A summer bag is such fun to buy. Here’s my pick of the best summer bags 2026 that are ideal for all women, but especially those of us over 50 or so.
I have included large totes through small clutches. The only trend I have not included are the very small mini bags which are so popular this year. I think tiny bags are sweet on younger girls and women but look a bit silly on older women. Of course, if you are going to a summer wedding or an elegant evening do then a tiny bag may look just right.
Many of these summer bags have discounts (May 2026) so this is a great time to buy. Whether you are searching for a large tote for everyday or as a beach bag, an overnight bag, a useful crossbody bag for town or even a smart clutch for an evening out you’ll find it here. All these bags are stylish and they come at all price points from Target favorites to designer creations.
The US site link is under each image. For the UK site links and more suggestions scroll down to the end of this page.
Madewell Totes
This woven leather handbag is a stylish all-rounder for summer. It comes in four good colors and would look chic with any summer frock.
This suede tote is large enough to take a laptop, or your summer holiday reading, along with all the essential items we love to carry with us on a day out. Perfect with linen pants for a city tour but will be a favorite year round with its designer look in this gorgeous brown.
Marks and Spencer Summer Bags
Such a delightful woven medium summer bag which also comes in a blue stripe. How beautiful would this look with a tonal wardrobe or a black cotton dress.
This large straw bag in dark chocolate brown is the chic way to pack for the beach or a day round the shops. Wear on the shoulder or hold by hand. It also comes in natural for a more country look.
Here’s the bag you’ll take to the airport to hold passport, phone, money and other essentials. Slightly padded to give it a modern soft look, this bag will also work well with a summer dress and sneakers for casual outings.
Gap Straw Bag
This is the quintessential summer beach bag. It is large enough to hold your towel, book and all the other bits and bobs you need for a day relaxing by the pool or the sea. Note there is no closure so not really suitable for around town.
Macy’s Designer Summer Bags
I love this bag from the feminine pink patterned scarf decoration to the removable sporty strap. A good bag for a wedding or posh lunch with strap removed, or to add a summer freshness to your casual navy or white outfits as a crossbody bag. Currently (May 2026) heavily discounted too!
This is one of a collection of bags by Patricia Nash which feature wood, woven denim cloth and real leather. This is a great year-round bag and teams up perfectly with all your denim outfits from jeans to skirts. I like the retro look of this design and the generous size.
Target Inexpensive Useful Selection
A cost-effective addition to your summer outfits, this smallish straw handbag will look stylish with a summer cotton frock or jeans and a striped tee shirt. Personally, I’d remove the chain which detracts from the natural vibe of the bag.
If the Longchamp tote is outside your price range right now, here’s the ideal look-alike bag for shopping, an overnight stay or down at the beach.
A good size for daily essentials such as phone, credit cards and glasses, this pretty little bag is right on trend this summer. I’d use it as a hand-held bag as I’m not a fan of close fitting shoulder bags.
Everyone needs one canvas/cotton/linen bag like this. I love the stripes which work so well against any base color such as white, navy or dark beige to add a holiday vibe to your beach or local shopping excursions.
Boden Stylish Summer Bags
These side ‘wings’ on bags are so fashionable this year. This look using straw and real leather is my favorite bag of this collection. It’s selling very fast but there are similar bags in this range with different stripe colors, some of which include a leather cross-body strap.
Whether you’re off to a wedding or lunch with friends, this smart clutch bag with attachable leather strap, will add an understated elegance to your outfit. Team it with linen pants and leather sandals or a billowy summer dress and slides.
Farfetch Designer Looks
This designer bag will take you anywhere this summer. In pale suede it is part of Farfetch’s tonal neutrals collection and brings the finishing touch to an outfit based on creams through beiges. Simple, stylish and expensive – ask someone special to treat you this summer!
I’ve been buying Longchamp foldable totes for decades. I wash them once or twice a year and carry them everywhere. So many colors to choose, but this summer off-white is trending so here’s the one I’d buy. It’s a medium size, instantly recognizable, very French chic and you can fold it flat and store it in a drawer till you need it.
Woven leather has been trending for a few years now and this small to medium pale beige tote by Dragon Diffusion is becoming a classic. Stylish enough to take on a European city break to wear with wide linen pants by day and a pretty cotton midi dress in the evening.
Banana Republic On-Trend Bags
This woven leather slim clutch makes a perfect bag when wearing pale colors and white. It will look so smart popped on the table next to your wineglass when you’re out for the evening on holiday.
A classic overnight bag when visiting friends and family. Or a great shopper for town. Echo the suede trim in your brown loafers or pop on beige trainers for a casual sportier look.
Anthropologie Delightfully Stylish Summer Bags
Anthropolgie make so many interesting bags. This slouchy tote is a fashionable accessory beloved by Parisians this year. Style it with a blazer to make your outfit a casual classic.
As you’ll have noticed by now slouchy is the look for 2026. I love the suppleness of this bag and the interesting color options.
For some events and outings only a discrete clutch purse will do. Here’s a soft bag easily gripped in your hand and large enough for the essentials.
Talbots Chic Styles
This medium clutch or handbag works well with polished outfits as well as casual jeans or dresses. The close weave keeps the shape and the leather trim adds a smart handle
A great little bag with a useful crossbody strap. You’ll get an instant smart look whether you team this bag with a linen dress or a tee and jeans,
Talbot accessories are often more stylish than their clothes. Ticking all the boxes for a large tote, this summer bag in woven denim is the perfect partner for jeans, a denim jacket or a lightweight denim midi dress.
Links to US Sites for this Shopping List
Roll over an image to get a price. This is usually the full list price but If you click and buy you will pay the current price including any discounts. These are affiliate links which offer me a small commission if you make a purchase, at no cost to you. Thanks for your support.
Note that some retailers do not wish to show a price (which may not be up-to-date) so click on the image and check out the current price for the item on the retailer’s website.
Links to UK Sites for Shopping List of 25 Summer Bags
Some of the bags I show above do not have a UK site so I have added my favorite UK bags to the list
Interested in style tips for older women? Take a look at this post: