These Are the Summer Bag Trends That Will Quietly Dominate the Season

Ease triumphs over effort in this summer's bag trends. That’s not to say the mood of the summer 2025 collections was minimal; statement bags were abundant—think free-spirited, fringed boho bags and sequined party purses that Bianca Jagger would’ve swung around Studio 54. This summer’s bags are effortless because they’re outfit finishers you can grab in the half-second before leaving the house. Like Gucci’s floral foulard pouch—a drawstring wristlet companion to your favorite silk scarf that will make a sweet $150 sundress look five times the price and ready for an Italian Riviera yacht cruise.

Practicality prevailed alongside low-lift designs with personality. Designers didn’t forget what consumers need from a carry-all on a July scorcher: Khaite, Dior, and Balmain all showcased extra-large jute bags to accommodate a towel, a spare set of clothes, and a juicy, 400-page beach read, while also being luxe enough not to look out of place on a concrete city street.

It's the same principle of letting your pieces do the work for you that defines this summer’s top trending shoes and ready-to-wear. This season’s bags are designed to make your life less stressful and, as a result, free you up to focus on matters that are more important and deserving of your energy. When temperatures rise to the 80s and the humidity is even higher, it's too hot to fuss with a finicky handbag.

Beyond the Beach

This season’s best beach bags all feature craft-forward touches, like Balmain's trendy belt buckles, Kallmeyer and Maria McManus's macramé and beaded netting, and Ferragamo's luxe leather finishes. All in all, these intricate details make these beach-bound bags a more sound investment—an open bucket bag is fun, but one with supportive leather straps and a zip-top can accompany you to the beach, the farmer’s market, and casual Fridays at the office.

Sack It to Me

Of all the humble handbag shapes to receive the highbrow treatment, designers zeroed in on the drawstring pouch for the Pre-Fall 2025 season. By Malene Birger slung artisanal sacks on rope belts, Khaite introduced nylon sacks reinforced with leather straps, and Etro showcased beaded reticules that were reminiscent of the elegant evening purses upper-echelon ladies carried during the Regency era.

Summer Suedes

Supple suede bags were among the first harbingers of the boho fashion revival back in Fall 2024. Given the brushed suede shoulder bags, totes, and buckets that proliferated throughout the Pre-Fall 2025 season, the trend continues, like a rolling stone. Ever the equestrian, Stella McCartney debuted the Ryder bag, inspired by saddle shapes, while Gucci transformed its iconic Jackie into a super-sized brushed suede hobo bag.

Life Aquatic

Seeing seashell-studded handbags and fish-shaped raffia styles in a summer collection is never a surprise—especially in 2025, when the trendy fisherman aesthetic has fashion tastemakers pinning Jacques Cousteau and Gilligan to their vision boards. Even so, it doesn't make Louis Vuitton's leather life preserver ring, Staud's checkered fish bag, and Balmain's clam clutch any less fun.

Wild Streak

While leopard print dominated 2024, all animal hides are welcome in 2025. Blurry giraffe splotches came to life as chain-link crossbody bags at Valentino. Khaite opted for black, white, and gray snakeskins in their Cate and Kasia styles, while Isabel Marant, Balmain, and Roberto Cavalli returned to the classic leopard spots.

Fringe Benefits

If the must-touch suede textures didn't tip you off, summer's fringe might hammer home how prevalent the boho bag trend is this season. From Dior and Etro's free-hanging beads to Rabanne's shredded raffia and Sportmax's leather strips, any material or texture serves as playful trim.