The 25 summer bags making a statement in every fashion editor's wardrobe this season
If the warmer temperatures have got you desperate to showcase something new, one of the new season summer bags will be the perfect way to dip your toe into the sartorial joys of the sunnier months.
Replacing your entire repertoire when the weather changes is a thing of the past; instead we're all about making small updates through our accessories rotations to give the illusion of being one of those walk-in wardrobe types with an endless supply of on-trend items.
It seems the stars have aligned for SS23 too, as all manner of fashion brands – from designer to high street – have kicked their handbag game up a gear. No sweaty changing rooms, no size discrepancies, no WAY it won't suit you…summer bags are the easiest purchase to make and the perfect finishing touch to your warm-weather uniform.
So, which styles to make a beeline for?
Raffia and woven bags
For 2023, raffia and woven beach bags continue to make a splash, with styles like the Loewe basket bag, and the Prada raffia tote iteration proving they work just as well at a city picnic as they do on the Amalfi Coast.
Tote bags
Canvas bags and slouchy leather silhouettes – as seen at Alexander McQueen and Chloé – are also big news (taking inspiration from the structureless hobo bags that Kate Moss was seen with in the noughties), while bucket bags were seen all over the spring/summer 2023 runways.
Colourful bags
As for colours? There's only one rule: the brighter, the better. On the high street, Uniqlo's mini shoulder bag is the style that continues to sell out, and this lilac flap bag from Radley is sweet enough to eat. If you are partial to pink, though, we're championing this Barbiecore-esque Weekend Max Mara Pasticcino bag.
There's no denying the endless invitations you've likely received this summer, so a sunny clutch bag is in order to match the mood. Complement everything from your summer wedding guest dresses to your one-piece swimsuits and bikinis with this stripe raffia design from COS, and use Mulberry's Darley cosmetic pouch for scenarios far beyond its makeup intentions.
After more bags and purses? We've got the best designer handbags of the new season – including designer crossbody bags and designer tote bags – plus high-end baby changing bags, gym bags, clutch bags, black handbags and work bags and laptop backpacks for when you head to the office.
Scroll for our full edit of the best summer bags 2023.
Chloé Woody Medium Cotton-Canvas Tote Bag
Save when you shop for summer bags with these Selfridges discount codes at checkout.
Save when you shop for summer bags with these H&M discount codes (where you can also shop Arket) at checkout.
Best Summer Leather Bags: Designer Bags
Matthew Williamson Medium Kensington Bag
To save some United Kingdom GBP when you shop for summer bags, use these Kurt Geiger discount codes at checkout.
Polo Reversible Canvas Medium Bellport Tote
Save when you shop for summer bags with these Ralph Lauren discount codes at checkout.
Raffia Crochet Beach Shopper Bag
Save when you shop for summer bags with these Accessorize discount codes at checkout.
Weekend Max Mara Pasticcino Lace-Embellished Cotton-Blend Shoulder Bag
Save when you shop for summer bags with these Selfridges discount codes at checkout.
Macrame Tassel Cream Shopper Tote Bag
Save when you shop for summer bags with these Oliver Bonas discount codes at checkout.
Best Rattan Summer Bags: Best Beach Bags/Panier
Loewe Small Leather-Trimmed Woven Raffia Tote
Save when you shop for summer bags with these Net-A-Porter discount codes at checkout.
Givenchy G-Tote Large Embroidered Woven Cotton-Blend Tote
Save when you shop for summer bags with these Net-A-Porter discount codes at checkout.
Best Summer Bags To Wear With Summer Dresses
