What Bag to Wear to Any Summer Event

• From late-night bites to last-minute happy hours, summer is full of spontaneous get-togethers.
• Your everyday summer bag should be ready to go at a moment’s notice, regardless of the activity.
• Here are the best bags (that are both functional and fashionable) to wear to any summer event.

Spontaneous rooftop happy hours, quick weekend trips, late-night ice cream runs—these are just a few of the many summer festivities to look forward to once the sun starts to set later and later. Regardless of what you have planned to embrace the carefree season ahead, you’ll need a plus-one by your side that’s ready to say yes to all those impromptu summer activities, all while helping you look and feel effortlessly put together.

Here are the best bags for summer for any occasion, plus what makes them both practical and fashionable enough to become your go-to style companion this season.

Sharing a few appetizers and drinks with friends is always a good time, but it’s especially fun when the summer sun is shining overhead. From outdoor dinner reservations to rooftop happy hours, your perfect plus-one should complement all your favorite summer wardrobe picks, adapting to both casual looks (think denim shorts and vintage tees) and dressier styles (like colorful blazers and satin skirts).

A structured, refined shoulder bag—that also functions as a crossbody and clutch—is the versatile pick you need for when dinner with friends turns into a night out in the city. Style your handbag as a clutch for the hottest rooftop reservations before throwing it over your shoulder for evening cocktails. The Tabby will stick by your side through it all for an iconic summer style.

Style Picks: Tabby Shoulder Bag 20 with Pillow Quilting, Tabby Shoulder Bag 26

Heading out to the park? Whether taking a casual stroll with friends, soaking up the sun or planning a picnic, park meetups are a quintessential summer activity. Regardless of your park day plans, you’ll need a bag that can carry a few extras (think a blanket to lounge on or a frisbee to toss around).

As its name suggests, an expandable carryall will take on all your belongings (and then some). And when crafted of woven straw, a carryall like the Brooklyn just exudes summer vibes. Throw the comfortable wide strap over your shoulder, stash the roomy interior with everything you need, and go—it’s an effortlessly stylish pick you won’t want to put down.

Style Picks: Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 34, Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 28

Summer is all about weekends spent away from the city and closer to the beach, pool or lake. Whether you’re traveling via car, train or plane, large carryalls or top-handle bags crafted of high-quality leather will take on all your weekend essentials with ease (think bathing suits, towels, sunglasses and more).

An extra-roomy style, the Empire can be carried by the top-handles or styled as a crossbody bag on the go. With a zip-top closure, inside snap pocket and enough space to fit your laptop, the Empire is the perfect weekender bag for any summer trip. Plus, it’s crafted of Natural Grain Leather, which means your bag will develop a lived-in, love-worn look or patina over time reflective of all your favorite summer memories.

Style Picks: Soft Empire Carryall Bag 40, Soft Empire Carryall Bag 48

Beach days call for a sturdy, secure bag you can trust even when the waves get rough. You’ll need an easygoing style, ideally one with a zip-top closure to keep your phone and wallet clean and dry.

Tote bags are the ultimate practical beach or boat day pick—but that doesn’t mean they can’t also score you some style points. Choose a tote with embroidery for a playful design or go with Signature Canvas for a sophisticated style (that’s equally durable).

Style Picks: Cargo Tote Bag, Station Tote Bag

If singing, dancing and cheering is in your near future, don’t forget to check your venue’s bag size policy before heading out the door. For the most part, mini bags are a safe, secure choice for music festivals, concerts and sporting events alike. Plus, they’re lightweight, easy to carry and won’t weigh you down when it’s time to let loose.

With a mini bag like the Nolita, you won’t have to sacrifice style for function (or vice versa). Compact yet impactful, the Nolita comes in an endless array of colors, patterns and materials—from denim to canvas to pebbled leather and beyond. Small in size yet big on self-expression, Nolita works however you need it.

Style Picks: Nolita 19 in Signature Canvas, Nolita 19 with Floral Print and Bow

With the inevitable spontaneous summer nights out to come, you’ll need a bag that’s equal parts reliable, dependable and stylish. The Teri checks off all the boxes.

The ultimate supporting act, the Teri can be styled as a crossbody for hands-free singing and dancing. But if you prefer a shoulder bag for nights out, don’t worry. The Teri does that, too (with gleaming chain accents, nonetheless). It’s a style that fits into every wardrobe, regardless of the occasion—making it a go-to summer bag, especially for impromptu plans.

Style Picks: Teri Mini Crossbody Bag, Teri Shoulder Bag