By the middle of May, we’re only making it through the workday day one pack of Starbursts at a time. All of a sudden, our blazers start to feel like they’re stifling the swimwear-ready sea monsters lying dormant inside of us–we’re ready for summer.
So whether we’re planning a Memorial Day getaway to the neighbor’s pool or the beach halfway around the world, we’ll plan to hide all evidence of our laptops and work bags until we’re back in the office. Summer weekends call for an entirely different kind of accessory, and these are the beach bags on our lists.
Our favorite beach bags marry functionality with style. Think: zipper pockets, infinite space, and sturdy shoulder straps. They weather every last spec of sand and carry our memories to remind us of every epic beach day. From large tote bags to mesh beach bags, here are the finds that the Coveteur team will be carrying all season.
Affordable Beach Bags
Seasonal Tote Handbag
Recommended by: Caroline Dunn, Manager, Sales & Brand Partnerships
This Target find is giving all of the “LIRR on a Summer Friday” energy that I’m craving right now. I have always been a sucker for a preppy pink and green combo, and this is a very fun play on the straw bag trend that I know we’ll be seeing everywhere again this summer.
Boat and Tote Zip Top
Recommended by: Katie Mok, Content Management Coordinator
This bag is the one-stop shop when packing for the beach. Literally everything goes in: shorts, sunscreen, speakers, flip flops, hard kombucha to hide from the rangers, and maybe a snack or two.
Prima Straw Beach Bag Tote
Recommended by: Leya Kaufman, Head of Brand, Publisher & SVP of Sales
This isn’t just a straw tote–it’s an extra-large carryall that doubles as a fashion statement for the beach. At $52, I wouldn’t even think twice before adding it to my cart. I’m already styling it with the crochet cover-up that I plan to wear throughout the summer.
On My Level Bag
Recommended by: Samantha Wu, Marketing Coordinator
Designed for those on the move, this versatile water-repellent bag can be worn over the shoulder or as a cross-body to take you from the depths of the city to the calm of the beach. With built-in compartments, this bag has plenty of room to fit all your summer essentials.
Straw Tote Bag
Recommended by: Patricia Foster Stein, Executive Beauty Director, Sales & Brand Partnerships
Want to add some beachy glam to your chic city style? Then this is the go-to summer tote for you! Made of 100 % seagrass, this elegant raffia tote with navy leather trim will be your favorite summer accessory. From the office to lazy summer beach days, you will always feel put together.
Le Pliage Filet Mesh Bag
Recommended by: Samantha Wu, Marketing Coordinator
A classic net bag, this Longchamp is a great accessory for any beach day wardrobe. Big enough for a book, sunscreen, and more, this is a must-have accessory for an instantly elevated look.
Mini Natalie Bag
Recommended by: Katie Mok, Content Management Coordinator
Light greens and floral prints have been top of mind ever since it started to get warmer. And this bag makes for an easygoing style for a relaxing beach day. Whether I’m lounging in the sun or walking on the boardwalk, I know I'm accompanied by the cutest accessory right by my side.
Everyday Tote
Recommended by: Samantha Wu, Marketing Coordinator
For those who like to bring everything under the sun in their beach bag, this one’s for you. I’m obsessed with straw bags for the summer and this one combines functionality and fashion perfectly.
Investment-Worthy Beach Bags
Keep Large Tote
Recommended by: Caroline Dunn, Manager, Sales & Brand Partnerships
After coveting the Dior Book Tote for years, I was so excited to see Aritzia’s play on the toile tote. It sports the perfect color scheme for summer with a bit more structure.
The Mesh Tote Bag
Recommended by: Katie Mok, Content Management Coordinator
A goal I set for 2023 was to add more color. I naturally lean towards neutral tones, and this yellow colorway is more approachable than you think!
Large Rio Tote
Recommended by: Leya Kaufman, Head of Brand, Publisher & SVP of Sales
This year, I’m upgrading my water-resistant college carryall with my maiden name Monogram for this big-girl version from Anine Bing. While there’s nothing wrong with a cotton canvas tote bag, this woven seagrass had me at first click. It's the hottest and best beach bag I’ve ever seen.
Paula's Ibiza Fold Shopper Raffia Tote Bag
Recommended by: Leya Kaufman, Head of Brand, Publisher & SVP of Sales
This bag proves that you can still look chic when you’re carrying flip-flops, swimsuits, water bottles, and sunscreen for the entire family. I’m in love with its shoulder straps and infinite space, even if the extra room will redistribute the beach towels for everyone into my bag.
Cabana Stripe Oversized Tote
Recommended by: Caroline Dunn, Manager, Sales & Brand Partnerships
I’ve been gravitating towards pale blue in the curation of my summer wardrobe, and this cabana stripe is the perfect embodiment of my aesthetic for the season. This oversized tote is the perfect size for doubling as a carry-on bag to take you from the plane to the beach this summer.
