For some women, the most important of their outfits is their shoes; for others, it’s the perfume they spritz on before they leave their homes, and for many, it’s the handbag. While trends come and go, there are, of course, handbag styles that are iconic and will last a lifetime, but if you’re someone who enjoys standing out from the crowd and obviously has their finger on the pulse of fashion, the bag styles trending most for summer 2023 should be the ones you’re coveting, adding to cart, and rocking all summer long. If you need help determining where to start when it comes to what to add to your handbag collection, keep reading for the bags all the trendsetters will be sporting this summer.
When it comes to luxury handbags, there is no texture quite as timeless as the quilted bag from YSL to Gucci or Balenciaga, and finding your go-to quilted shoulder bag for the summer is as easy as picking your favorite design house and choosing one of their styles. You may think a chain strap is too heavy for summer, but that’s not the case this year. If you want to lighten things up to feel more seasonally appropriate, opt for a neutral light cream or a fun pastel in a beautiful pink or purple – purple is one of the reigning colors for summer 2023, no matter the shade. The great thing about a quilted shoulder bag is the straps are typically long enough that you could go crossbody to stay hands-free on all your vacations and exploring during the summer.
Summer is known for its long days and long nights, which means you could leave the house in the morning and not return until well after the sun has gone down; for that reason, having a tote bag that can carry your day’s necessities is essential. But not all totes are created equal, and for summer 2023, a puffy tote bag is where it’s at. Opt for bold and bright colors to play on the already whimsical nature of the puffy texture, and pair these bags with your casual outfits, like denim shorts and a tank, to let your bag stand out.
Another aspect of summer we all appreciate is the lazy, carefree vibes, and let that come through with an oversized, slouchy shoulder bag. Please don’t shy away from genuine leather when investing in this trend, as you can rest assured it’s not going anywhere. Another stand-out color for summer 2023 is bold reds, so investing in a red XL slouchy bag that can double for the fall and winter of 2023 is a solid decision.
On the opposite end of the style spectrum, another major bag trend this summer is the minimalist and clean structured handbag. Of course, these bags can typically only be worn on the wrist, so they’re reserved for days where you won’t be carrying your bag all day, but they’re the perfect complement to business lunches, more elevated events, or quick brunch with your girls. Stick to neutrals and even darker colors, as this will easily transition seamlessly into your fall wardrobe for its timeless aesthetic.
You likely noticed that denim is having a major moment this spring and summer. While denim will never go out of style due to iconic pieces like the denim jacket, denim skirts, and straight-leg jeans, denim bags come and go as far as being a fashion favorite. Denim on denim is a trend everyone embraces in warm weather this year, so incorporate that into your handbag collection, and you’ll always be in style. Denim is a durable fabric, so choose these bags when you are running around, and your bag may get beat up a little – it won’t show wear and tear like other bag styles.
Other noteworthy trends are using the worn-in bags you’ve loved forever and breaking those out of storage, raffia handbags in all different styles, and crochet. Summer is when you can play with your fashion and remember how important your handbag is to achieve the overall look you’re going for. Enjoy this summer in style!