DESIGN
What Makes a Great Summer Bag?
It all depends on your intended use and personal style.
- Need a seasonal style refresh? The perfect summer bag will do the trick.
- Read on for the key qualities to consider before choosing your summertime style companion.
There are plenty of timeless bags out there that will take you from season to season in style. Still, sometimes you just need a confidence-boosting refresh. Whether you’re looking for an accessory that brings the color to all your warm weather outfits or need an ultra-functional, durable design for summer travel, there are a few key features to think about before choosing your style companion for all your upcoming festivities.
So what makes a great summer bag? That depends on your intended use and personal style. Read on for the key considerations to make before committing to your perfect plus-one.
Lightweight, Durable Materials
Playful textures like straw and woven leather are always in for the warm weather season. They’re lightweight, easy to carry and allow the warm summer breeze (and carefree vibes) to flow right through them. Take them with you from brunch to beach to summer nights out for an expandable style that moves with you.
If your summer plans involve plenty of water-related activities (think boat rides, lake trips and beach days), you’ll want to go with an ultra-durable bag material like PVC. Its water-resistant finish will repel any splashes so your belongings stay protected—and the durable surface will hold up beautifully so that you look polished, even when the weather isn't. Plus, if you’re heading to any music festivals, concerts or sporting events, a clear bag is always a safe (and stylish) choice.
For Breezy Summer Style: Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 28 in Straw, Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 34 in Woven Leather
For Water-Resistant Design: Stadium Swinger Bag
If your summer plans involve plenty of water-related activities (think boat rides, lake trips and beach days), you’ll want to go with an ultra-durable bag material like PVC. Its water-resistant finish will repel any splashes so your belongings stay protected—and the durable surface will hold up beautifully so that you look polished, even when the weather isn't. Plus, if you’re heading to any music festivals, concerts or sporting events, a clear bag is always a safe (and stylish) choice.
For Breezy Summer Style: Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 28 in Straw, Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 34 in Woven Leather
For Water-Resistant Design: Stadium Swinger Bag
Versatile Styling Options
The best bags for summer will accompany you from beach to city (and everywhere in between). In other words, your summer bag needs to be versatile, adapting to whatever warm weather festivities you have planned for the season.
For example, maybe you want to take a refined shoulder bag with you as your plus-one for rooftop dinner reservations, but then you need a hands-free crossbody for meeting up with friends in the city later that evening. A bag that converts from one style to the next in a moment’s notice is the way to go.
From Shoulder Bag to Crossbody to Clutch: Tabby Shoulder Bag 20, Tabby Shoulder Bag 26
From Chain-Link Shoulder Bag to Crossbody: Teri Mini Crossbody Bag, Teri Shoulder Bag
For example, maybe you want to take a refined shoulder bag with you as your plus-one for rooftop dinner reservations, but then you need a hands-free crossbody for meeting up with friends in the city later that evening. A bag that converts from one style to the next in a moment’s notice is the way to go.
From Shoulder Bag to Crossbody to Clutch: Tabby Shoulder Bag 20, Tabby Shoulder Bag 26
From Chain-Link Shoulder Bag to Crossbody: Teri Mini Crossbody Bag, Teri Shoulder Bag
Ultra-Functional Design
The perfect summer bags should do more than just look the part—they should be able to take on your jam-packed schedule. Before deciding on the one, make sure to consider your intended use: Is this bag for long summer travel days? Or everyday outings? How about trips to the beach?
Once you know your plans for your summer bag, consider what’s most important to you in terms of design features. Maybe you need a zip-top closure to keep your belongings safe for nights out in the city. Or maybe you’d prefer an external pocket for easy access to your phone or card case while traveling. If you’re looking for a bag that carries it all (and then some), you’ll probably want to go with an expandable, slouchy carryall.
For Zip-Top Security: Nolita 19
For Easy Access on the Go: Tabby Shoulder Bag 20 with Pillow Quilting
For Spacious Style: Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39
Once you know your plans for your summer bag, consider what’s most important to you in terms of design features. Maybe you need a zip-top closure to keep your belongings safe for nights out in the city. Or maybe you’d prefer an external pocket for easy access to your phone or card case while traveling. If you’re looking for a bag that carries it all (and then some), you’ll probably want to go with an expandable, slouchy carryall.
For Zip-Top Security: Nolita 19
For Easy Access on the Go: Tabby Shoulder Bag 20 with Pillow Quilting
For Spacious Style: Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39
Complementary Colors
The bag that goes with everything in your summer wardrobe will naturally become your most used accessory. Think about your everyday outfits before choosing your bag style for the upcoming months.
Do you tend to wear bright, bold clothing? A bag in a neutral summer shade will balance out even your most colorful looks. Or if you’re all about warm, muted hues, a statement-worthy bag could add that splash of color you’re looking for.
For Bold, Patterned Wardrobes: Nolita 19 in Dark Stone, Teri Mini Crossbody Bag in Chalk
For Warm, Muted Outfits: Tabby Shoulder Bag 20 in Peony, Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 34 in Multicolor Straw
Do you tend to wear bright, bold clothing? A bag in a neutral summer shade will balance out even your most colorful looks. Or if you’re all about warm, muted hues, a statement-worthy bag could add that splash of color you’re looking for.
For Bold, Patterned Wardrobes: Nolita 19 in Dark Stone, Teri Mini Crossbody Bag in Chalk
For Warm, Muted Outfits: Tabby Shoulder Bag 20 in Peony, Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 34 in Multicolor Straw
Discover even more styles you’ll love.
FAQs: You asked. We’ve answered.
What bag colors go best with a summer wardrobe?
What bag colors go best with a summer wardrobe?
Neutrals don't always have to blend into the background. In fact, summer neutrals are typically crisp and bright. Shades of white, silver and blue gray can make any all-neutral summer look stand out. Go for a monochromatic look with a white linen sundress and an all-white mini bag for a style that's refreshing on even the hottest summer days.
What bag materials are best for the beach?
What bag materials are best for the beach?
Keep all your belongings safe from the sand and water with an ultra-durable and high-quality bag made from one of the following materials.
- PVC: Lightweight, durable and versatile, PVC is the ultimate beach day bag material. It’s water-resistant, plus its durable finish will remain polished for an effortlessly put together look.
- Straw: For that carefree summer feeling anywhere, straw is an all-natural and delicate material that lends itself well to flowy sundresses and breathable linens.
- Coated Canvas: A compact bag crafted of coated canvas is the practical summer style pick you’ll wear time and time again. Both sturdy and simultaneously lightweight, coated canvas is the plus-one you’ll look forward to taking with you as the weather gets warmer.
What’s the most convenient bag style for summer?
What’s the most convenient bag style for summer?
Versatile, convertible styles that transition from shoulder bag to crossbody or wristlet are a popular choice for everyday summer outings (like strolls through the park, bike rides along the boardwalk and outdoor dinners or rooftop happy hours). Style your adaptable bag one way on the way there, then switch it up on the walk home.