From the Baguette to the Neverfull, handbags have come to encapsulate the season’s trends better than any accessory. As the sun rises on summer 2023, there’s a bag for every mood, event, and outfit.
Fashion Beauty Runway takes a deep dive into this season’s ‘it’ handbags and purses that artfully marry form and function, promising to both carry your essentials and punctuate your style statement. Whether it’s the resurgent minimalist tote, a cocktail colour-drenched micro bag, or the luxe eco-friendly straw beach bags stealing the spotlight, there’s something for everyone.
As tempting as it might be to put in the same bag — pardon the pun! — straw bags, crochet totes and pastel belt bags for summer, it’s clear that the bag trends set to rule summer 2023 are daring, yet still manage to tick the boxes for “beach-friendly,” “vibrant,” and “relaxed” criteria.
Here are the best bags to put on heavy rotation this summer.
Woven and Market Bags
Woven totes, made from repurposed materials and adorned with patterns, are on the rise.
As fashion evolves, it increasingly intertwines with environmental consciousness. As such, summer 2023 is witnessing the rise of eco-friendly accessories, with woven and plastic market bags leading the charge. These bags are often crafted from upcycled or recycled materials, speaking to a commitment to sustainability without sacrificing style. The use of innovative, environmentally friendly materials and designs makes these bags a standout choice for fashion enthusiasts who are equally passionate about planet preservation.
Woven bags, with their artisanal appeal, are making a big comeback. They’re typically crafted from natural materials like raffia, straw, or jute, and often display unique patterns and hues that embody the relaxed spirit of summer. Think of the traditional French tote, worn on the French Riviera for practical purposes (buying fruit on the way down to the beach) to the stylish. Notably, they are now also being made from upcycled materials more often, giving a second life to fabrics and leather that might otherwise end up in landfills. This commitment to sustainability offers an extra dimension of appeal for eco-conscious shoppers.
Plastic market bags, on the other hand, are a nod to the practicality of reusable shopping bags. But with a twist. We’re loving the tongue-in-cheek aesthetic of Toronto-based grocerybags using utilitarian traditional Filipino grocery totes as the basis for full colour, four sided prints of some of the most iconic luxury label’s signature handbags. You can take them food shopping, the gym, or even the beach. Or, if you’re really into luxe, grab the authentic Fendi Basket bag made of recycled plastic, and meant to resemble the authentic (and much cheaper!) original basket bag from the 90s. Sooo cute when adorned with the house’s extra charms!
Tickled Pink
With the much-anticipated debut of the movie “Barbie” in July, which will bring back to the front row everything Barbiecore, a pink bag will be de rigueur for a sun-drenched ‘fit. A hue which oozes joy, optimism, pink graces the palette of handbags this season in all its shades, from bold hot pinks to sweet and tart candy tones.
In the world of fashion, pink handbags have evolved from being a kitschy accessory to an emblem of power. The fact is, pink is no longer a colour that screams ‘girly’. Guys wear pink, too, and that it all started with millennial pink. So, let’s be clear: pink has matured into more sophisticated styles while still embodying the original qualities we love about this uplifting hue, going from juvenile bubble gum, to peony, to hot pink, to cherry blossom, and even to the more mature mauve.
These handbags, whether they be spacious totes or petite special event purses, bring a touch of charm and warmth to any ensemble — even denim wear, which is so prevalent for summer.
A soft blush tote bag can inject a whisper of poetry into your everyday attire, effortlessly balancing chicness and practicality. Meanwhile, a deeper rose clutch, embellished with delicate details, can add a pop of colour to your wedding guest outfit.
So, whether you’re a minimalist looking for a subtle hint of colour or a maximalist (despite all the calls for ‘quiet luxury’…) wanting to make a style statement, there’s a pink bag out there for you, waiting to add that perfect blush shade to your fashion narrative.
Built for Speed
Of course, messenger, belt and cross-body bags continue on heavy rotation, as well, for the summer months. Because no one wants to be weighed down by impractical handbags when they’re out on the town partying or going to a concert.
Oh, and BTW, those transparent bags that help security quickly see what you’re carrying for faster entry, are available in tons of styles and at different price points on many big online retailers. You know where to go! So, whether you’re planning on going to tons of concerts and festivals this summer, transparent bags, totes and cross-body pouches are still trending for this summer. Plus, they have the noted advantage of keeping your precious stuff dry if you’re on the beach or poolside. Extra-large totes, like those featured in collections from luxury houses such as Saint Laurent and Goyard, offer a spacious silhouette that doesn’t skimp on style.
Confused about the ridiculously large bags and ultra-mini handbags? Don’t be. Both are happily cohabiting this summer. The first for beach outings and the second one for ‘très chic’ parties around town. Yes, even the quiet luxury kind!
