Now that summer is in full swing, it just might be time to upgrade your summer purse collection. No matter where your summer plans are taking you this year, summer purses serve a practical purpose and add charm to your look. From lightweight totes and straw baskets to rattan clutches and sleek crossbody bags, we’re talking about all the handbag trends. My hope is that this post becomes your ultimate guide for summer purses this year. Whether you’re heading to the beach, attending a summer wedding, or jetting off on a tropical vacation, this guide will have you ready to find a summer bag to complement both your adventures and your outfits. Let’s jump in!

Your Ultimate Guide to Summer Purses for Women

What To Look For in a Summer Purse

Consider the Material:

When selecting a summer purse, opt for lightweight and breathable materials such as canvas, straw, rattan, or linen. These materials not only add a touch of natural charm but also keep things cool during hot summer days. Avoid heavy leather or suede bags that may feel burdensome in the heat.

Size Matters:

Choose a size that suits your needs and summer activities. If you’re planning a beach trip, go for spacious totes or beach bags that can accommodate essentials like sunscreen, towels, and a book. For evenings out or special events, opt for smaller clutches or crossbody bags that can hold your essentials without weighing you down.

Functional Features:

While style is important, don’t forget about functionality. Look for purses with sturdy straps, secure closures such as zippers or magnetic snaps, and multiple compartments to keep your things organized. Additionally, consider bags with water-resistant linings or removable pouches for added convenience during beach trips or unexpected summer showers.

Versatility for All Occasions:

Choose a summer purse that can effortlessly transition from casual daytime outings to more formal events. A versatile option like a crossbody bag with an adjustable strap allows you to go hands-free during outdoor adventures, while a chic clutch can instantly transform your look for a summer night out. Opt for styles that complement various outfits and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

Pay Attention to Practical Details:

When choosing a summer purse, pay attention to practical details. Look for purses with additional features like built-in key holders, external pockets for easy access to essentials like your phone or sunglasses, and adjustable straps that allow you to customize the length to your comfort. These thoughtful details can make a big difference in your day-to-day use and add convenience to your summer adventures.

Shop Summer Purses

Leather Top-Handle Crossbody Bag

This leather top-handle crossbody bag is the epitome of summer sophistication. This bag combines the timeless elegance of leather with the practicality of an optional crossbody design, making it the perfect companion for all your summer plans. The highlights of this bag lie in its sleek and structured silhouette, accentuated by a sturdy top handle that adds a touch of refinement. With its detachable and adjustable crossbody strap, you can effortlessly switch from a hands-free mode for exploring, to a chic handheld option. The leather material exudes a sense of quality and durability, and its compact size is ideal for carrying your essentials, such as sunglasses, wallet, and sunscreen, while keeping your hands free and your style on point. To add my own personal touch to this bag, I added a pearl strap, and I was really happy with how the look turned out!

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Pleated Clutch with a Bow Detail

This pleated clutch with bow detail is a delightful and feminine summer purse that embodies the essence of summer charm. This purse effortlessly combines style and functionality, making it the perfect bag for a variety of summer occasions. This bag has an elegant pleated design, which adds texture and visual interest, while the bow detail brings a touch of whimsy. The clutch is compact yet spacious enough to hold your essentials, such as your phone, keys, and makeup. This clutch can be carried or worn with the detachable chain strap for a hands-free option.

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Convertible Clutch Crossbody Handbag

This convertible clutch crossbody bag with faux straw detailing and leather trim is the epitome of summer chic and functionality. The faux straw detailing on this bag adds a touch of beachy charm and texture, while the leather trim adds a refined touch. What sets this purse apart is its versatility. It can be worn as a clutch for a sleek and polished look or transformed into a good size crossbody bag for hands-free convenience throughout the day. The size of this bag is perfect for carrying your essentials while you’re on the go. This convertible bag effortlessly complements any summer outfit, and its blend of faux straw and leather exudes style and also ensures durability.

For more outfit inspiration with summer shorts, see this post!

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Straw Basket Tote Handbag

One of the best summer accessories is a straw basket tote that embodies the spirit of carefree beach days and summer adventures. This bag has a natural charm to it with its woven straw construction exuding a laid-back vibe. The spacious interior of the tote provides a good amount of room for your beach towel, sunscreen, snacks, and other essentials, making it the perfect companion for a day at the beach or a day at the park. The sturdy handles allow for easy carrying, whether you choose to hold it by hand or sling it over your shoulder.

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Quilted Leather Crossbody

A quilted leather crossbody bag can be a timeless and versatile summer purse that effortlessly combines elegance with everyday practicality. This bag’s highlight is its quilted leather exterior, which adds a touch of sophistication to any outfit. The compact size of the crossbody makes it perfect for on-the-go adventures, allowing you to carry your essentials while keeping your hands free. The adjustable strap provides a customized fit, whether you prefer it as a shoulder bag or a crossbody. This bag is ideal for both casual and dressier occasions, easily transitioning from daytime to evening events. Its sleek design and neutral color make it a versatile accessory that complements a wide range of summer outfits.

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Rattan Clutch Purse

A rattan clutch purse is a summer a must-have accessory, especially for vacation or special occasions like a summer wedding. The woven rattan detail of this clutch bag adds a touch of charm and texture to any summer outfit. This clutch is perfect for both casual and dressier occasions. Pair it with a flowy maxi dress and sandals for a beachside dinner or use it as a statement piece to elevate your chic summer party attire. The compact size allows you to carry your essentials while the secure closure keeps your items safe. Its lightweight design makes it ideal for vacations, beach trips, or outdoor events.

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Beige Quilted Leather Medium Sized Bag

This beige quilted leather bag is a luxury bag that is both sophisticated and versatile for summer. The style of this bag combines functionality and timeless elegance. This bag features a caviar leather construction with exquisite attention to detail. The beige color allows the bag to complement a wide range of summer outfits, too. The polished gold chain link leather threaded shoulder straps not only enhance the bag’s aesthetic appeal but also provide a comfortable and chic way to carry it. The medium size offers a good amount of space for essentials, while the inner flap and matching leather interior with pockets ensure organizational convenience.

This look would also be great as a summer workwear outfit if you swapped out the white denim for white trousers. For more summer workwear ideas, see this post!

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Small Brown Quilted Leather Bag

This small brown quilted leather bag is a luxury bag that is a stylish and practical summer purse that effortlessly combines elegance with functionality. This bag has a quilted leather exterior, which adds a touch of timeless sophistication. The small size of the bag makes it perfect for carrying your essentials while keeping your load light. The dual-handle flap design offers versatility, allowing you to carry it by the top handle for a polished and sophisticated look or wear it as a crossbody for a hands-free option. The rich brown color complements a variety of summer outfits, from casual daytime attire to dressier evening ensembles. Crafted from high-quality leather, this bag is durable and built to withstand the rigors of your summer adventures.

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Woven Large Tote

A large woven tote is the quintessential summer bag. This bag is made of a woven seagrass material and features two black straps for easy transport. The spacious interior offers ample room for all beach essentials, including towels, sunscreen, sunglasses, and your beach read of choice. The straps make it easy to carry, whether you’re heading to the beach, pool, or even a weekend getaway. The woven seagrass adds a touch of coastal elegance to your summer outfits, effortlessly complementing your swimsuits, cover-ups, and sundresses. Versatile and practical, this large beach tote is not only perfect for seaside adventures but also for any outdoor activity where you need a spacious bag by your side.

For more easy summer travel outfit ideas, see this post!

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Saddle Bag with Crossbody Strap

A classic saddle bag with a crossbody strap is a chic and versatile purse for summer. This bag has a convenient crossbody strap for easy and comfortable wear, crafted with both fashion and functionality in mind. This bag features a flap with a magnetic closure, making it easy to secure your bag to hold all of your belongings safely and securely. The size of this bag is perfect for carrying items such as your phone, wallet, and keys, making it an ideal choice for exploring new places or running errands. The versatility of this bag allows you to effortlessly transition from day to night, pairing equally well with casual denim shorts and flowy summer dresses.

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Leather Hand-Woven Tote

A large leather hand-woven tote is a luxurious summer bag that also provides the necessary functionality for anything and everything the summer might bring. The hand-woven leather construction of this bag creates a stunning texture and a timeless appeal. The spacious interior offers a good amount of space to carry all your summer essentials for the beach or a day out and about with little ones. The sturdy handles ensure comfortable carrying as well. The durable leather material ensures longevity and durability, making it easy to wipe clean as needed. It also comes with a mini bag insert to go inside, making it easy to organize your bag and keep smaller items zipped up.

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Straw Pearly Bucket Bag

This straw pearly bucket bag with a woven ring top handle is too perfect for all things summer. Personally, I think this bag is the epitome of summer charm! This bag features a unique blend of natural straw fringe and pearly embellishments, and the woven ring top handle provides a comfortable grip. The open-top design provides easy access to your belongings, and the bucket shape allows for a good amount of storage, even for a smaller bag. This bag is perfect for a variety of summer outings. Pair it with your favorite sundress, a floppy hat, and sandals for a chic and effortless summer ensemble.

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Pearl Canvas Tote Bag

This pearl canvas tote bag is a sophisticated and versatile summer tote that effortlessly combines elegance with practicality. This bag has a timeless design with attention to detail. The canvas material is not only durable but also lightweight, perfect for summer adventures. The tonal ivory leather accents elevate the overall aesthetic of the tote. With its generous size, this bag can accommodate all your summer essentials, too. The sturdy leather handles ensure comfortable carrying, while the open-top design allows for easy access to your belongings. The neutral color palette and classic design of this tote make it easy to pair with any summer outfit, whether you’re wearing a maxi dress or casual shorts and a breezy top.

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Outfit Title 14

This white quilted leather bag is a stunning luxury bag option for summer. This bag is a versatile summer accessory that will complement several different outfits and events. Crafted from white caviar leather with iconic diamond-shaped stitching, this bag exudes a sense of timeless style. The leather threaded light gold chain shoulder strap adds a touch of glamour while providing comfort and ease of wear. The small size of the bag makes it perfect for carrying your essentials while maintaining a chic and streamlined look. The white color is fresh and crisp, making it ideal for the summer season.

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From straw textures and quilted leather luxury bags to rattan clutches and woven basket totes, the options for summer purses are truly endless! Each of these bags offers its own unique style, versatility, and practicality, making them the perfect accessories for the season. Whether you’re soaking up the sun at the beach, exploring new cities, attending elevated parties, or enjoying a night out with friends, your summer purse can elevate your look and carry your essentials all at once. With this ultimate guide to summer purses for women, I hope that you now have all the inspiration you need to find your ideal summer bag!

Which summer purse do you have your eye on? Let me know in the comments!

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