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    1. Fashion
    2. Summer fashion

    The Best Designer-Style Beach Bags To Carry Everywhere

    This trending summer tote is perfect for your summer vacation but also works well for the office, weekends, and everything in between.

    Lauren Tappan's avatar
    Julia Marzovilla's avatar
    By Lauren Tappan, Julia Marzovilla
    Last updated 8 May 2024 In Buying Guides

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    A beach bag can do much more than serve as an accessory for your trips to the shore. It can offer a practical carry-all for multiple scenarios, including a roomy work bag, thanks to long shoulder straps (usually a beach bag signature) and various compartments for essentials like your wallet, phone, sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun hats. Their crush-resistant structure and functional design meant to ward off sand and water means they're just as practical for other unforeseen circumstances—like dirt, spillage, and downpours.

    The Spring handbag trends were big on woven, raffia, wicker, and straw fabrics—from Fendi to Loewe—but designer and contemporary options are ready to encapsulate the summer spirit. Grab them for picnics in the park and backyard gatherings, and keep them handy for trips to your local farmers' market.

    While contemporary brands like DeMellier, Little Liffner, and Dragon Diffusion have long championed woven designs, the ease of a classic canvas bag from designers like L.L. Bean (famous for their Boat and Tote), Marc Jacobs, and Clare V. continues to persevere.

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    Ahead, discover the best everyday beach bags and totes that balance function and style with picks from styling duo Danielle and Alix, who spend their summers on the coastlines, and fashion content creator Nana Yaa Ansah, who relies on her extensive beach bag collection—for the beach and otherwise— throughout the warm weather season.

    The Best Beach Bags

    • Best Overall Beach Bag: L.L. Bean Boat and Tote
    • Best Affordable Beach Bag: Banana Republic Paper Straw Shopper Tote
    • Best Woven Beach Bag: Altuzarra Watermill Bag Small
    • Best Splurge Beach Bag: Celine Classic Panier in Raffia and Calfskin
    • Best Canvas Beach Bag: Marc Jacobs The Jacquard Tote Bag

    L.L Bean Boat and Tote

    Best Overall Beach Bag
    L.L Bean Boat and Tote
    $45 AT L.L BEAN

    Live out your coastal grandmother fantasies with this classic canvas tote from L.L. Bean. Leave it plain, or get it embroidered with a monogram for a personalized touch. For reference, this large bag can hold a change of clothes, multiple water bottles, a book, and sunscreen with room to spare.

    Paper Straw Shopper Tote

    Best Affordable Beach Bag
    Banana Republic Paper Straw Shopper Tote
    $66 AT BANANA REPUBLIC

    Banana Republic's woven straw bag is under $100, yet it rivals its pricier counterparts. This tote has a vegan leather handle for extra durability, so you'll easily carry around your shoreside necessities. With its neutral hue and simple silhouette, you can make this bag your go-to accessory.

    Altuzarra Watermill Bag Small

    Best Woven Beach Bag
    Altuzarra Watermill Bag Small
    $445 AT SHOPBOP

    Altuzarra's Watermill bag is worth noting mainly because of its versatility. This tote, crafted from natural palm leaf and hand-stitched leather detailing, is large enough for your beach towel, SPFs, sunglasses, and a summer read but works perfectly as a work or weekend bag for non-beach days.

    Classic Panier in Raffia and Calfskin

    Best Splurge Beach Bag
    Celine Classic Panier in Raffia and Calfskin
    $760 AT CELINE

    Are you heading to an upscale dinner after a day of lounging at the beach? Look no further than Celine's Panier bag to add an elevated feel to your look. "I love the contrast between the calfskin leather and the hand-braided palm leaves—I also love how spacious this is. It’s ideal for storing beach essentials," says Ansah.

    Marc Jacobs The Jacquard Tote Bag

    Best Canvas Beach Bag
    Marc Jacobs The Jacquard Tote Bag
    $350 AT BLOOMINGDALE'S

    This bag has infiltrated the fashion crowd for the past few years, and it's back for another trend cycle spin. It's the tote that needs no introduction. Marc Jacobs' iconic tote bag comes in many shapes and fabrications, including this jacquard canvas version that's a top summer pick.

    More Beach Bags That We Love

    St Barths Large Tote

    Best Beach Bag with a Zip Pouch
    Naghedi St Barths Large Tote
    $315 AT BLOOMINGDALE'S

    "We love the Naghedi St. Barths Large Tote," says styling duo Danielle and Alix. Aside from the bag's intricate woven construction, the duo tells Marie Claire that they're especially partial toward the style's zip pouch, which is ideal for keeping smaller belongings separate from oversized items.

    Coach Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 28

    Best Small Beach Bag
    coach
    Coach Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 28
    $250$125
    SHOP NOW

    When I lived in California, my beach trips looked more like spontaneous pit stops for an hour or two. All I would need is a towel and a small shoulder bag to fit a book, some headphones, and an SPF bottle. This Coach Brooklyn bag would've been the perfect companion.

    Beach Tote W/ Flat Clutch

    Most Convenient Beach Bag
    Clare V Beach Tote W/ Flat Clutch
    $295 AT CLARE V

    This sturdy striped tote bag, made from nylon canvas, will be your no-fuss summer accessory hero. Ansah loves canvas for its durability and convenience—it's easy to wash and carry.

    Large Logo Raffia Basket

    Best Large Beach Bag
    Marni Large Logo Raffia Basket
    $895 AT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

    In need of a large carryall? Marni’s spacious raffia bag is 18 inches around, making it a perfect choice for toting around all your bulkier pieces—like a beach towel or a laptop. Plus, it’s crafted with two wide straps that will help evenly distribute the weight of the bag across your shoulders.

    Rothy’s The Lightweight Mega Tote

    Best Tote Beach Bag
    Rothy’s The Lightweight Mega Tote
    $199 AT ROTHY'S

    Rothy's lightweight mega tote is ideal for summer, especially in this bright camel and cream color-blocked design. It's light as a feather—crafted from sustainable marine plastic—yet spacious enough for towels, picnic blankets, books, and your water bottle.

    Le Panier Soli Leather-Trimmed Raffia Tote

    Best Designer Beach Bag
    Jacquemus Le Panier Soli Leather-Trimmed Raffia Tote
    $560 AT NET-A-PORTER

    Danielle and Alix share that classic designer beach bags offer "the perfect way to elevate a summer outfit." Their favorite? Jacquemus' Le Panier Soli tote, handwoven with refined raffia and trimmed with sleek leather. The fashion mavens love to style this designer piece coordinated with Jacquemus' Le Bob Gadjo bucket hat.

    Santorini Raffia Basket Bag

    Best Eco-Friendly Beach Bag
    DeMellier Santorini Raffia Basket Bag
    $355 AT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

    Sustainable manufacturing is a core value for British brand DeMellier, and their Santorini style is also ethically and responsibly designed—a huge plus for me," says Ansah. It's woven by artisans in Morocco, which makes this bag special." DeMellier also prioritizes quality craftsmanship, ensuring this bag will last you through the years.

    Pebble Handle Crochet Tote

    Best Crochet Beach Bag
    Casablanca Pebble Handle Crochet Tote
    $510 AT NORDSTROM

    Casablanca’s cotton tote flaunts a captivating crotchet design that blends vibrant shades. The artisanal beaded top handles also add a whimsical touch that gives the design character.

    Ebro Straw Crossbody

    Best Crossbody Beach Bag
    AllSaints Ebro Straw Crossbody
    $119 AT NORDSTROM

    For a hands-free experience, sling the All Saints' Ebro crossbody over your shoulder and go about your day without having to lug around a heavy bag. An interior slot will help keep all your cards organized, so feel free to carry one less thing and leave your wallet at home.

    Ella Printed Polyester Tote Bag

    Best Printed Beach Bag
    Tory Burch Ella Printed Polyester Tote Bag
    $268 AT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

    If your beach bag collection feels dull, try livening things up with this artful Tory Burch printed tote bag. Cut from recycled polyester, this design is covered in an eye-catching green print and Tory's signature logo. The leather handles and feet make this bag a great option for carrying around a work laptop, too.

    Sprout Mini Linen & Leather Tote Bag

    Best Leather Trimmed Beach Bag
    Little Liffner Sprout Mini Linen & Leather Tote Bag
    $595 AT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

    Scandinavian brand Little Liffner is known for its suede and leather handbags, but its linen tote bags are just as unique. Their Sprout bag is finished with white leather trim for a polished appeal, making it suitable for upscale occasions. It also boasts the brand's signature hardware, which enhances its high-end appearance.

    Gia Raffia Bag

    Best Slouchy Beach Bag
    A.L.C Gia Raffia Bag
    $350 AT A.L.C

    A.L.C's Gia bag has a flexible shape with a slouchy effect— a popular silhouette on the Spring 2024 runways. Since this piece falls more towards the relaxed side of the spectrum, consider carrying it for casual outings—like a laid-back lunch with friends or a trip to your local farmer's market.

    Mini Inside-Out Tote

    Best Neutral Beach Bag
    Dragon Diffusion Mini Inside-Out Tote
    $310 AT SHOPBOP

    We've got you covered if you're searching for a neutral beach bag that will pair well with practically any outfit. Dragon Diffusion's woven tote is offered in a flattering shade of pearl that will effortlessly complement your summer wardrobe. Style it with a white button-down and gauzy linen pants for a breezy outfit.

    Dagne Dover

    Best Cotton Beach Bag
    Dagne Dover Vida Cotton Tote Bag
    $99 AT DAGNE DOVER

    This bag fits everything at 18.5 inches long, 6.25 inches wide, and 14 inches high. Dagne Dover's cotton tote can even serve as a laptop bag if you plan to work remotely this summer. There are galore pockets—one interior zip, three interior slips, one bottle holder, four exterior slips, and one phone pouch.

    Meet the Fashion Experts

    Danielle and Alix
    Danielle and Alix
    Celebrity Stylists

    Celebrity styling duo Danielle and Alix specialize in styling red carpet and special events, street style looks, editorial shoots, and brand campaigns. They're based in Los Angeles and New York.

    Nana Yaa Ansah
    Nana Yaa Ansah
    Fashion and Lifestyle Content Creator

    Nana Yaa Ansah is a first-generation Ghanaian-American fashion and lifestyle content creator who helps her followers to elevate their personal style.

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    Julia Marzovilla
    Julia Marzovilla
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    Former Fashion E-Commerce Editor

    Julia Marzovilla is the former Fashion E-Commerce Editor at Marie Claire, where she reviewed the latest launches from fashion and beauty brands, finds the best on-sale items around the internet, and interviews experts to find the best products in any category to share with her readers. She also created shopping guides that span every vertical on the site as an expert in everything from the best laptop bags to the best laser hair removal devices.

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