Everyone has a favorite season to wear. Some love winter because they can throw anything on and hide under a long fur coat. Some love fall because there are endless ways to layer tastefully while showing some skin. But for me, it’s summer because it’s all about making a statement with the little details — accessories.
Yes, bug-eye sunglasses and silk scarves will be popular this summer, but nothing will reign like playful yet polished handbags. From beach days to home BBQs and destination weddings, the right bag will be the finishing touch that pulls together every warm weather look.
This season, there are a variety of styles and silhouettes to choose from, which is good news for some but bad news for others, especially those who get frustrated with shopping. First, the quintessential summer bag, raffia and straw styles, will beall over,with an emphasis on relaxed designs that rest effortlessly on the shoulder or neatly under the arm. Purses will also be the coolest accessory in bright colors and unique fabrics like nylon, leather, and sequins. Think Prada’s Wish Bag, Celine’s Crystal Bag, and Lizzie Fortunato’s Gala Bag.
But that only scratches the surface. Ahead, find chic summer bags that will make you look effortlessly chic, and see how fashionistas are already styling.
Shop the Best Summer Bags
Madewell
Curved Crochet Shoulder Bag
Alex Mill
The Perfect Weekday Tote
Everyone needs a canvas tote this summer, especially if you’re planning a vacation to the Hamptons or Nantucket. Gwyneth Paltrow owns this one in blue.
Prada
Wish Re-nylon Pouch
Handbags are trending for summer, and this one is my favorite because of its ability to be dressed up or down.
LIFFNER
Leather Trimmed Leather Shoulder Bag
Ujo Shop top fashion editor Anna LaPlaca owns this bag, and it looks great on her.
LOEWE x Paula’s Ibiza
Woven Raffia Leather Shoulder Bag
I love how the red contrasts with the black.
The creator of the bag’s contents is the actual Sara Walker that she wore in Mexico.
A revolution
Sonia Hat Bag
Picture this on the beach in Ibiza decked out in linen pants, a one-piece swimsuit, and colorful flip-flops.
HUNTING TIME
Leather Trimmed Raffia Clutch
I just bought this and I love it because it can be thrown in a beach bag to keep small essentials organized, then worn alone at night with a long dress and kitten heels.
Valentino
Logo Mini Raffia Bucket Bag
This knit print is so cute.
The row
Cecily Top Handle Bag
This beautiful evening bag can elevate any look.
Simon Miller
Twilly Basket Bag
How cute is a polka-twilly dot?
A TOTEM
Raffia Tote Cut Canvas
Every fashionista on the internet is talking about this new Toteme tote.
STAUD
Del Mar Beaded Bucket Bag
Take this bag to the farmers market or the beach.
Miu Miu
Vivant Nappa leather bag
Everyone’s favorite runway bag now comes in blue.
SEPARATION OF THE DRAGON
Santa Croce Large Woven Leather Tote
Come June, every chic designer in New York City pulls out their woven Dragon Diffusion bags to wear to everything from Pilates to coffee dates.
KHAITE
Olivia Medium Woven Shoulder Bag
London-based content creator Monikh announces Olivia’s raffia bag as one of the top It trends of summer 2026.
Cordera
Handmade Beaded Bag
Pura Utz
La Isla Floral Beaded Exclusive Bag
Marlies Grace
Exclusive La Isla Marlies Lace Clutch
From the deep red to the embroidery and tassels, this bag looks gorgeous.
Staud
Lila Mini Mother of Pearl Bucket Bag
A bag like this makes me so happy for summer.
Bembien
La Isla Mini Beaded Tote Bag
I can’t believe this beaded bag is under $250.
Cordera
Handmade Beaded Bag
All the cool European fashionistas wear Cordera.
J.Crew
Berkeley Handknotted Bucket Bag in Raffia
An everyday bag that’s compact but roomy enough to hold a laptop.
Tory Burch
Ella Twist Reversible Tote
This sounds very unpleasant—in the best way.
JIL SANDER
Goji Pillow Satin Shoulder Bag
They are four
Embroidered Paillette Shoulder Bag
You can’t go wrong with a Rabanne evening bag.