Ease takes precedence over effort in summer 2025's top bag trends. That’s not to say the summer collections' mood 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, bags are effortless because they’re outfit finishers you can grab in a split second before leaving the house. Like Gucci’s floral foulard pouch—a drawstring wristlet that complements your favorite silk scarf—will make a charming $150 sundress look five times more luxurious and perfect for an Italian Riviera yacht cruise.
Practicality prevailed alongside low-lift designs with personality. Designers remembered what consumers need from a carry-all on a hot July day: Khaite, Dior, and Balmain all showed off oversized jute bags to hold a towel, extra clothes, and a thick beach book, while also being luxe enough not to look out of place on a concrete city street.
It's the same idea of letting your pieces do the work for you that shapes this summer’s top trending shoes, colors, and ready-to-wear. This season’s bags are made to make your life less stressful and, as a result, free you to focus on more important matters that deserve your energy. When temperatures hit the 80s and humidity rises even more, it's too hot to worry about a finicky handbag.
Beyond the Beach
This season’s best beach bags all feature craft-forward details, like Balmain's trendy belt buckles, Kallmeyer and Maria McManus's macramé and beaded netting, and Ferragamo's luxurious leather finishes. Overall, these intricate accents make these beach-ready bags a smarter choice — 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
Among all the simple handbag styles to get the high-end 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 resembled the elegant evening purses upper-class women carried during the Regency era.
Summer Suedes
Supple suede bags were among the first signs of the boho fashion revival in Fall 2024. With the brushed suede shoulder bags, totes, and buckets that dominated the Pre-Fall 2025 season, the trend persists like a rolling stone. Always influenced by the equestrian style, Stella McCartney introduced the Ryder bag, inspired by saddle shapes, while Gucci transformed its iconic Jackie into a larger brushed suede hobo bag.
Life Aquatic
Seeing seashell-adorned handbags and fish-shaped raffia styles in a summer collection is never shocking—especially in 2025, when the fisherman aesthetic and sardine fashion trend have tastemakers pinning Jacques Cousteau and Gilligan on their vision boards. Even so, it doesn't make Louis Vuitton's leather life preserver ring, Staud's viral Staudines bag, and Balmain's clam clutch any less fun.
Wild Streak
While leopard print dominated 2024, all animal hides are embraced in 2025. Blurry giraffe splotches became chain-link crossbody bags at Valentino. Khaite chose black, white, and gray snakeskins for 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 emphasize how widespread the boho bag trend is this season. From Dior and Etro's hanging beads to Rabanne's shredded raffia and Sportmax's leather strips, any material or texture acts as playful trim.
