My Staple Summer Handbags

When it comes to my closet, I don’t own as many bags compared to other items in my closet. I have a solid core collection of 15 bags that includes crossbody bags, totes, clutches, satchels, and backpacks (this is just counting the items in my Stylebook digital closet). My bags are all neutral colors or colors that go with a large portion of my wardrobe, so I’m covered for any season and occasion.

While I carry most of my handbags at any time of year, there are four bags that I pull out specifically for the warmer months or if I have a vacation at a warm/beach destination: a belt bag, leather bucket bag, straw crossbody bag, and straw tote. Below, I share why each bag is a staple of mine in the summer and a variety of similar bags to shop if you’re in the market for a new summer bag yourself!

My Staple Summer Handbags

Leather Belt Bag

My leather belt bag from Madewell is one of my newest summer bags; I added it to my wardrobe in summer 2019. I purchased it mainly to serve as a small bag for concerts and such, but now most concerts require a clear bag so that hasn’t worked out as well as I was hoping. (It’s also not super ideal for going through security, as you may be required to take it off/have it searched and it’s sort of a hassle to get it off and back on if you’re being rushed.) It’s still a great bag when I need to carry just a few things but want to be fully hands-free.

I’ve worn this bag out to dinners and happy hours, to travel (in the Cook Islands!), and to a special event. I’ve also worn this bag on bike rides when I wanted my phone and a credit card with me (I usually push the bag part behind me so I don’t hit it with my leg while riding). I especially love wearing this bag with dresses; not only does it work as a belt and cinch at the waist, it serves as a visual focal point. Since it also works with regular belt loops, I also like wearing it with denim!

Shop Belt Bags

Perforated Leather Bucket Bag

I’ve owned my white perforated leather bucket bag since spring 2015! It’s the oldest of all of my summer bags. I saw it in an & Other Stories marketing email and immediately knew it would be mine. (It’s from the Clare V collaboration collection.) I love it so much; it’s such a great bag at any time of year but especially in the warmer months.

The size of my bucket bag is just big enough for my wallet, phone, sunglasses, and other small items. Nothing can get lost in it! The white color goes with everything and is a bag I reach for often to keep my outfits light and airy. I’ve worn this bag with a few dozen outfits; I love wearing it with blue and green color combinations as well as outfits with a variety of colors (like the rainbow-striped dress) to ground them. A white bag also works well to contrast black and dark grey, and of course, it looks good with any sort of white stripe!

Shop Bucket Bags

Straw Crossbody Bag

How cute is this fun straw bag?! I purchased it from Shopbop in summer 2017, and this has been my standard beach vacation bag ever since then. I have a hard time wearing it out and about when I’m not on vacation; it just doesn’t feel quite right to carry it in the middle of Boise sometimes, haha. It’s the perfect size to carry just the necessities, especially while on vacation! My Kindle, phone, and small wallet fit easily inside, and sometimes I can also squeeze in a water bottle.

The blue tassels make this bag a little less versatile than other straw bags, but since I wear so much blue, it’s not an issue. It’s fun to have a little variety! I’ve loved wearing it with other shades of blue and with denim. The crossbody straps comes in handy so much, though since this strap is straw (and thin), it’s not the most comfortable to keep on my shoulders for a long period of time (especially if my bag is filled). Since I’m short, I knotted it at the top to make the length better for me.

Shop Straw Crossbody Bags Under $150

Straw Tote

I also added my straw circle tote to my wardrobe in summer 2019! I’ll be honest: This purchase was purely motivated because totes like these were trending, and I just loved the shape. I wear this bag the least of all of these bags, but I can’t bring myself to part with it because it just feels so right when I do get a chance to wear it. Is it not the most quintessential straw tote?! 🤩 I would LOVE to bring this with me on a beach vacation but haven’t had the suitcase space for it.

Like my other straw bag, this one acts as a neutral—and even moreso since the strap is brown. I love wearing it with other light neutral colors to add a textural element. It’s also the perfect addition to stripes! This is a fun tote to wear to the farmers market because there’s plenty of room to hold some produce in addition to my wallet and other necessities. The shoulders strap comes in handy when I’m tired of holding it by the handle.

Shop Straw Totes Under $200

What are your staple bags in the summer months? Do you have go-to bags for beach vacations?

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