One area where I feel comfortable incorporating current trends is accessories like bags. If you have a small but functional wardrobe, you can change the look with a change of shoe, necklace, or purse. And bags can make a huge impact.
IMO, The Hottest Trends for Spring and Summer 2026
Even if the trend passes, if you buy it right, the bag can still be considered chic. I like to look at bag trends and pick out which ones may be hot now but are a style that will stay timeless (or at least be a great statement piece for years to come). These are the bag trends for spring and summer 2026 that I think are worth checking out to update your look now, but also to enjoy in the future.
Metal Handle Bags
Although I wouldn’t leave this bag out in the hot sun and hold it, I love this metal handle bag trend. It adds architectural detail, dresses up a simple bag, helps the bag keep its shape, and suggests budget-friendly fabrics and styles. Inspired byBottega Veneta Sardine bagthis practice has changed to the point that carrying someone from another species would not be seen as “impostor.”
Below, you have bags under $100 and bags approaching $1K that all embody this trend. Keep an eye on this trend, I expect to see more of them on the list of fabrics and prices in 2026.
Buy a collage:white|a tan|embroidered|knitted|denim|the yellow one
Wooden Beaded Bags
This is a trend that has been around big and small for decades, but it has never officially “come out”. But in 2026, it is clearly “in”. FromSaint Lauren’s $2,700 numberto more reasonably priced options below, you’ll see this bag everywhere in every silhouette. Since there isn’t a specific silhouette, that means this is a bag you can easily find (or maybe hide in the back of your closet!).
Buy a collage:top left|top right|center and left|institution|center right|bottom left|bottom right
Wicker & Rattan Bags
Although not as consistent as astraw or raffia bagThe wicker bag is a classic that matches the fashion trends of 2026. You will also see rattan and caning, but wicker is the oldest.Bottega Veneta,Miu MiuagainSaint Laurentsome top labels are showing wicker bags in 2026; this is a trend you can find at any pricepoint.
The bags are small; bags or clutches, the occasional bag with a thin belt. The most classic style is inspired byHermès Kelly bag; this is also a silhouette you may have seen used before. The ones below I think are cute now but can be worn in a stylish way for the spring and summer seasons to come.
Buy a collage:top left|top right|center and left|center right|bottom left|bottom right
Structure and Pattern and Shape
I struggled to narrow down this collection, because 2026 is all about an interesting bag. Different fabrics, fun colors, lots of textures, open designs, even bags in the form of things that are not bags (shells, flowers, fruits, fish, and other animals). If you like quirky, or just like to have a bag that adds texture and dimension, this is the year for you.
I kept the collage to what I found to be more… wearable options. Interesting structures, texture, and pattern, but not over-the-top only a few will like. But if you like OTT, you have a love for a certain color or animal or fabric… 2026 is almost the year when you might find a signature bag that will bring you joy every time you carry it.
Buy a collage:wooden handle|brown swirl|orange cut-out|brown crochet|multicolored crescent|raffia|whipped cream|press the clutch|black leather link|a golden rod|a multicolored clutch
Bright Colors and Modern Finishes
This is my favorite bag style of the year… the true definition of a statement bag. Bright, shiny and gel colors and patent and open work finishes, modern silhouettes that do not conform to a particular trend or time. Really nice bags that can go empty in your closet but look good at home.
Buy a collage:pink openwork|blue green|the yellow one|green|pink crocodile|woven orange|blue green|orange with a long belt|red|pink with handle|the green of the grass|Kelly green
Bag Trends I Don’t See Lasting
Vase-shaped bags with fish and shells… if that’s your vibe, they’re cute but I have a feeling they’ll look 2026 in two years. That is, unless you’re someone who rocks weird bags. Then as I said above, this is your year.
I love ball studs and grommets, that’s my vibe. I still have my leather and grommet belts from the 90s. However, I am not investing in any funds with these specifications because I feel they will also look mid-2020s in just a year or two. It’s one of those styles that started well and ended up being easily made at Temu, Amazon, and Shein which means it’s on its way.
There are many small bags this year. Cases too small for your iPhone won’t fit in them, let alone a glass case, wallet, or protein bar. No, no, no, it’s not worth it.
Clear bags that are not for a concert or sporting event. I have a clear belt bag for such occasions, I will not deliberately rock a clear bag, especially if it is made of the same fabric as those jelly shoes that made my feet sweat and gave me blisters in 1984. I love openwork crochet bags, macrame, and rattan bags, but those are subtle and you can throw out the purses to read your stranger’s bag to read your wallet.
What Bags I’ll Be Sporting This Spring and Summer
I will be repurposing old bags, and adding new bags to the collection. My bag wardrobe for the warmer months would be:
- A lightweight raffia tote that can be easily packed:I have itthis one from Blue Illusion. It’s good to travel, but also everyday.
- Raffia clutch:I got one 20+ years ago and it’s still going strong. If I didn’t have it, I probably would havethis one in J. Crew.
- A small crossbody with no hardware to heat up:Last summer I usedthis one from Quincedefinitely a lot of casual and dress up and planning again this year
- A bag that goes between casual and dressy:Last summer, I wish I had something more unusual than my raffia clutch, but it had the same vibe of sundresses and linen pants. This year,I got this bag from Dolce Vitaand I think it’s very nice and dark brown goes with black, all shades of brown and brown, and all kinds of colors.
- Lands’ End canvas tote:I love these things. Last summerI got one in nature, size medium, zip topand it was monogrammed. I’ve hung all kinds of bag charms and whatzits on it and plan to rock it again this summer.
- Clutch to wear:I have a gold leather clutch that I found on Etsy a few years ago that continues to be my go-to. It’s a smart choice for me since my dress shoes (flat and low heel) are the same soft gold color. Many gold clutches are designed and can hold clothes; if I didn’t have it I would thinkthis one from Veronica Beard,this one from Sam Edelmanorthis one from Hyer Goods.