Handbags are the anchor of any great outfit, which is why trading in your fall or winter purse is essential for transitioning your look into summer. Luckily for you, this season’s key styles—including the clutch purse and the ubiquitous woven carryall—are surprisingly versatile for both casual daytime affairs and dressier events. Keep reading to find out our five key summer purse trends and how to style these must-have accessories for all occasions.
1. The Woven Bag
JUMPSUIT: M.I.H. JEANS, BAG: CLEOBELLA, HAT: ECHO ACCESSORIES
DRESS: DRESS THE POPULATION, BAG: LOEFFLER RANDALL, EARRINGS: ELIZABETH AND JAMES ACCESSORIES
From straw basket bags to wicker totes, lightweight woven purses have always been evocative of the season. No wonder the style’s still going strong this summer! Your options? Keep the vibe casual by pairing a rattan-inspired carrier with an equally low-key chambray jumpsuit and straw hat. Or you can elevate a woven bucket bag with a floor-skimming maxi dress (go for fancy textiles like silk or lace) and metallic baubles.
2. The Leather Satchel
SHIRT: CUPCAKES AND CASHMERE, PANTS: TORY BURCH, BAG: GIGI NEW YORK
DRESS: ERIN ERIN FETHERSTON, BAG: MACKAGE HANDBAGS, WATCH: SHINOLA
Perhaps the most polished of this summer’s handbag trends, the leather satchel is versatile enough to bring on your travels (styled as a convenient cross-body carrier with a tailored shirt and jeans) or to the office (worn as a top-handle purse with a ladylike dress). Choose one in a classic color—like goes-with-everything camel or black—to make sure the style transitions seamlessly into fall.
3. The Backpack Purse
DRESS: JILL JILL STUART, BAG: ALL SAINTS, SUNGLASSES: ELIZABETH AND JAMES
JUMPSUIT: DONNA MORGAN, BACKPACK: ZAC ZAC POSEN, BRACELET: KENDRA SCOTT
Backpacks have staged a successful comeback, but the latest iteration of this hands-free trend is significantly daintier—with less emphasis on high school and more on high-fashion. A slouchy silhouette is well-suited for a daytime outing, especially paired with a floral dress and pastel shades. For an evening out, select a more structured shape and look for metal hardware which adds just the right amount of shine to a sleek jumpsuit and statement bracelet.
4. The Summer Clutch
ROMPER: ALI & JAY, PURSE: REBECCA MINKOFF, EARRINGS: GORJANA
DRESS: ELIZABETH AND JAMES, PURSE: LOEFFLER RANDALL, EARRINGS: GERARD YOSCA
Looking for a summer clutch? Experiment with playful embellishments—like pom-poms, fringe, tassels, or floral appliques—that channel the season’s sunny vibe. Styled with a bright romper and fun earrings, an embroidered straw clutch is ideal for beach getaways. For a more formal occasion, opt for a clutch made from a dressier material, such as leather or satin, paired with a festive dress and hoop earrings.
5. The Tote Handbag
TOP: MINKPINK, SHORTS: JOIE, BAG: TOME X TDE
TOP: CARVEN, PANTS: OPENING CEREMONY, BAG: ELIZABETH AND JAMES ACCESSORIES
With its simple, streamlined shape and convenient shoulder strap, the tote handbag is every woman’s wardrobe workhorse. The style is easily dressed down—say, with a pair of gingham shorts and a ruffled blouse—for city sightseeing or errand runs. Getting decked out for nighttime? Smarten up the style by choosing a flashy metallic shade and teaming it with sleek, modern separates.
With a simple swap of accessories, you can seamlessly transition your wardrobe into a new season. Easily rent different handbags and other summertime accessories to welcome the warmer months and experiment with your style.