DESIGN
City & Sea: Bags That Do Both
These styles will take on the role of beach bag one weekend and city bag the next.
- Versatile travel bags should be able to adapt to any vacation—whether that’s a trip full of city sightseeing or relaxing beach days.
- Before choosing a versatile bag that’s ready to take on both, consider what style and material will work best for you.
- Then, consider a few of our Coach favorites.
The best bags for summer will accompany you from beach to city (and everywhere in between). In other words, the bag you travel with needs to be versatile, taking on the role of beach bag or city bag depending on the day. Below are the best bag styles, materials and overall recommendations that do both.
What bag styles are most versatile?
Convertible Styles
When you’re looking for a bag to take on more than just one role, convertible styles are always a popular pick. Transform your plus-one from one style to the next in a moment’s notice. You can’t beat that versatility.
Crossbody Bags
Crossbody bags give you the capability to go hands-free—whether that’s while walking in the city with a coffee in hand or strolling along the boardwalk with friends. Plus, plenty of crossbodies can also be worn as shoulder bags, thanks to their adjustable straps.
Tote Bags
Dress them up or dress them down. Tote bags are a classic versatile vacation style, spacious enough to hold all your city or beach essentials all while resting comfortably over your shoulder.
When you’re looking for a bag to take on more than just one role, convertible styles are always a popular pick. Transform your plus-one from one style to the next in a moment’s notice. You can’t beat that versatility.
Crossbody Bags
Crossbody bags give you the capability to go hands-free—whether that’s while walking in the city with a coffee in hand or strolling along the boardwalk with friends. Plus, plenty of crossbodies can also be worn as shoulder bags, thanks to their adjustable straps.
Tote Bags
Dress them up or dress them down. Tote bags are a classic versatile vacation style, spacious enough to hold all your city or beach essentials all while resting comfortably over your shoulder.
What bag materials are best for both city and beach use?
Straw
Playful textures like straw are always in for the warm weather season, regardless of where you’re heading next. They’re lightweight, easy to carry and allow the warm summer breeze (and carefree vibes) to flow right through them. Take your straw bag with you from brunch to beach to summer nights out for an expandable style that moves with you.
Coated Canvas
Sturdy yet simultaneously lightweight, our Coach canvas is style designed for your everyday...whether that involves a trip to the beach or a long walk through the city. Coated Canvas is easy to care for, too—just wipe the surface with a damp or dry cloth.
PVC
Whether the city forecast turns wet or the boat hits some waves, a shoulder bag crafted of PVC is the way to go. Its water-resistant finish will repel water so your belongings stay protected—and the durable surface will hold up beautifully so that you always look polished.
Playful textures like straw are always in for the warm weather season, regardless of where you’re heading next. They’re lightweight, easy to carry and allow the warm summer breeze (and carefree vibes) to flow right through them. Take your straw bag with you from brunch to beach to summer nights out for an expandable style that moves with you.
Coated Canvas
Sturdy yet simultaneously lightweight, our Coach canvas is style designed for your everyday...whether that involves a trip to the beach or a long walk through the city. Coated Canvas is easy to care for, too—just wipe the surface with a damp or dry cloth.
PVC
Whether the city forecast turns wet or the boat hits some waves, a shoulder bag crafted of PVC is the way to go. Its water-resistant finish will repel water so your belongings stay protected—and the durable surface will hold up beautifully so that you always look polished.
What are the best versatile travel bags for city and beach trips?
Tabby Shoulder Bag 26
There’s a Tabby for everyone—including all your vacation personas. Go for a summer vibe with a Tabby crafted of lightweight straw woven with a beautiful textural feel and an abundance of swingy straw fringe. Whether you’re heading to the hottest rooftop dinner reservations in the city or for a night out on the beach, the straw Tabby will fit right in.
Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 34
The Brooklyn’s slouchy, minimalist silhouette lends itself well to everyday life, whatever that may look like for you. Effortlessly stylish, you won’t ever have to worry about whether the Brooklyn goes with your outfit—it plays well with just about anything in your wardrobe. For a playful pop of color this summer, opt for a style in lightweight multicolored straw.
Stadium Swinger Bag
You never know when the forecast is about to turn wet. Invest in a transparent bag like the Stadium Swinger for all your vacations to come. It’s the ideal size for taking on all the essentials without weighing you down. Plus, you can style it as a shoulder bag or crossbody to match the occasion.
City Tote Bag
Head to a coffee shop in the city with your next book club read or to a beachfront restaurant with your hat and sandals stashed inside. While our City Tote is named after the urban jungle, it’s also spacious (and stylish) enough for all your beach day essentials like your towel, sunscreen, hat and more.
Utility Tote
A roomy style inspired by vintage coal bags, our Utility Tote has the space to hold all your vacation essentials. Pack it up for a day’s worth of sightseeing in the city or stash it with your towel, cover up and flip flops for the beach.
There’s a Tabby for everyone—including all your vacation personas. Go for a summer vibe with a Tabby crafted of lightweight straw woven with a beautiful textural feel and an abundance of swingy straw fringe. Whether you’re heading to the hottest rooftop dinner reservations in the city or for a night out on the beach, the straw Tabby will fit right in.
Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 34
The Brooklyn’s slouchy, minimalist silhouette lends itself well to everyday life, whatever that may look like for you. Effortlessly stylish, you won’t ever have to worry about whether the Brooklyn goes with your outfit—it plays well with just about anything in your wardrobe. For a playful pop of color this summer, opt for a style in lightweight multicolored straw.
Stadium Swinger Bag
You never know when the forecast is about to turn wet. Invest in a transparent bag like the Stadium Swinger for all your vacations to come. It’s the ideal size for taking on all the essentials without weighing you down. Plus, you can style it as a shoulder bag or crossbody to match the occasion.
City Tote Bag
Head to a coffee shop in the city with your next book club read or to a beachfront restaurant with your hat and sandals stashed inside. While our City Tote is named after the urban jungle, it’s also spacious (and stylish) enough for all your beach day essentials like your towel, sunscreen, hat and more.
Utility Tote
A roomy style inspired by vintage coal bags, our Utility Tote has the space to hold all your vacation essentials. Pack it up for a day’s worth of sightseeing in the city or stash it with your towel, cover up and flip flops for the beach.
Discover even more styles you’ll love.
FAQs: You asked. We’ve answered.
Are straw bags good for the beach?
Are straw bags good for the beach?
Yes. Straw bags are lightweight, breathable and often spacious enough to hold all your beach day essentials (think towels, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and more). They also pair well with breathable linen coverups, flowy sundresses and other warm weather clothing for a breezy style that won’t weigh you down.
What’s the most convenient style for an everyday summer bag?
What’s the most convenient style for an everyday summer bag?
Versatile, convertible styles that transition from shoulder bag to crossbody or wristlet are a popular choice for everyday summer outings (including 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.
Does a travel bag need to be versatile?
Does a travel bag need to be versatile?
The beauty of a bag that combines both style and utility is that it provides the ability to go from the airport straight out to dinner if need be, or to hold you over while you explore before you can check into your hotel. A versatile travel bag also means that you can pack less while maximizing styling options; for example, bags with convertible straps that can be worn either as a shoulder bag or crossbody.
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.