Summer is the one season that you really desire something different from your handbag. The LBB (little black bag) doesn't seem to encompass the seasonal energy. It's a time for wicker, canvas, and mesh—impractical as that may be. Not to mention, you're often schlepping a bunch of stuff to the pool, beach, or park, so you need a carryall tote (that hopefully won't compromise your summer style). So we've asked our staffers to divulge which bags they'll be carrying throughout the month of August, and the results range from practical raffia totes to silky mini bags. Take your pick!
Greg Brossia, Managing Director and Chief Digital Officer
Caroline Dunn, Affiliate Coordinator
Raffia Bucket Bag
An oversized bucket bag is my favorite alternative to the tote, and this one from Jenni Kayne is a functional way to participate in the raffia bag trend that I'm seeing everywhere this summer. Handmade in Italy with an adjustable strap and gold-tone hardware, I feel like this bag was made for housing a baguette and a bouquet of flowers as you stroll home from the market in Paris.
Bamboo Small Recycled-silk Handbag
I'm in love with everything from Home of Hai, and the Bamboo Handle Handbag is far and away my number one most-used accessory of the past few summers. How cute is it in this Cinderella blue color? You will get approximately 1,000 compliments every time you take this baby out of the house.
Kaia Shoulder Bag
I just got this bag as a birthday gift, and it's already a go-to. I am rejoicing at the return of the shoulder bag, and leave it to one of my all-time fave brands to make the absolute perfect one.
Nick Papa, Brand Partnerships & Sales Manager
Duck Bag
This bag really is my go-to. Whether I am running around the city for a day or doing some local shopping, I always have this bag in tow. The canvas material is sturdy enough to endure being tossed around while also giving way to whatever I throw inside.
The Perfect Weekend Tote
I have had my eye on this tote for a few months now…and it is finally time to make it mine. Made of durable canvas that already feels worn in, this is the perfect bag that I can use for a weekend away or even toting around whatever I convince myself I need as I leave the house. The double handle option is also super practical when you are on the go.
GG-embossed Belt Bag
I love the convenience of a belt bag when I am traveling so that I can keep all my things in one place—keys, wallet, phone, and mask. The simplicity of this one caught my attention with the black-on-black signature embossed monogram and perforated leather. It is an investment piece, but one that I'll use for years to come.
Robert Rowe, Business Development Director
Amazona Bag
Iconic yet totally now, it's almost like a briefcase. The reinforced corners toughen it up and the style just gets better with age.
Leya Kaufman, Head of Sales
Mini Galleria Tote
While I don't have any travel plans this season, I need a red "it" bag for summer Fridays, and this one screams "OOO." I could rock this with a sundress or pair of Bermuda shorts and feel like I'm not just around the corner for lunch.
Greyson Pebbled Leather Sling Pack
Gender agnostic and perfectly suited for a parent on the go, this is a go-to summer belt bag that I can share with my husband. It will fit my iPhone, baby bottles, and snacks. I also love how versatile it is—it can take the place of a belt or be thrown around my back while I'm running after the kids.
Diana Multicolor Stud Palm Tote Bag
This is the perfect summer tote. Its seasonal beach-ready straw and rainbow-studded details stole my heart at first glance. It also fits everything from a laptop to a water bottle. I've been using it all season and have no plans to stop.
Camille Freestone, Associate Style Editor
The Giant Tote
Attersee is my most recent found-via-Instagram fashion obsession. I'm loving the seaside energy so evident in all their designs, specifically in the form of this carry-all tote. I couldn't ask for a better (chicer) beach bag.
Lunch Basket Woven Leather Tote
I love having a brown leather tote to pair with non-beach attire. When I'm heading to Central Park with some friends, I'll toss a blanket, a book, snacks, etc., in this bag without having to worry about compromising style.
The Mini
I'm not one for silly mini bags most of the time, but I like to jazz up my everyday purse just a bit come summer. This mini pouch from Porto adds the perfect dash of interest to a supersimple look.
Ashley Combs, Design Director
Baguette with Embroidery Kit
Very few things stop me in my (scrolling) tracks these days, but this customizable Fendi Baguette did the trick. Their iconic bag made of perforated cotton comes with an embroidery kit so that you (and your 12-year-old self) can weave in any color and detail you'd like.
Grande Fanny
With two little ones, long live the fanny pack. Clare V.'s Grande Fanny is the perfect size for all the new standards—wallet, phone, mask, hand sanitizer, keys. I love the cream perf, but it comes in fun colors and patterns like their gingham collab with Heather Taylor Home.
Mini Tommy Chain Bag
Summer is the time to make a color statement with your accessories. This mini lavender croc-embossed bag from Staud is super versatile and comes with two straps for interchangeable lengths.
Top photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@attersee
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