Summer is here, and suddenly your calendar is filling up faster than your group chat can keep up. Beach weekends, picnic dates, random festivals you forgot you said yes to, and that one friend’s birthday that somehow turned into a three-day countryside escape. It’s a beautiful kind of chaos. But with all these plans comes one tiny, practical question: what bag am I bringing? Not every summer outing calls for the same tote you’ve been dragging around since uni (though we love a loyal tote). Sometimes you want something hands-free. Sometimes you need space for five kinds of snacks and a backup outfit. And sometimes, let’s be honest, you just want to carry a cute bag that makes your outfit feel like you’ve got it all together. Here’s your guide to bags that match your many, many summer vibes.
Effortless tote
Let’s start with the most versatile of the bunch: the humble (yet surprisingly chic) market tote. This is the bag that carries your SPF, a bottle of sparkling water, your latest book obsession, and at least three unrelated receipts. Ideal for farmer’s markets, casual brunches, or spontaneous beach trips, a slouchy cotton or mesh tote says “I’m relaxed but still cooler than I look.” Bonus points if you find one in a soft pastel or earthy tone—it’ll pair with pretty much anything in your wardrobe. Want to go a bit elevated? Look for one with embroidered details or a structured handle. Practical doesn’t have to mean boring.
Festival Crossbody
We all know that summer isn’t summer without at least one event where you’re dancing in a field, standing in a queue for fries, or navigating portaloos with tragic lighting. That’s where a good crossbody comes in. Small but mighty, this is the bag that holds your phone, your cards, your lip balm, and maybe one very squished granola bar. Go for a style with a wide, adjustable strap—it’ll feel more secure when you’re moving around. Patterns, beading, metallics, or neon? Absolutely yes. This is your license to go a little fun and weird. It’s summer, after all.
“I’m Going Somewhere Fancy”
Picture this: a summer evening dinner on a rooftop, or a slightly overdressed garden party where people pretend they don’t care about their outfits. This is the moment for a little leather and tweed bag. It brings that classic, polished energy, like you know the difference between sparkling wine and Champagne, even if you secretly don’t. Tweed might sound wintery, but in soft pastels or cream-and-gold combos, it feels surprisingly fresh in the warmer months. From hours of research I found a unique online store that has a large range of tweed bags and other tweed accessories- Gaelsong. Choose a nicely colored tweed shoulder bag and suddenly your sundress looks ten times more put together. It’s giving “I summer in places with cobblestones.” Even if you don’t.
The Weekender
You know that one friend who texts you on a Thursday night like, “Wanna go away this weekend?” This bag is for them. A weekender tote that’s big enough for a couple of outfits, your skincare stash, and a pair of sandals—but not so huge that you’ll be tempted to pack your entire wardrobe. Look for one with a zip top (because nobody wants their stuff falling out on a train platform), and sturdy handles you won’t hate by hour two. Canvas with leather straps? Classic. Striped and nautical? Why not. It’s summer, you’re escaping the city, and your bag should be just as ready for adventure as you are.
