Your Ultimate Guide to Summer’s Trendiest Bags

Summer is in full swing! Though social-distancing is still very real, we’re sure to be toting the season’s latest handbag offerings to chic picnics in the park and our favorite outdoor patios. Newly-dropped styles showcase a myriad of trends, from vintage florals to bold beads. They’re equal parts delightful and Insta-worthy, whether you’re out for a stroll or posing six feet from your photographer.

Covering a range of shapes, colors, and textures, these will be hanging on every fashionista’s arms (and shoulders) as long as warm weather reigns supreme. Funky, retro or effortlessly cool, there’s handbag eye candy for anyone to drool over — and couldn’t we all use something sweet right now?

Fun Flowers

Florals? For summer? Groundbreaking. Vintage florals have bloomed into fashion’s consciousness this season, and their revival is utterly refreshing. This is the perfect nostalgic bag trend, combining decades-old creations with updated colors, detailing and materials. Soft leather or nylon silhouettes in garden-worthy prints will bring flower power wherever you go.

Coach shoulder bag, $195; coach.com

Screen Shot 2020-06-19 at 12.18.50 PM.png

Beach Weaves

Who needs sand? Woven bags bring the beach to you, especially with a variety of shapes, straps and textures. Motifs like crabs, shells or ocean creatures are the perfect way for your bag to stand out and make a summery statement, whether you’re hitting the mall with your girlfriends or enjoying a day at the boardwalk.

Lovers + Friends bag, $188; revolve.com

Screen Shot 2020-06-19 at 12.20.51 PM.png

Mixed Metallics

Calling Diana Ross! The seventies are back, and Studio 54 is the only inspiration you’ll need for the rest of the season. Add a glamorous dose of disco to your warm-weathered outfits with metallic bags. We’re crushing on this quilted baguette that has two unique, detachable straps for endless styling options.

Rebecca Minkoff baguette bag, $228; rebeccaminkoff.com

Screen Shot 2020-06-19 at 12.21.41 PM.png

Handbag Hardware

Metal accents are back this spring, ranging from belt-like buckles to studs and chains. These add eye-catching bling to a variety of bags, making them unabashedly detailed and unique. Try wearing a two-toned style with stud embellishments, that can easily be worn from a luncheon to a girl’s night out!

Michael Kors shoulder bag, $378; michaelkors.com

Screen Shot 2020-06-19 at 12.37.57 PM.png

Brilliant Beads

The aughts are having a moment; consequently, so are beaded bags. This trend provides all-over texture, so you’ll never be without added detail to your look. The most popular have been clear or single-tone beads, adding some quirky glitz to your everyday. We’d try this trend with a style in florals, fruit or animal patterns. They’re equally as punchy, and twice as much fun.

Susan Alexandra bag, $280; saksfifthavenue.com

Screen Shot 2020-06-19 at 12.38.57 PM.png

Detailed Denim

Why limit denim to pants or jackets? Just like your favorite pair of blue jeans, this trend is basically seasonless and goes with everything. Elevate the style with pre-made or DIY patches and stud embellishments. Caroline wore a detailed denim crossbody at Paris Fashion Week, and it proved the perfect bag for numerous shows and parties!

Zadig & Voltaire crossbody bag, $455; selfridges.com

Pretty Pouches

Drawstrings have taken a new form for spring. Case in point: pouch-like handbags in a rainbow of leathers, silks, and nylons. The most elevated feature various accents from weaving to printed lining. Knotted with a self-tie closure, a little—or lots of—detail can go a long way for this simple silhouette.
Missoni bag, $1,015; missoni.com