Handbags You'll Be Seeing Everywhere In Summer 2023
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The calendar — and weather forecast — are in agreement. So it's finally time to get our spring and summer handbags into the daily rotation. These warmer months inspire long days of meandering from one outdoor activity to the next, from al fresco brunch to beach days. With this in mind, you'll see the usual tote bags, for sure, but other summer handbag trends add a fresh spin on seasonal favorites.
In fact, this season is full of surprises — and warm weather classics alike. Woven leather is being celebrated, like this featured Parker Clay handbag, and everyone seems to be abuzz with the continued rally of Y2K nostalgia. With this in mind, you can expect to see a full spectrum of sizes, shapes, and textures this spring and summer. Though it may seem like anything goes, one consistent theme is extremes. From mega-big tote bags to wildly textured materials, you can't go wrong with leaning into a niche. And as if to add a wee bit of balance, the season will welcome the return of quiet luxury. In the end, there's a clutch, tote, or crossbody bag for everyone this season, so here's some inspiration.
Is this the perfect summer clutch?
As spring turns to summer, we usually look to brighten and lighten our accessories. With this in mind, natural materials and woven elements are frontrunners for summer handbag trends for 2023. The Tampa-based shop @penelopetboutique posted this clutch, and we're tempted to set an hourly alarm to visit their page as often as possible. The lighter shade of the leather is just right, and the woven rattan-like pattern screams summertime. Plus, we spy with our little eye the telltale clue that this clutch comes with a crossbody strap.
Buckle up — Y2K is here to stay
Here's some hard-hitting reporting. Our nostalgic yearning for all things Y2K is not fading any time soon. We're seeing inspiration everywhere — from social media to Y2K movies to inspire your next look. Even if you're on the fence about wearing velour tracksuits, the classic baguette-shaped handbag is one 2000s comeback that's easy to incorporate into most aesthetic cores. Its minimalist size rests nicely on the forearm, as seen in this inspiration from @tamumcpherson, and the wide buckle is a wee bit of Y2K look without switching up your style entirely.
The comfort of classic quilted looks
This, right here. Now, that's how to rock a black handbag all summer long, folks. Leave it to influencer @camilacoelho to serve up a black-and-white montage that is as summery as sipping a piña colada. This poolside vibe is channeling a 2023 trend — the timeless quilted handbag. The best part, however, is that this Chanel bag checks off the box for another seasonal must-have: a chic bucket bag.
Hush! It's time for quiet luxury
Isn't fashion just the best? How awesome is it that the bling-bling buckle accents of Y2K and quiet luxury are trending simultaneously? Well, lean into that mood with some inspiration from one of Instagram's top style influencers, @chiaraferragni. Here she rocks an understated Gucci handbag in a shade of red reminiscent of Old Hollywood glamour. The bag itself is a straightforward style — medium in size, with a classic envelope-style closure and low-key gold accent. In place of garish logos, the handbag's appeal lies in its quality and design.
This tote is a glorious mish-mash of joyful trends
Although it may look like just a fun tote bag, this gem is checking off oh-so-many boxes for summer trends. Ultimately, summer vibes are imbued with a bit of wanderlust and fun. Obviously, this bag is giving that. However, with this summer's trend focus on natural materials, oversized tote bags, and top handles, this patch-happy bag posted by @chiaraferragni is summer goals personified. Those with an itch for that DIY life can easily replicate this look with a plain tote and some fun hippie-inspired iron-on patches from Amazon.
Bucket bags are the latest summer handbag trend
What we've got here is no ordinary bucket bag, and that's the whole point. Since bucket bags are one of the "it" bags for summer, the goal is to find one that is super chic, unique, or impossibly elegant. Parisian influencer @sabinasocol nails the trend here with a cornflower blue bucket bag with nautical rope accent-top handles. Of course, the color is giving ocean vibes, which pairs beautifully with the nautical details — hello, summer!
Texture is giving major warm weather feels
If summer has you craving ultra-feminine looks, you're not alone — especially with the major fashion runway love for femininity and soft textures this season. We spotted this stunning pale pink feathered handbag and immediately planned an entire evening around it — cocktails in coupe glasses and such. This style is from @koluntu, a luxury shop specializing in zero-waste, handmade African goods. Alternatively, you can explore lace or ruffles and play with romantic accents like flowers and hearts.
Big totes are a (really) big trend right now
I'll take summer handbag trends for (under) $200, Alex. If this summer budget plan lands just right for you, take the jeopardy out of the equation with a versatile bag that multitasks with the best of them. One way to stay on-trend is to go all in on the woven look — but execute it in an easy-to-clean material like cotton or other natural fibers like straw. Using this purple puffed-weave bag from @mariastrinketstotreasures_ as inspiration, a pop of color can go a long way in making a summer statement.
Two summer handbag trends in one adorable clutch
Natural fibers like straw and hemp are always on-trend for summer looks. They're light and airy, which is precisely the mood to embrace when the heat kicks up. Along with these perennial trends, you'll see these fabrics executed in oversized handbags and slouchy styles. It just so happens this clutch from @bohotaschdesign combines both of those trends, and we love the idea of having extra real estate for our sunblock and cucumber hydrating mist. Plus, bonus points for the fact that this clutch goes from day to night like a champ.
Summer luxury with a mermaid twist
If you devoted time to curating your "dark mermaid" look going into 2023, now's the time to start transitioning to the summer version. With that comes lighter color palettes and pearl accents. It's the perfect time to grab a top-handle handbag in a summery material. We're swooning over this basket-style bag posted by @detailsmattergy — a luxurious riff on a unique warm-weather handbag. And for a cool $8,500, you can also be confident bits of sand from your seaside brunch won't be an issue with this open-structured bag.