It’s always worth investing in a new summer bag when the weather warms up. Accessories are essentials, so they should change with the rest of your seasonal wardrobe.
As you swap out heavier winter fabrics for lightweight linens and cotton, it makes sense to switch out your bags too. That trusty leather tote you relied on throughout winter? It’ll weigh down your breezy dresses and dull those summer florals.
With summer comes warmer days, lighter evenings and as a result, al fresco lunches and dinners – your outfit should reflect this change. So, swap black for warm brown tones and introduce earthy materials such as straw, bamboo and jute into your wardrobe.
Don't be afraid to embrace the right leather, though; we’ve selected a few options that will work hard across all seasons.
Here are the best bag trends to buy into for summer 2023.
Basket bags
No longer reserved only for the beach, straw accessories can be a key player in your wardrobe from spring onwards.
Lighter than leather and as a result more laid-back, straw, jute and wicker bags can add a bohemian touch to everyday outfits or tone down smarter looks.
Want something longer-lasting? Look for leather trims – they create a stronger silhouette and will withstand wear and tear.
Mango Fiber carrycot
Akatue Baby Obroni Bag
M&S Straw Tote Bag
& Other Stories Straw Tote
Oversized bags
Can’t bear to pack light? You'll love this season's newest trend: the oversized tote.
The bigger the better with this one. So you can stuff everything but the kitchen sink in yours and rest assured you'll still look chic – as well as be prepared for anything.
Our favourite option out there is from our high street hero Boden. Although these hand-woven raffia totes were made for the beach, we'll be taking them on picnics instead this summer.
Arket Canvas Tote Bag
Whistles Amara Tote Bag
Turtle bags
Initially designed as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic shoppers, the turtle bag is now the height of fashion. Made from a cotton mesh, the open-loop structure means it’ll stretch to larger capacities or fold into a more compact size – perfect for popping into your handbag ahead of a shopping trip.
The best bit of this trend? The original turtle bags are available for as little as £3. But if you'd prefer a luxe take, or want something with a bit more structure, go for a leather and macramé iteration.
Longchamp Le Pliage filet
Oliver Bonas Shopper Bag
Whistles Crochet Tote Bag
Cross-body bags
Light packers, fret not, there's no need to lug a cumbersome bag around if you'd rather not. Just like floaty frocks, cross-body bags feel so freeing in the summer – they leave your hands free for other things (holding ice creams or a glass of wine at a BBQ, perhaps).
& Other Stories' straw style just screams summer, but if you want something with seasonality opt for leather instead.
Our favourite find has to be Mango's leather-trimmed shoulder bag: your affordable alternative to Gucci!
M&S Camera Bag
& Other Stories Straw Bag
Whistles Bibi Bag
Mango Cross-body bag
Bright bags
Just because summer is here, that doesn’t mean you have to step out of your comfort zone. If brights or florals feel daunting to wear, the easiest way to add colour to outfits is with accessories.
When it comes to bags, the bolder the better. But, for longevity, eschew neon hues for something more grown up – think fuchsia or mustard yellow.
Smart leather options will work day-to-night and all year round, too. Let yours add a pop of colour to workwear looks, black knitwear and even a boring jeans and T-shirt look.
Oliver Bonas Camera Bag
Kate Spade Small Tote
Cambridge Satchel Poppy
So, now you’re clued up on all the key bag trends for spring/summer 2023, you can choose the best style for you. We’ll take five please...
