day to day option…

Elie Tahari, Crossbody Chain Bag $313.60

(on Sale NOW from $448)

As does this cute, denim Canteen crossbody bag we found on Target for a steal…

Universal Thread, Canteen Crossbody Bag $25

This frothy feathered crescent bag, also from Nina, is giving Best Dressed Wedding Guest energy.

Nina, Splash Pearl Rose Feather Adorned Kiss $128

And finally, this petite black circle bag from Dagne Dover is a simple, elegant go-to you can take from casual day into Friday date night without missing a beat.

Dagne Dover, Luna Shoulder Bag $50 (on Sale NOW from $125)

THE DAYTIME CLUTCH

Not just for evenings anymore, the clever clutch is going daytime in medium to large sizes, and in delightfully soft and squishy silhouettes.

Like a slice of icy blue sky, Mansur Gavriel’s Cloud Clutch is equally sculptural and cute.

Mansur Gavriel, Mini Cloud Clutch $545

This marvelous magenta mini hobo from Shiraleah on the other hand, is quite the color punch.

Shiraleah, Milano Mini Hobo Bag $45.99 (on Sale NOW from $64)

Clean and sleek, this vegan leather clutch from Calvin Klein adds a touch of silver metal hardware.

Calvin Klein, Logo-Lettering Clutch $195

Nicely neutral in buttery beige, this drapey, slouchy clutch is from Coccinelle’s new season.

Coccinelle, Drap Leather Clutch Bag $280

Finally, Adriana Degreas’ abstract shell-inspired clutch in pretty olive will be an excellent addition to your new bag rotation.

Adriana Degreas, Shell Couro Leather Clutch Bag $364

EXTRA LARGE & IN CHARGE

Shopper style, ruched totes and structured squares are just a few of “bigger is better” bags that continue to grace our shoulders as 2024 continues. These large fellows are proof that you can take it with you.

Starting with this versatile monster tote from TOUS. At 12″ x 15″ there’s plenty of room for all your work items and/or weekend pieces too. Comes with shopper style top handles and an optional shoulder strap.

TOUS, Large La Rue Amaya Shopping Bag $299

Prefer a more traditional structured style? The 10.75″ x 12.75″ Wren tote offers a secure zip top, plenty of pockets (including one outside and three inside), and all the impeccable hardwear and tailoring the Dooney & Bourke brand is known for.

Dooney & Bourke, Saffiano Wren Zip Top $290 (on Sale NOW from $388)

Of course if you prefer size over structure, this 11.8″ x 21.5″ slouchy tote from Mansur Gavriel is big enough to handle your 16″ laptop and still have room left for notebooks, keys and your wallet. This delightful desert brown is an editorial favorite.

Mansur Gavriel, Dolly Everyday Soft Tote $795

One of the reasons large totes are big news during summer has a lot to do with items we’re looking to stash as we head outdoors for travel, adventure, or just a great day of fun. In that spirit, Matisse’s woven tote comes in at a generous 13″ by 20″ to give you room for running errands, a jaunt to the pool or beach, or anything else in-between. Comes in 2 other color options (natural and tan) but this blushing shell pink version captured our attention.

Matisse, Lagoon Vegan Tote Bag $48

Finally, leave it to Lemaire to take their cult-classic croissant bag and re-imagine it in super sized proportions. Made from water repellent finished padded nylon, this version differs from the smaller, leather version with the addition of embroidered eyelets and laces along the sides that allow its volume to be adapted. Size-wise it comes in at a decent 12.5″ x 21″ which is definitely enough to hold all your daily items.

Lemaire, Soft Game Bag in Clay $855

STILL CRAY FOR Y2K

If you bet that the Y2k obsession would have moved on by now, well, maybe it’s time to step away from the table. Soaring into summer, the return of the streamlined, under-the-armpit style bag is back. Whether you prefer just the inspiration of the shape, or infatuated with having the real-deal, there’s a beautiful bag to be had.

Starting with the handbag that launched a thousand “it’s not a bag…” memes. SATC fans can tell you that when it comes to *it* bags, the Fendi baguette ruled. And while the coveted purple and pink sparkly version are sold out on a regular basis, this equally eye-catching version in raspberry pink is yours for the taking right now.

Fendi, Baguette Embossed FF Shoulder Bag $3,530

Another major silhouette of the era was the crescent shape. From Coach to Chanel, brands embraced the half-moon shape that, of course, also tucked so nicely up under the arm. Marc Jacobs’ silvery mesh beauty is a perfect example.

Marc Jacobs, The Rhinestone Curve Bag $550

As is this cute, woven version from Nine West.

Nine West, Kyelle Woven Mini Shoulder Bag $59.25

Another Y2K favorite was the ‘belted bag’ which sported a streamlined form with a large buckle in the front. This extremely affordable version from Micas shows this silhouette off beautifully.

Micas, Faux Leather Belted Shoulder Bag $15

Craving the vintage version? We found this Certified Authentic pink and tan Coach bag from Goodwill online that will satisfy your hunger for the “real” deal…

Coach, Authentic Pink & Tan Baguette Bag

$159.99

SNAKING AROUND

Jumping straight from the 2024 shoe trend bandwagon, snake skin is heading to handbags. Not since early 2010 have we seen so much skin.

Starting with this colorful creature by Hobo that uses nicely neutral tones…

Hobo, Render Shoulder Bag in Printed Leather $318

Like your snake print more of a cool customer? This sweet shoulder bag from The Kooples has you covered.

The Kooples, Emily Chain Bag in Blue Python Print $595

Khaite’s new season clutch also comes in a python-effect print.

Khaite, The Aimee Python Effect Clutch $2,200

Like to try out the trend but not looking for a big investment? This rust and cedar toned clutch by Themoire gives you all the chic look without the heavy price tag.

Themoire, Dioni Snakeskin Effect Clutch $199