The Elite 8: Meet the It Bags and Shoes for This Summer

Bags and shoes, what's not to love? These essential accessory categories (though small in size) are the true heroes of any woman's wardrobe. On the handbag front, a purse is an everyday companion that not only serves as a functional piece to carry all your stuff in but is also a way to stylishly tie your whole outfit together. The same thing goes for shoes. If you've invested in versatile, inspiring footwear, then the likelihood of running out of outfit ideas is low. All this to say that we're big fans of bags and shoes, which is why we have our eye on the upcoming It options for summer.

Turning to Instagram and our favorite designers, we came up with a list of eight It bags and shoes we suspect will be all the rage later this summer (regardless if you're in your living room while working from home or, hopefully soon, out and about). Continue ahead to discover and shop your new favorite accessory.

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1. Wandler Elza Shoes
(Image credit: @wandler)

Wandler's Elza heels will be, by far, one of the most popular sandals of the season. Stock up on your favorite color before they sell out!

Budget-Friendly Pick

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2. Demellier Florence Clutch
(Image credit: @demellierlondon)

You're not imagining it—all of your favorite Instagram influencers are carrying this sleek clutch. You should think about getting in on the trend too.

Budget-Friendly Pick

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3. The Row Flip-Flops
(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

If ever there were two designers to make platform leather flip-flops chic, it would be Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. These translate to all scenarios, making them a worthy investment.

Budget-Friendly Pick

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4. Pernille Teisbaek x Gia Couture Mules
(Image credit: @greceghanem)

Pernille Teisbaek teamed up with Gia Couture to create the sleekest pair of mules we've seen in a minute. 

Budget-Friendly Pick

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5. Imago-A Bucket Bag
(Image credit: @lauralajiness)

Fashion girls have been flocking toward Imago-A bags in recent past, which is why this croc-effect bag in a vibrant shade of green is sure to take off this summer.

Budget-Friendly Pick

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6. Staud Felix Bag
(Image credit: @staud.clothing)

Staud bags are reliably stylish, and this white ruched silhouette is simply no exception.

Budget-Friendly Pick

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7. Reike Nen 5 Strings Sandals
(Image credit: @reikenen_official)

Summer and strappy sandals go hand-in-hand, which is why indie shoe designer Reike Nen and its sleek heels above will dominate your Instagram feed in the months to come.

Budget-Friendly Pick

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7. Bottega Veneta Cassette Bag
(Image credit: Szymon Brzoska - The Style Stalker)

At this point in the game, if it's Bottega Veneta and it's an accessory, the likelihood of it being a smash hit is high. Case in point? This gorgeous woven bag.

Budget-Friendly Pick

Now, the affordable shoe brand fashion girls are flocking to right now.

Nicole Kliest
Freelance Contributor

Nicole Kliest is a freelance writer and editor based in New York City who focuses on fashion, travel, food, wine, and pretty much anything else that's amusing to write about. After graduating from Pepperdine University with a bachelor's in journalism and creative writing, she started her career back in 2010 as Who What Wear's photo editor and throughout the last decade has contributed to publications including Fashionista, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, The Zoe Report, PopSugar, Fodor's Travel, and several others. She also copywrites and has worked with clients such as Frame, Sea, 3x1, Intelligentsia, and others to develop brand voices through storytelling and creative marketing. She's very passionate about the ways we can improve our sustainability efforts in the fashion industry as well as cultivating content that's diverse and inclusive of all people. When she's not checking out the latest restaurant opening in her West Village neighborhood or riding her bicycle along the West Side Highway, she can be found scheming her next trip somewhere around the world. (Up next is Vienna.)