Tessa Faye O'Connell is a contributor known for her work at various fashion houses, specializing in media and public relations, currently working at Coach as its global PR director. She's a mom of two, working to expand her influence in the fashion space through styling while also just making it out the door on time.
While I love a good investment bag as much as the next gal, I’ve really been loving the numerous options this season that are affordable and fun to wear as you step out into the summer months. It feels like the warmer months, more than the rest of the year, bring the opportunity to have fun with handbags while not being bogged down by inclement weather. Whether straw, mesh, printed, woven, silk, or leather: there’s really something for everybody.
A good accessory can tie an outfit together, or elevate activewear on the weekend to make it all just feel a little bit more special. It also doesn’t hurt that if it’s on a budget, you'll feel way less bad about your kids smashing cookies and crayons into it as you run around with them in the heat all season long. These are some of my go-to brands (all under $1,000) that have carried me through and I always look to when shopping for summer.
Shop the Best Bag Brands Under $1000
St. Agni
St. Agni is my go-to for easy and wearable. This green color in their signature bon bon shape caught my eye last summer, and I’ve worn it on repeat since.
Poolside
Poolside bags are the absolute best for all things summer, beach and vacation. Female founded, they make getting dressed all summer long fun and each style is timeless season over season.
Dragon Diffusion
Utterly obsessed with Dragon Diffusion, and this collaboration with Rixo is one of my favorites for the season. People always stop me to ask about their bags whenever I wear them, and they actually can carry a ton.
Dear Frances
Dear Frances is one of my favorite places to go for chic accessories, and their bags are no different. This mesh one is perfect and fun to throw on, and it adds an extra athleisure element.
Liffner
Have yet to pull the trigger on a Liffner bag, but they always catch my eye, and their popular clutch this season is perfect to wear on weekends or throw in your tote for work days.
Coach
While biased, I can attest that this bag from Coach is one of my favorites and I love how durable and timeless the leather is.
Bembien
Bembien has the best woven bags each season and I have to stop myself from constantly purchasing.
Staud
Staud has such great handbags, and it needs to be noted! Obsessed with this shape, and the colors for the season.
L.L. Bean
All roads lead back to the LL bean tote - and tons of brands have been able to create their own versions that always stay classic.
