The 3 *Must-Have* Stylish Handbags You NEED in Your Wardrobe This Summer

Summer Handbags

Have you ever heard the saying “Cinderella is proof that a new pair of shoes can change your life”? Besides being hilarious and fun, it’s also kinda true. I literally feel an extra spring in my step when I have on a beautiful pair of shoes. I think the same can be said about a gorgeous handbag. Maybe it won’t change your life…but it can definitely change your entire outfit! Having that perfect bag is important for adding that perfect finishing touch to any outfit.  But what type of handbags do you really need? I’m sharing the three types of handbags you should absolutely have in your wardrobe this summer. Plus, some super chic options that will help complete all of your outfits this summer!

If you’re interested in even more chic summer accessories, I shared 30+ of my favorites in this post.

1) Crossbody

Marc Jacobs Shoulder Bag

The first bag you need in your closet is a crossbody! Crossbody bags are convenient and practical because they carry everything you really need but aren’t too oversized like totes. This first crossbody by Marc Jacobs and is the perfect size for holding all of the essentials like your keys, wallet, phone, lipstick, and sunglasses. I love the mix of brown, beige, white, and black because it makes it SO versatile and easy to style with everything in your closet. Plus, since it’s so neutral, you’ll be able to wear this bag throughout the entire year, not just summer. The striped strap gives it a sportier, more casual feel. You can adjust the length of the striped strap and carry it on your shoulder or as a traditional crossbody. But if you want to dress it up a bit, you can remove the striped strap completely and use the small gold chain strap to carry it as a shoulder bag. It’s a super versatile, elegant option that you’ll use for years and years! I just brought this bag with me to Europe and carried it everyday.

See by Chloe Crossbody

It was really hard to decide between the Marc Jacobs bag and this See by Chloe bag. They’re both such beautiful, elegant, sophisticated bags. This See by Chloe bag has the gorgeous white and gray color combination, and the gold hardware looks so luxe. This one is a little more elevated than the Marc Jacobs bag, but it is also smaller so you would only be able to fit your phone, small card holder, and keys. But if you like to keep things lean, then this is a great option!

Ulla Johnson Crossbody Bag

If the Marc Jacobs and See by Chloe bags are too dressy for your style, consider something like this beautiful Ulla Johnson bag. The brown leather is really high-quality and luxe-looking but combining it with the woven raffia makes it feel more casual and summer-like. The shape is unique and fun, I love the drawstring closure, and it has an adjustable strap. You’ll use this bag for many more springs and summers to come!

Loeffler Randall Woven Crossbody

If you’re looking for a casual white bag for summer or your next vacation, you will really love this chic bag by Loeffler Randall! It’s pretty small so you would only be able to fit the essentials, but it’s super cute and I love the woven leather look and knotted details. It reminds me a lot of a Bottega Veneta bag, for a fraction of the price!

More Crossbody Bags Under $200

2) Tote

Vanessa Bruno Tote

The next bag you need for summer is a chic tote. Having a bigger bag to throw everything in when you’re on the go is a must! And why not make it a chic one, right?! My top tote bag pick is this one by Venessa Bruno. I love the combination of the woven raffia and leather. As soon as I got my hands on it, I could tell that it’s very high-quality and will last for years so you can use it every spring/summer. It’s large and fits all of the necessities and much more! Use it as your everyday bag this summer or for an ultra-chic beach bag on your next vacation.

Mar y Sol Tote

If you like the look of the last bag but want something a little more affordable, this Mary y Sol tote is a wonderful option. It has that same woven raffia and leather combination I love. It’s a great bag, but the quality in comparison to the Vanessa Bruno tote isn’t quite as high, which is just something to keep in mind when considering the longevity and how much use you’ll get out of this bag.

Madewell Woven Tote

For an even more affordable woven bag, check out this Madewell tote! I could definitely see myself carrying this bag around on a beach vacation. I love the lighter color, open-knit crochet rope material, and the small packable size. It has a canvas lining so no need to worry about items slipping through the holes. You can carry it using the top handle strap or as a regular shoulder bag with the longer strap. I just love the summer look of this bag…and it’s only $62!

Hereu Leather Tote

Searching for a new tote for summer but don’t want the woven look? This Hereu leather tote is gorgeous and very high-quality. I love the luxe brown leather and the color is so that you can carry this bag year-round. I also love the unique shape, structure, and size. This wouldn’t be a bag you would want to take to the beach, but it’s so versatile you can wear it with pretty much anything and it’s such a good everyday bag.

More Summer Totes Under $150

3) Clutch

Cult Gaia Woven Raffia Clutch

The last type of bag you need for summer is a versatile clutch. I got this super cute Cult Gaia clutch and love it! The raffia is perfect for summer and feels very on-trend, but it’s still very neutral and versatile. Cult Gaia is very popular right now, especially for this structural bag with beaded trim. It adds a little more interest to a look and I love that it’s such a unique shape. This was the only clutch I ordered but I linked some more options at different price points below.

Which of these summer handbags was your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!

Huge thank you to Shopbop for sponsoring this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter to receive some incredible style resources. If you’re struggling with style or just need a style refresh, don’t forget about our Style Made Simple course!