Woven bags made from straw, raffia, paper, leather and vegan leather are top sellers for summer.
I’ve searched through hundreds of summer bags to pick out the very best ones that I know you will love. My ‘shopping lists’ are all about saving you time. I scroll so you don’t have to!
I’ve given the link to the US site but all these retailers ship everywhere and many have a dedicated site for other countries.
Use the link below each image to check availability and current price. There are lots of deals and special offers on most of these bags right now.
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Tote bags, beach bags and shoppers
I love the neat handles on this handwoven straw tote by Madewell, so feminine, so smart.
The perfect large, soft summery tote by DeMellier. This raffia bag works for beach or city.
Macy’s close woven straw tote is a good size and strength for wearing on the shoulder when you’ve got lots to carry.
A New Day at Target does an inexpensive basic straw shopper that would go perfectly with jeans and a shirt
Gap has this simple straw tote that gives you this summer’s essential look without denting your budget.
If you love navy, then Talbots have got you covered with this smart straw and leather bag.
Here’s what all the British women are carrying this summer – from marksandspencer.com
Mango call this their carrycot bag…almost large enough for a baby. I love the green trim.
A manageable size and a designer name make this Loewe leather-trimmed basket bag great for stylish city sightseeing.
Crossbody and shoulder summer bags
This useful bucket bag by Michael Kors at Macy’s would look beautiful with a flouncy cotton frock and tan leather sandals.
Banana Republic bags always look classy. This woven camera bag will take all your daily essentials and pose nicely on the cafe table when you’re out for coffee.
I have the leather version of this Marks and Spencer’s straw camera bag and use it almost daily. But this summer iteration is just a little more trendy and casual. The webbing strap is very on trend today.
Marks and Spencer’s can be guaranteed these days to offer designer looks at very reasonable prices. I like the curved shape of this M&S crossbody sling bag so it can be worn to the side or, higher, across the front.
I adore this woven leather shoulder bag. It is instantly recognizable as by Bottega Veneta, one of the designers French women love. So if you are due a special gift, nudge your partner towards this creation. It’s ‘an investment piece’ as fashionistas like to say!
Just need your phone, keys, card and glasses? The Old Navy very small cross body bag is for you. This one looks so pretty against white linen.
A classic cream and navy shoulder or cross body bag from Talbots. A snaffle bit decoration always looks elegant.
A cute little crossbody bag in handwoven leather by Madewell. It comes in four beautiful colors so choose the one that tones best with your favourite summer outfit.
Slouchy and squashy woven summer bags
Black and dark brown are trending colors this summer. This soft Vida straw bag from Banana Republic is the height of cool casual. Wear with flat sandals as here.
Talbots excel at structured classic casual but here’s a new trendier look for summer – a small slouchy paper straw bag by Talbots. Not sure I like the shirt but I’d take this little bag with me everywhere, especially with a white tee and jeans or a simple linen frock.
If you like to wear unstructured boho in warm weather then here’s the crocheted Madewell bag you’ll want to complete the look. I had one like this fifty years ago hahaha!
Another crocheted bag, by The Sak at Target, is just a little more structured but still essentially soft and squashy. It comes in funky stripes too if you are less classic and more boho.
Small summer bags and clutches
Adorable little clutch purses by Mango in natural woven fibres. Perfect with beige pants or a dark linen dress for lunch dates.
A New Day by Target has this delightfully blingy clutch. Imagine it with a simple navy or black dress – it would definitely pop. A great choice for when you want to be noticed without breaking the bank.
This small classic tote by Talbots is an easy go-anywhere style and size for summer. You could knot a pretty scarf on the handle to add interest on holiday. And it will look smart just as it is with tailored trousers and a blazer for church or work.
A large clutch that gives a summer vibe to an elegant evening outfit. Wear your best rings or bracelets as your hand will be the focus of attention with this refined straw bag by Banana Republic.
US links to all the bags on US sites
UK links to the bags with dedicated UK sites
If you found this shopping list useful, take a look at these other ones:
Or read one of the style posts aimed at women well over 50, such as: