These Are the 6 Biggest Handbag Trends for Summer 2023

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If you're wondering what is happening in the handbag realm for summer, there are already some key bags and trends we are predicting will shape the accessory space this season. New silhouettes and styles debuted on the spring/summer 2023 runways, and now that they are arriving in stores, we're seeing specific bags and bigger trends emerging as front-runners. 

With summer holidays on the horizon, designers have reimagined vacation-worthy raffia bags, a category that is sweeping summer bags this year. Prada brought back its cult crochet tote bag in new colorways this season, and brands such as Celine have introduced pieces that are already selling out everywhere. Some of the larger fashion trends from 2023 are making an impact in the handbag category, such as quiet-luxury designs that have a high level of craftsmanship yet remain low-key and understated. We're also seeing personality pieces pick up steam, such as Ferragamo's fiery sunset-shaded top-handle bag—plus other emerging trends to have on your radar. Ahead, see the six biggest summer handbag trends to know for 2023.

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(Image credit: @savinachow@josefinehj)

Quiet-luxury pieces have become one of the most talked-about categories in fashion in 2023, and we're seeing that momentum continue into summer. Styles including the Bottega Veneta Andiamo, the Toteme T-Lock, and the Hermès Picotin each have an "if you know, you know" quality to them with details such as subtle signature hardware and finishes that make them recognizable beyond flashy logos.

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Raffia bags come back season after season, but they are particularly noteworthy for summer 2023. Practically every designer has a version in their bag collection this season, and we have already named it the biggest accessory trend to know right now. There are cool versions no matter what your price point is.

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If you want to add a showstopping piece to your look, make way for the vibrant, personality-driven bags that are picking up steam among the fashion set. Finished in quirky shapes and designed with bold colors, these bags are sure to make a statement.

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In the last several years, we've seen an uptick in investment-bag purchases, and many of these are heritage bags that were designed many years ago and still hold their value and prestige today. Iconic designs such as the Hermès Kelly and Chanel Classic Flap bags continue to be in heavy demand and aren't slowing down for summer.

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(Image credit: @sophiaroe@clairerose)

Nineties minimalism has been a trend we've seen across the fashion space overall, and that includes bags. While there are plenty of cult bags that deserve mention, The Row's '90s bag has been nearly impossible to order but finally restocked, so now is the time to add it to your cart.

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Giant bags seemed impractical at first as a trend, yet XXL totes have become one of the most popular bag styles in recent memory—and that is continuing into summer. Consider these your go-anywhere bags that can be used at the office, for the airport, and everywhere in between.

Next: These Are the Summer 2023 Trends Who What Wear Editors Are Buying Now

Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.