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Best Bags for Outdoor Dinners & Rooftop Season
From the hottest rooftop dining reservations to lounging on the patio with friends, these are the best bags for outdoor summer activities.
- Outdoor plans call for a go-to summer bag that can handle it all.
- Here’s what to consider before choosing your style companion for the summer, plus recommendations for all styles.
One of the best parts about summer is spending time outside, whether that be outdoor dining reservations, rooftop happy hours or simply hanging out in the park with friends. Whatever your plans may be, you’ll need a stylish plus-one by your side—ready to take on your warm weather essentials (and maybe even transition into your going-out bag later that evening).
Here’s what to look out for when searching for the ultimate supporting act for outdoor dinners and rooftop season, plus style recommendations for every wardrobe.
What bag styles are best for outdoor dinners and rooftop season?
Iconic Shoulder Bag
If your outdoor dinner plans involve post-dinner drinks, a refined shoulder bag like the Tabby will do the trick. With its Signature ‘C’ closure, the Tabby is unmistakably iconic. Style the Tabby as a statement clutch while heading to the hottest rooftop dinner reservations before attaching the shoulder strap for evening cocktails.
Style Picks: Tabby Shoulder Bag 20, Tabby Shoulder Bag 20 with Pillow Quilting, Tabby Shoulder Bag 26
Everyday Carryall
Heading to outdoor drinks right after work? With an expandable carryall like the Brooklyn, you won’t have to waste any time stopping home in between activities. Just throw in everything you need at the start of the day and go. Effortlessly stylish and incredibly spacious, the Brooklyn is designed to move with you from work to outdoor dinners and late night patio hangouts.
Style Picks: Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 28, Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 34, Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39
Convenient Crossbody
Sometimes, convenience is key. And the ability to go hands-free at a moment’s notice is pretty much as good as it gets, especially if you plan on having a drink in your hand at one point or another. The perfect plus-one for every moment, the Teri does it all—go from shoulder bag to crossbody. Reliable, versatile and adaptable, you can’t go wrong with a style that plays well with almost any outfit, on any occasion.
Style Picks: Teri Mini Crossbody, Teri Shoulder Bag
Lightweight Mini Bag
Planning on hitting up a few outdoor spots throughout the day? Rather than lugging around more than you need, choose a lightweight mini bag that’s easy to carry like the Nolita. From walks through the park with friends to late night ice cream runs, the Nolita will rest comfortably over your shoulder or hang right from your wrist. It’s a mini bag with major style.
Style Picks: Nolita 19 with Floral Print and Bow, Nolita 19 in Blocked Signature Canvas
If your outdoor dinner plans involve post-dinner drinks, a refined shoulder bag like the Tabby will do the trick. With its Signature ‘C’ closure, the Tabby is unmistakably iconic. Style the Tabby as a statement clutch while heading to the hottest rooftop dinner reservations before attaching the shoulder strap for evening cocktails.
Style Picks: Tabby Shoulder Bag 20, Tabby Shoulder Bag 20 with Pillow Quilting, Tabby Shoulder Bag 26
Everyday Carryall
Heading to outdoor drinks right after work? With an expandable carryall like the Brooklyn, you won’t have to waste any time stopping home in between activities. Just throw in everything you need at the start of the day and go. Effortlessly stylish and incredibly spacious, the Brooklyn is designed to move with you from work to outdoor dinners and late night patio hangouts.
Style Picks: Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 28, Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 34, Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39
Convenient Crossbody
Sometimes, convenience is key. And the ability to go hands-free at a moment’s notice is pretty much as good as it gets, especially if you plan on having a drink in your hand at one point or another. The perfect plus-one for every moment, the Teri does it all—go from shoulder bag to crossbody. Reliable, versatile and adaptable, you can’t go wrong with a style that plays well with almost any outfit, on any occasion.
Style Picks: Teri Mini Crossbody, Teri Shoulder Bag
Lightweight Mini Bag
Planning on hitting up a few outdoor spots throughout the day? Rather than lugging around more than you need, choose a lightweight mini bag that’s easy to carry like the Nolita. From walks through the park with friends to late night ice cream runs, the Nolita will rest comfortably over your shoulder or hang right from your wrist. It’s a mini bag with major style.
Style Picks: Nolita 19 with Floral Print and Bow, Nolita 19 in Blocked Signature Canvas
What are the best materials for outdoor bags?
Straw
Summer bags crafted of straw are lightweight, easy to carry and play well with other warm weather fabrics and materials you might be wearing like breathable linen pants, cotton tanks or silky summer dresses.
Leather
Leather bags are a classic for a reason. They’re strong enough to carry heavier items (think laptops and notebooks if you’re heading out straight after class or work) and only get better with time. Choose a style in a light, summery shade like vanilla, caramel or chalk.
Signature Canvas
Coach canvas is a durable and easygoing material crafted with the everyday in mind, including all your outdoor plans. Plus, the material will be able to take on spring or summer showers, too.
Summer bags crafted of straw are lightweight, easy to carry and play well with other warm weather fabrics and materials you might be wearing like breathable linen pants, cotton tanks or silky summer dresses.
Leather
Leather bags are a classic for a reason. They’re strong enough to carry heavier items (think laptops and notebooks if you’re heading out straight after class or work) and only get better with time. Choose a style in a light, summery shade like vanilla, caramel or chalk.
Signature Canvas
Coach canvas is a durable and easygoing material crafted with the everyday in mind, including all your outdoor plans. Plus, the material will be able to take on spring or summer showers, too.
What features should I look for in an outdoor bag for rooftop season?
Zip-Top or Pushlock Closure
When dining outdoors in the city, you’ll want to make sure all your belongings are safe and secure. Look for a bag that has a zip-top or pushlock closure so you won’t have to worry about anything falling out.
Internal & External Pockets
Pockets are always great for organization, but they’re even more convenient when you need easy access to smaller essentials. Keep your phone in your bag’s outside pocket so you don’t have to open up your bag every time you want to snap a photo and give yourself peace of mind by securing your wallet or card case in an internal pocket.
Detachable Straps
When it comes to styling for a range of outdoor summer activities, it’s always good to have options. Bags that come with adjustable or detachable straps elevate a bag’s versatility. Go from clutch to crossbody or wristlet to shoulder bag—the possibilities are endless.
When dining outdoors in the city, you’ll want to make sure all your belongings are safe and secure. Look for a bag that has a zip-top or pushlock closure so you won’t have to worry about anything falling out.
Internal & External Pockets
Pockets are always great for organization, but they’re even more convenient when you need easy access to smaller essentials. Keep your phone in your bag’s outside pocket so you don’t have to open up your bag every time you want to snap a photo and give yourself peace of mind by securing your wallet or card case in an internal pocket.
Detachable Straps
When it comes to styling for a range of outdoor summer activities, it’s always good to have options. Bags that come with adjustable or detachable straps elevate a bag’s versatility. Go from clutch to crossbody or wristlet to shoulder bag—the possibilities are endless.
Discover even more styles you’ll love.
FAQs: You asked. We’ve answered.
How can I dress up a crossbody for a night out?
How can I dress up a crossbody for a night out?
To transition your crossbody from a convenient, hands-free daytime bag to a sophisticated, polished evening piece, you can add accessories, match your straps to your outfit or even convert your bag into a statement clutch.
- Add Accessories: Detachable straps, charms and keychains are the on-trend way to transform any bag without making permanent changes. For a dressier look, try chain-link designs or stands of pearls. Check out our guide to accessorizing for more unique ways to personalize your bag.
- Choose a Chain Strap: Match your bag’s chain strap to your evening jewelry for a sophisticated touch.
- Convert to a Clutch: Drop all straps and transform your crossbody into a statement clutch for a stylish evening piece.
What bag silhouette is best for a casual day out?
What bag silhouette is best for a casual day out?
A casual day out running errands often leads to at least a few spontaneous pitstops. Choose a relaxed silhouette like the Brooklyn bag for an expandable style that effortlessly handles everything the day throws your way.
What bag colors are the most versatile?
What bag colors are the most versatile?
Neutrals have evolved—and they're anything but boring. From creamy ivory to honey brown and smoky gray, neutral colors transcend trends, adapting to match your ever-evolving style. Visit our guide on versatile neutral bags for more styling tips.