You are probably wondering who on earth writes a summer handbag post at the end of August?! The idea randomly popped into my head about two weeks prior, and I do not discredit any post ideas. After all, the calendar still says it is summer. I have been doing a lot of work on outfit posts lately which is triggering my thoughts on summer handbags that every woman needs. I have six bags in my collection that are absolute staples, and they will be for you as well. They literally can go with any outfit that you dream up, making other handbags unnecessary! As you will see in this post, it is really about material that makes a bag summer-worthy. Otherwise, earth tones and open concepts also play a big role.
You can see all of these handbags in action in my blog post on how to style palm print. It makes an excellent companion to this guide.
6 Summer Handbags Every Woman Needs
1) Bamboo
To begin my list of summer handbags that every woman needs, we need to talk about bamboo. When I see bamboo I feel instantly transported to the beach. The color really pairs with any outfit, but the material will attract notice from others. I am the proud owner of the Betsey Johnson Woody 2 Shoes handbag from Dillards and I like to style it with all things pineapple and palm print.
Related Post: How to Style Palm Print
2) Acrylic
Second is acrylic. You will notice how much it mimics the look of bamboo, but it has its own thing going on. This particular bag has a pearlized effect, so the way the sun catches it is unreal. Featured here is Rachel Roy’s Pearl White Acrylic Handbag from TJMaxx. You can find it from resellers on Poshmark, Mercari, eBay, etc. if you really like this tote shape. Otherwise, there are others on the market in a half-moon shape. I like to pair this bag with nautical inspired stripes and tropical prints.
3) Straw
Third is straw. This material also makes me think of the beach and sun hats. A large bag such as this pick from Forever 21 can carry all of your vacation essentials and still have room for more. The round handle is ultra chic. As a plus, it adds texture to any outfit which is an instant upgrade.
4) Wicker
Fourth is wicker, or rattan. This bag is from TJMaxx. I find they are usually littered with these bags, so if you want one, they are easy to obtain. Round handbags are an addiction of mine. Something about them feels extra fashionable to me. A rattan handbag has the transformative power to work with your favorite dress, or a simple shirt and shorts. Your favorite pair of sunglasses will complete the look flawlessly. Sometimes I wear this bag with shoes that also have wicker accents to pull an entire outfit together.
5) Wood
Next is wood. I know that it highly resembles bamboo, but it holds its own. Wood bags typically come in a lot of colors. I prefer black because it goes with most outfits, but I commonly see red, yellow, and green. Thus, a wood bag is a perfect way to add a statement pop of color to a summer, or even a spring outfit. I like that I can remove the crossbody straps on this bag from Ross and carry it as is, but you can typically find these with handles.
Related Post: What to Wear Under a Sarong
6) Woven
To end this list of summer handbags that every woman needs is a woven selection. I think about a fishing net when I see these types of bags, so they work well with nautical-inspired pieces. You may not be able to carry small items in this type of bag, but that does not stop me from making a statement with them. I challenge you to consider other ways you can incorporate woven handbags into your everyday life, outside of nautical outfits. I wear mine with palm print, but you can even dress it up. This bag is from Madison and Mallory.
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Conclusion
In summary of this list of six summer handbags that every woman needs, these bags are the end all be all that you need in your closet to pair with any outfit. Summer bags get their vibes from the materials they are made up of, such as rattan, bamboo, and straw. They pair well with tropical and nautical prints, but do not limit yourself to those. Their earth tones and open designs really do amplify your style game and set you up to be the expert. I am perfectly happy resigning myself to these six bags and I do not feel like I need any more to be summer, or spring ready. Best of all, you do not need to break the bank to obtain these styles. I hope this late summer post finds you well, whether you are vacationing, staycationing, or simply wanting to try something new.
Do you have certain bags that you like to carry based on the season?