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Summer 2023 is finally here, which means it’s time to refresh with the best summer handbags to bring along your upcoming sunny adventures. This season, it’s all about fun, functional designs that spark joy in your closet.
Whether you’re about to embrace a beach bum lifestyle or you’ll be amassing frequent flyer points, your personal bag and summer companion should be on your same vibe. Outdoor fun in the sun can get messy with sand, water, and even sweat, so all summer handbags should come in durable, breathable materials that are easy to wipe clean.
There are infinite iterations of newly released summer bags to choose from, including straw bags, bucket bags, crossbody bags, sporty sling bags, chic top-handle bags, and trending oversized tote bags. There are even two-in-one bags that convert to a completely different silhouette that are ideal for travel. On runways, compact and convenient wristlets, clutches, and pochette bags were spotted on Khaite, Carolina Herrera, and Gabriela Heart’s spring 2023 shows, introducing the evening wear accessory to daytime function. In contrast, extra-large leather totes from Altuzarra and Proenza Schouler elevated the casual silhouette.
Shopping for handbags to style with effortless cute summer outfits is an opportunity to invite playful styles and natural elements into your wardrobe, like bright colors and prints, abstract shapes and structures, or beachy raffia and lightweight linen. Whether you’re shopping for wedding guest dresses for a busy season or searching for a fashionable carry-all bag to wear with beach outfits, we’ve got you covered.
We created this summer bag guide with expert tips and product picks to help you find the best bag to complement your summer fun.
Top Summer Handbags for 2023
- Best Clutch: Rebecca Minkoff Ruched Faux Leather Clutch
- Best Waterproof Tote: Naghedi NYC Nomad Hobo Bag
- Best Linen Bag: Jacquemus Le Papier Le Bambino Long Flap Bag
- Best Mesh Bag: Marc Jacobs The Medium Mesh Tote
- Best Denim Crossbody Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Edie Crossbody
- Best Sling Bag: BEIS Sport Sling Bag
- Best Knit Tote Bag: Longchamp Le Pilage Filet Knit Shoulder Bag
- Best Leather Bag: Altuzarra Parka Mini Bag
- Best Straw Tote: A.P.C. Zoe Small Panier Handbag
- Best Affordable Bag: Madewell Knotted Woven Leather Crossbody Handbag
- Best Convertible Bag: Reformation Medium Chiara Bag
- Best Wallet Bag: Tory Burch McGraw Leather Wallet Crossbody
- Best Basket Bag: Hunting Season Large Iraca Basket Handbag
- Best Leather Basket Bag: Dragon Diffusion Big Nantucket Woven Leather Basket Bag
- Best Fringe Summer Bag: Yuzefi Small Woven Faux Leather Basket Handbag
- Best Bucket Bag: The Row Sporty Leo Nylon Bucket Bag
- Best Knit Handbag: Marni Market Handbag in Brown Crochet
- Best Denim Bag: Acne Studios Mini Musubi Destroyed Denim Top Handle Bag
- Best Mini Bag: Staud Mini Moon Bag
- Best Straw Shoulder Bag: Saint Laurent Raffia Shoulder Bag
- Best Wristlet Bag: JW Anderson Chain Link Pochette Bag
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Rebecca Minkoff Ruched Faux Leather Clutch
Best Summer Clutch
- Size: 11″W x 6½”H x 4″D
- Materials: Polyurethane/polyester/cotton
- Colorways: Light Wisteria
- Special features: Tassel zipper pull
Embrace the Mermaidcore aesthetic with this Ruched Rebecca Minkoff Clutch. This compact style has a seashell-like design that’s made from a durable coated raffia. Surprisingly, the interior is big enough for a big wallet, your phone, and makeup essentials. Style with oversized sunglasses, a linen dress, and strappy espadrilles for your next summer soiree.
Naghedi NYC Nomad Hobo Bag
Best Waterproof Summer Tote Bag
- Size: 5.5″ x 15″ x 20″
- Materials: Neoprene
- Colorways: Ink Blue, Mink, Onyx
- Special features: Woven neoprene, magnetic snap closure, and matching interior zip pouch
Naghedi NYC’s Neoprene Nomad Hobo Bag is an easygoing, everyday tote to add flair to any casual summer outfit. It’s made of woven neoprene, so not only is the weave super durable and rip-proof, it’s also entirely waterproof. Whether this summer handbag is nestled under your arm as you run errands in the hot sun or along with you for a sunset cruise, there’s no sweating possible damage to your stylish bag. It also comes with a matching mini pouch to safely store beauty products, a digital camera, or other small essentials.
What reviewers say: One customer said, “Great bag. Lightweight and holds a lot. I like the small pouch that is included to stay organized. I traveled with it and it still looks pristine.” Another wrote, “Love this bag. Super comfortable to hold and I also really like the pouch insert. It can be used as a casual everyday bag or for a dressy occasion!”
Jacquemus Le Bambino Long Flap Bag
Best Linen Summer Shoulder Bag
- Size: 11″ x 5.25″ x 2.5″
- Materials: Linen, cotton, and acrylic
- Colorways: 20 available
- Strap drop: 8″
- Special Features: Detachable shoulder strap, fold over flap with magnetic closure, back patch pocket, interior card slot, and gold logo plaque
What’s more fitting than a linen bag for the summertime? Jacquemus’ Le Bambino Long Flap Bag invites lightweight textures to a medium-sized structure silhouette. It sits effortlessly on the shoulder or as a top-handle bag, with minimalist details in its fold-over flap, rear patch pocket, and gold logo plaque. Pair this bag with summer sandals and a sleek slip dress for an outdoor party or dinner date under the stars.
Marc Jacobs The Medium Mesh Tote
Best Mesh Summer Tote Bag
- Size: 13″ x 10″ x 5″
- Materials: Sheer mesh, leather
- Colorways: Yellow Multi, Bright Green, Pale Blue, and Blackout
- Strap drop: 18.5″
- Special Features: Zipper closure, detachable and adjustable shoulder strap, top handles, two interior slip pockets
Marc Jacobs’ The Medium Mesh Tote Bag is an ideal summer iteration from the label’s cult-favorite The Tote Bag series. It comes in sunny colorways that are practically begging to sit on a pool chair or beach towel. The flexible structure provides ample storage for a water bottle, swimsuit, and towel, and the breathable mesh makes it lightweight for carrying and easy to clean.
What reviewers say: One wrote, “I absolutely love this mesh tote. It is spacious and the strap is strong and sturdy so you can definitely wear it on the shoulder or as a crossbody.” Another said, “Love this bag. I was looking for a spring tote for work. It fits my computer and looks great for the price. Marc does it again! Get this now!”
Rebecca Minkoff Edie Crossbody
Best Denim Summer Crossbody Bag
- Size: 7.75″ x 6″ x 3.5″
- Materials: Chevron denim, satin lining
- Colorways: Denim
- Strap drop: 21.5″
- Special features: Silver chain link shoulder strap, detachable and adjustable denim shoulder strap, top zipper closure, interior zipper pocket
Denim is a timeless fabric that goes with everything and is a lightweight summer swap for your typical leather bag. This chevron-quilted denim Edie Crossbody from Rebecca Minkoff has a large interior pocket with silk lining, an adjustable strap, and a silver chain top-handle option. The texture naturally calls for casual outfits, such as a linen shirt and short set or an all-denim Canadian tuxedo, but the shiny hardware makes it versatile for elevated nighttime looks with mules and a mini skirt.
What reviewers say: One customer wrote, “Perfect denim bag. The chain makes it a bit more glam so you can wear it out and the denim goes with everything casual. Love it.”
BEIS Sport Sling Bag
Best Summer Sling Bag
- Size: 6.7″ x 8.2″ x 2.7″
- Materials: Nylon, lined with recycled polyester
- Colorways: Beigle, Black, and Slate
- Special Features: Dual front zipper pockets, adjustable shoulder strap with snap buckle closure, micro-fiber lined protective pocket, interior card slots, and water bottle pocket
Nylon sling bags are trending for summer 2023 because they can be worn for a workout, to a hike, or styled for a music festival. The Sport Sling Bag from BEIS has more pockets than meets the eye to store summer necessities like a water bottle, sunglasses, passport, camera, and even includes a built-in card organizer. It’s made with water-repellent nylon and lined with recycled polyester, so it’ll keep everything safe and snugly strapped to your chest. It comes in classic neutral colorways that can be worn with bike shorts, blue denim, or one of your best summer dresses.
What reviewers say: “Great quality and functionality! I especially love that one pocket has softer fabric which is perfect for sunglasses,” said one customer. Another said, “Amazing! Fits my 14 Pro Max iPhone perfectly and is the perfect sling. Also, the water bottle holder shockingly fits my 40 oz Stanley tumbler. I could not recommend more!”
Longchamp Le Pilage Filet Knit Shoulder Bag
Best Knit Summer Tote Bag
- Size: 12.2″ x 15″
- Materials: Cotton, leather
- Colorways: Ecru, Black, Lagoon, Green, Lilac, and Candy
- Strap drop: 2.5″
- Shoulder strap drop: 12″
- Special Features: Push-lock flap closure, top candle handle, shoulder straps
Longchamp’s Le Pilage Filet Knit Shoulder Bag is an elevated version of a classic net bag. The stretchable knit has boundless storage space for larger items, including anything from a beach towel, magazines, or an entire shopping haul. It has two straps that sit softly on the shoulder with push-lock closure to keep your items secure. This bag lends itself to casual daytime use, whether you’re hitting the pool in a bikini and flip-flops or walking along the boardwalk in Bermuda shorts and a cold drink in-hand.
What reviewers say: One customer said, “I was so excited to get this one. It is unlined but can be lined with a cute scarf if you need it. I got the Ercu color and can’t wait to use it all summer.” Another said, “Love this bag! It stretches to the size you need depending on what you put in it! Perfect bag for the beach and pool- sand does not get trapped in. I have received many compliments on this bag and only just started using it this week!”
Altuzarra Parka Mini Bag
Best Leather Summer Shoulder Bag
- Size: 12″ x 1.9″ x 5.5″
- Materials: Calf Leather
- Colorways: Anise, Black, Enoki, and Khaki
- Special features: Adjustable shoulder strap, multiple zip pockets, cording and braiding details; fold-over top with magnetic closure
The new Parka Mini Bag from Altuzarra is a structured, utilitarian shoulder bag with several handy pockets and adorable cording details to pair with edgy street style looks. It has an adjustable thick shoulder strap and comes in rich neutrals as well as this punchy green hue. Style this bold and trendy bag with a cargo midi skirt, cut-off denim shorts, or a form-fitting tank dress for outfits that go from day to night.
A.P.C. Zoe Small Panier Handbag
Best Straw Summer Tote Bag
- Size: 10.25″ x 18″ x 5.5″
- Materials: Woven raffia and leather trim
- Special features: Patch exterior pocket and adjustable shoulder strap
- Weight: 15 oz
- Strap drop: 18.5″
- Handle drop: 4.25″
A.P.C.’s Zoe Small Panier handbag combines expert craftsmanship and chic design to create summer tote that’s both functional and fun. Crafted in Morocco from woven raffia with leather trim, this summery straw bag features an adjustable shoulder strap for a custom fit. The bag’s clean lines are timeless and offer a low-key addition to any summer outfit. Whether you’re heading to the office, the beach, or aboard a yacht, this is the bag you can take with you everywhere. It’s also lightweight, which allows you to carry your farmer’s market finds or your park reading material without weighing you down.
Madewell Knotted Woven Leather Crossbody Bag
Best Affordable Summer Handbag
- Size: 8″ x 6.5″ x 1″
- Materials: Uses at least 50% leather sourced from a tannery that has achieved a Leather Working Group Silver rating for energy use, waste production and water treatment; cotton-twill lining
- Colorways: Desert Camel, True Black, Sweet Basil, Subtle Blossom, and Form Gray
- Special features: Adjustable crossbody strap, top zip closure, exterior slip pockets
Madewell’s Knotted Woven Leather Crossbody Bag is a fan favorite, with reviewers raving that it’s a great size and feels high quality despite its price. This summer handbag comes with two outside pockets and a convenient zipper pouch to fit all of your summer accessories, from your sunglasses to your foldable sun hat. The strap is convertible, so you can adjust the size for a custom fit. Coming in at under $120, this bag is also crafted from 50 percent leather sourced from a tannery that has achieved a Leather Working Group Silver rating for energy use, waste production, and water treatment.
Reformation Medium Chiara Bag
Best Convertible Summer Handbag
- Size: 9.5″ x 7.5″ x 2.8″
- Materials: Bovine leather
- Colorways: Black, mirror metallic, truffle, chartreuse, and white
- Strap drop: 7.5″
- Special features: Converts from shoulder bag to wristlet; tie and magnetic closure; fully lined
This multi-use Medium Chiara Bag comes from Reformations’s first-ever handbag collection. The versatile, clever silhouette is a two-for-one deal because it can be worn as a chic shoulder bag or folded into a geometric wristlet. If you love to pack multiple accessory options while you travel for various outfits, but find that your suitcase space is limited, this convertible minimalist handbag is ideal.
Tory Burch McGraw Leather Wallet Crossbody
Best Wallet Summer Bag
- Size: 8.5″ x 5″ x 1″
- Materials: Grained leather
- Colorways: Black, Tiramisu, Roasted Almond, Blue Wood, and Brie
- Special features: Adjustable crossbody strap, interior wallet, zip closure
During the summertime, you may prefer to keep your daily load as light as possible and carry onr of your best designer crossbody bags to hold just the essentials. The Tory Burch McGraw Wallet bag is just that — it features card slots and and coin pouch for easy cash storage with just enough room for your favorite lip oils. The simple design can be styled with infinite outfit ideas, like comfy jeans or a lightweight linen dress.
What reviewers say: One customer wrote, “Great crossbody bag, the size is perfect. It has a lot of card holder slots and is big enough to hold a smartphone, keys, and some accessories for running errands or for a night out.” Another said, “The bag is perfect for my needs! The coin pouch section is removable and has a cash pouch and two card pouches, so if you’re in a hurry you don’t need to switch out your wallet! The bag can be a little slim for some items like hand sanitizer, but lip glosses and slim products fit nicely.”
Hunting Season Large Iraca Basket Handbag
Best Basket Summer Handbag
- Size: 21″ x 15″ x 6.5″
- Materials: Woven Iraca palm leaves, leather trim
- Colorways: Neutral
- Special features: Interior pocket, two handles, and contrasting leather trim
Each Hunting Season bag is crafted with the most exquisite construction, and their Iraca Basket bag is no exception. Handwoven from earthy Iraca palm leaves and trimmed in leather, the large basket silhouette combines artisanal craftsmanship and a sleek modern design. This bag is ideal for the farmers market or a beach picnic. It has a hidden pocket and comes equipped with two handles, making it easy to hold for a day of exploring.
Dragon Diffusion Big Nantucket Woven Leather Basket Bag
Best Leather Summer Basket Bag
- Size: 13″ x 9.8″ x 5.5″
- Materials: Calf Leather
- Colorways: Forest Green, Black, Dark Brown, British Tan, Natural, and White
- Handle drop: 9.1″
- Special features: Two braided leather top handles, open top, internal canvas tote, gold-toned metal charm included
Specializing in woven leather bags, Dragon Diffusion has earned quite the celebrity cult following, including Ashley Olsen and Jodie Comer. This Nantucket style is both elegant and functional. According to founder Craig Wright, their open basket styles are their most popular. When asked how they create such a beautiful color palette each season, Craig Wright, founder of Dragon Diffusion, explains that they don’t actually choose their colors ahead of time. “The colors are made in our lab from natural vegetable dyes.” They play around with the dyes to create special colorways each season, so not only will your Dragon Diffusion bag feel special due to the impeccable craftsmanship and unique colorways, but you can also feel good about investing in their bags because they’re sustainable. “Woven leather is, by nature, sustainable as we use only leathers that have been selected with scratches and insect marks — which normally are never used for flat leather handbag production,” Wright explains.
Yuzefi Small Woven Faux Leather Basket Handbag
Best Fringe Summer Bag
- Size: 19″ x 8″ x 4″
- Materials: Faux leather, fringe
- Colors: Black
- Handle drop: 7.5″
- Special features: Open top, unlined, structured base
Yuzefi’s black faux leather tote bag can be worn as a shoulder bag or a top handle bag. The lengthy fringe detailing frames the bag for a sartorial statement. Based in London and founded by Naza Yousefi, the brand approaches design by placing equal importance on unexpected silhouettes and innovative, rich colors. Their focus remains on designing luxury products at an accessible price point. Pair this top slouchy bag with your long denim shorts, flatforms, and a fitted white tank.
The Row Sporty Leo Nylon Bucket Bag
Best Summer Bucket Bag
- Size: 12″ x 15″ x 12″
- Materials: Nylon
- Colorways: Beige
- Special features: Buckle strap closure, shoulder strap, flat base, water-repellent, interior slip pocket
The Row’s Sporty Leo Nylon Bucket Bag is a utilitarian twist on typical boho bucket bags. It’s made of water-repellent nylon and secures closed with an adjustable webbed buckle strap that alters its shape depending on the number of items you store. This expandable bucket bag is soft and unstructured, so it folds easily into a suitcase or duffle bag for easy travel. Style it with anything from workout gear such as leggings and a sports bra, a smart ensemble of bike shorts and a blazer, or a menswear-inspired shirt dress and heels.
Marni Market Handbag in Brown Crochet
Best Summer Knit Handbag
- Materials: 50% acrylic knit, 50% acrylic faux fur, 100% domesticated cow leather
- Colorways: Multicolor brown knit colorway
- Special features: Trapeze-shaped, leather logo plaque
Since 2015, Marni Market has created limited edition bags, furniture, and home accessories as part of a collaboration with communities of Colombian artisans. This brown crochet Market bag is part of this incredible partnership. The trapeze-shaped silhouette provides ample space for your phone and other essential items. It’s a great bag for date night or to bring with you to your next brunch. Pair it with clashing prints for a true maximalist look.
Acne Studios Mini Musubi Destroyed Denim Top Handle Bag
Best Denim Top Handle Summer Bag
- Size: 7.5″ x 9″ x 6″
- Materials: Textile exterior, leather lining
- Colorways: Light Blue
- Strap drop: 3.5″
- Shoulder strap drop: 15″ to 20″
- Special features: Snap-button closure, top handle, adjustable and removable shoulder strap, dual interior pockets with center zip-pocket
You can never go wrong with denim, since it pairs seamlessly with almost every fabric and color, so why not try it in your everyday bag? Acne Studios’ Mini Musubi Destroyed Denim Top Handle Bag is soft in structure and compact in size, with whimsical knots made of wide fabric inspired by traditional Japanese obi sashes. It’s made of distressed light blue denim, and has an optional shoulder strap and top handle for versatile usage. Style it for brunch with denim shorts and a blouse or wear with a floral puff-sleeve sundress and cute summer sandals for a picnic in the park.
Staud Mini Moon Bag
Best Summer Mini Bag
- Size: 9″ x 11″ x 2.75″
- Materials: Lambskin leather, suede lining
- Colorways: Blossom, Purple, Green, Tan, Black, and Black Crystal
- Strap drop: 24.5″
- Handle drop: 5.5″
- Special Features: Patent finish, magnetic snap closure, zip interior pockets, adjustable and removable strap
Summer is an opportunity to have more fun with bags in both colors and shapes, and this abstract crescent mini bag is an adorable Barbiecore accessory to add to this season’s bag rotation. Staud’s Mini Moon Bag is made of structured polished leather, featuring burnished edges and an optional and adjustable shoulder strap for crossbody or top-handle use. The summer handbag comes in bright colorways as well as muted neutrals and can be styled to elevate any casual or formal summer look.
Saint Laurent Raffia Shoulder Bag
Best Straw Shoulder Summer Bag
- Size: 14″ x 6″ x 5″
- Materials: Raffia
- Colorways: Black, natural
- Strap drop: 12.4″
- Special Features: Top zip closure, internal zip pocket, lined, gold hardware
If your go-to bag silhouette is the trendy, Y2K-inspired baguette shoulder bag, switch it out for natural beachy textures this summer with Saint Laurent’s Raffia Shoulder Bag. The narrow shoulder bag is made of raffia crochet and fits comfortably under the arm for carrying essentials like a phone, keys, and one of your best lip glosses. It’s small enough to pack in a suitcase and goes with a great deal of outfit styles, whether dressed up or dressed down. Available in both black and natural colorways, style this bag with a billowy linen skirt and a sunhat or a strapless dress and espadrilles.
JW Anderson Chain Link Pochette Bag
Best Summer Wristlet Bag
- Size: 6.8″ x 6.8″ x 5.4″
- Materials: Lamskin Leather, suede lining
- Colorways: Pecan/Yellow, Black/Green,
- Strap drop: 17.75″
- Handle drop: 4″
- Special features: Open top, flat top handle, chain accent, and adjustable strap
The Chain Link Pochette Bag from JW Anderson is an easy bag to style for summer because the rich colorways and bold hardware relieve the need for any additional jewelry or accessories. It’s soft in structure for flexible storage, with a top handle that delicately sits on the wrist. It comes with an optional adjustable strap that converts the style to a shoulder bag or crossbody bag. The summer bag’s duo-tone colorways of beige with yellow interior or black with green interior add a contemporary and striking touch to any minimal or elegant summer outfit.
What to Look for in the Best Summer Handbags
New handbags for summer come in an abundance of shapes and sizes. While you hunt for the perfect bag, keep in mind your daily haul of essentials, personal aesthetic and color palette, and materials that will agree with what’s on your daily docket.
- Materials: The first word that comes to mind is texture, as summer bags are often crafted with woven materials you find in summer’s best straw bags. Although natural materials like raffia, woven knits, canvas, linen, or denim are fun for summer bags, don’t rule out leather. Look for updated woven leather designs, like those expertly crafted at Dragon Diffusion, Bottega Veneta, and Yuzefi. Water-repellent nylon and breathable mesh are great durable materials to bring along to the beach or picnic and are worry-proof in case you get caught in the rain. Color and pattern are key for embellished handbags for summer, so take inspiration from the natural elements, summer sunsets, and florals for inspiration.
- Shapes: The beauty of a summer bag is that it should feel different than your tried-and-true black shoulder bag or basic tote bag. Have fun with abstract structures as seen at Staud, convertible silhouettes from Reformation and JW Anderson, or carry-all straw totes from A.P.C. and Hunting Season. Bucket bags, fishnet market bag-inspired totes, and soft top-handle bags allow for flexible storage, while crossbody bags and slings are compact and keep your hands free. Dua Lipa, Emily Ratajkowski, and Kylie Jenner are major fans of handbags with geometric silhouettes and unique textures.
- Occasion: “A summer bag should be lightweight, open in design, and versatile. They should be big enough to put another pochette or wallet inside,” says Wright. “They should be casual, but not fragile,” to which he also believes that summer bags should be able to go anywhere with you, from the beach to a night out. Whether you’re heading to a summer wedding, beach vacation, European adventure, or a rooftop date night, your summer bag should be adaptable, effortless, and add polish to easy-breezy outfits.
The Different Types of Summer Handbags
There are several styles of designer handbags to keep in your everyday summer bag rotation to accommodate various needs and occasions. Your durable beach bag may differ in function from a bag you’d take out on the town, and a bag you’d pack in your suitcase will need to be small or foldable.
- Summer crossbody bags: Crossbody bags are ideal for long days at an amusement park, strolls along the boardwalk, or travel days on your feet, as they keep your hands free to hold an ice cream cone or snap a photo. They’re often compact in size and sit close to your body, so daily essentials and valuables are at easy reach. They pair well with many different outfits, as they come in both casual and elevated styles.
- Summer tote bags: Oversized tote bags are trending for summer 2023 and they’re seamless for everyday wear. They sit comfortably on the shoulder while offering spacious storage for bulkier items such as a water bottle and magazines, and make for great designer bags for work or overnight bags for quick getaways. A strong tote bag made of canvas, mesh, raffia, or leather can take you anywhere from the farmer’s market, the park, or brunch in a casual summer dress or your best white jeans.
- Summer beach bags: The best designer beach bags prioritize function and durability above all else because there’s a risk of collecting sand inside or developing a salty film on the exterior. You’ll want to bring along a bag that relieves concern of damage and can hold all your beach day essentials, so you can enjoy your fun in the sun. Opt for a canvas, mesh, or straw tote that’s breathable and cleanable, and can haul many items such as sunscreen, sandals, beverages, a towel, and a beach read.
- Summer bucket bags: Bucket bags come in a cylindrical shape with tall sides and deep interiors. They often have a top handle with an attachable shoulder strap for versatility. You can discover bucket backs in diverse textures, including leather, nylon, and straw.
- Summer shoulder bags: Shoulder bags are a year-round staple, but can be updated for summer with bright colors and natural textures. The best shoulder bags are another hands-free handbag option and can come in structural or slouchy bag shapes. They can hold smaller items like one of your best women’s wallets, keys, and beauty products for on-the-go touch-ups.
- Summer belt bags and sling bags: Small bags that fall securely across the chest and waist are handy for travel or days with lots of physical activity. They’re lightweight and often come in synthetic materials like nylon that won’t warp from water or sweat. Small interior and exterior pockets can safely hold money, keys, a passport, and one of your best pairs of sunglasses.
Summer 2023 Designer Handbag Trends
A standout trend of the season is both functional and stylish: Super oversized tote bags were seen in leather at Proenza Schouler, in silver metallics at Victor Glemaud, and in shiny crinkled textures at Prada. Summer trends will take inspiration from organic styles like crafty crochet, tie-dye coloring, and straw bags, from knit top handles at Simkhai, newly released basket bags from Loewe, and bucket bags at Jacquemus. Bucket bags were also shown at Chloé in bright hues and in woven leather at Bottega Veneta, pointing toward a theme of novelty shapes, colors, and materials for summer 2023.
The long-reigning Barbiecore obsession will be larger than “life-size” this summer, with vivid pinks shown at Jacquemus, Staud, and Coach in puffy, boxy, and translucent finishes that reference life in plastic. Baguette shoulder bags from Y2K trends remain a staple in street style and luxury fashion this season, this time with cargo and utilitarian inspiration focused on large buckle details, exterior pocketing, statement chains, and dangling cording on edgy silhouettes, as shown from Altuzarra, Gucci, Prada, and Stella McCartney. Carolina Herrera, Khaite, Gabriela Hearst, and Proenza Schouler each showed fashionable wristlets and clutches in slouchy, boxy, and oversized silhouettes, expanding the style from evening wear to everyday accessorizing.
How To Style Summer Bags: Summer Bag Outfit Ideas
- Picnic in the park: If you love to spend a sunny afternoon in the park, you’ll need a large basket bag for carrying beverages, snacks, and reading material. Style a large raffia tote with light linens, mules, and a matching straw wide-brim hat.
- Wedding guest: Understated elegance is in for this wedding season. Take Inspiration from Khaite’s runway and incorporate a trendy clutch with flowy wedding guest dresses and thong sandals for maximum comfort through the ceremony and celebrations.
- Music festival: Hopping from concert to concert requires a lightweight and comfortable bag for storing essentials like passes, cash, and a camera. Style a sling bag with a sheer knit dress and combat boots for a sporty and breathable outfit that’ll keep you looking and feeling cool into the night.
- Workwear: Tote bags are a relaxed but luxurious way to carry items to and from the office on summer workdays. Proenza Schouler’s runway cued polished stylings of extra-large leather totes with matching sets of sheet lace collared shirts and pants paired with puffed mules.
How We Selected The Best Summer Bags
In order to curate this guide for the best summer bags for 2023, we conducted expert interviews for industry knowledge on material sourcing and bag construction, seasonal styling recommendations, and product selections. This shopping guide also reflects wide market research on brand new handbag releases, including analysis of customer reviews, emerging trending styles, and the most suitable options for the various occasion functionality, including durability, storage, fabric innovation, and convertibility. We also applied research on summer 2023 runway trends as well as our own product testing to determine this list of the best summer bags.
Meet the Expert
Craig Wright is the founder of Dragon Diffusion. He launched the accessories label in 1985 in Brussels. Each piece is handmade to order and crafted by a small team of artisans using traditional basket weaving techniques in Southern India. Drawing inspiration from the South Pacific Islands to New Zealand tribal kit bags, to Japanese bamboo basketry, and the wicker paniers and baskets found in France and the UK, each piece is expertly crafted. Dyed with natural vegetable tanned leather, every weave ages beautifully. The brand is a favorite amongst celebs including Ashley Olsen, Jeanne Damas, and Jodie Comer who have been seen in their ever-popular totes.
Meet the Authors
Elana Zajdman is a freelance editor, writer, stylist and brand consultant who covers all things accessories and jewelry. Based between New York and Paris, her bylines have appeared in InStyle, Marie Claire, Vogue.com, WWD, Natural Diamond Council, and Footwear News. Elana was the senior accessories and jewelry editor of InStyle magazine for six years, and prior to that she was the accessories editor at Marie Claire and fashion market associate at Vogue.com. Zajdman wrote the original version of this best summer handbag story.
Olivia Cigliano is the Commerce Writer and Producer at WWD and Footwear News. She is a New York City-based fashion and lifestyle writer, riding the pulse of trends and digital culture. Her previous bylines can be found on CR Fashion Book and Elite Daily. When she’s not writing shopping content at WWD and FN, she can be found searching for a holy grail in a Brooklyn thrift store or surveilling newsstands for fashion magazines to carry in her favorite leather tote. Cigliano contributed to the 2023 update of this best summer handbag story, including vetted new releases and additional tips on choosing and styling a warm weather handbag. is a Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD where she writes shopping content across fashion, beauty, footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Cigliano received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. Learn more about us here.