This Summer's 5 Biggest Handbag Trends Are Surprisingly Timeless

When I think of summer bags, I picture Jane Birkin with her straw basket in the South of France or Penélope Cruz in Jamón Jamón, carrying a red plastic market bag down a dusty road in Spain. Summer bags are usually textured and practical—the kind of accessory you don’t mind getting wet or sandy. They’ll hold a bottle of sunscreen, your phone, maybe even a baguette—but not much more. And that’s kind of the point. In summer, you typically don’t need much else. That’s the charm of a summer bag: it evokes the simplicity of vacation living.

Because of that, summer bags often get boxed into a single season. But this year’s biggest summer bag trends feel more timeless. It’s not that they’ve lost their signature joie de vivre—they’re just encouraging you to bring that carefree energy into your wardrobe year-round. Below, see five summer bag trends you’ll want to carry to the beach and beyond.

Rafia Realness

Raffia is a classic summer bag staple with roots tracing back to ancient Egypt, and in modern times, it was famously embraced by Jane Birkin. But this year, raffia wasn’t just a fixture in colorful resort collections—it also dominated the spring/summer 2025 runways, styled unexpectedly with leather pants and high heels. Raffia bags are an easy way to add texture, of course, but also a sense of lightness to outfits that might otherwise feel too polished or serious.

Studded Suede Spontaneity

Valentino’s studded suede Nellcote shoulder bag and fringe crossbody has been spotted on everyone from Bella Hadid to Alexa Chung to Dev Hynes. If there’s a bag of the summer, it’s undoubtedly this one—and it’s easy to see why. The bag is fun: fun to touch, fun to look at, fun to carry. Wearing it means feeling the fringe sway with every step or catching a glint of someone’s reflection in one of its oversize, rounded studs. Studded suede bags, in general, are everywhere right now, channeling the kind of free-spirited spontaneity that summer is all about.

Snakeskin Sexiness

If raffia brings a sense of realness to an outfit, then snakeskin brings the sex appeal. Lately, everyone’s been so caught up in the leopard-print debate (yes, it’s a neutral) that we’ve overlooked the surge of snakeskin that appeared all over fashion month. At Miu Miu, models clutched snakeskin bags to their chests, their cone bra straps peeking out over colorful dresses. And really, there’s no reason snakeskin shouldn’t be a summer staple. It’s just as sexy as the idea of hopping on the back of a stranger’s Vespa—only better, because you’re wearing a snakeskin bag while doing it.

Belted Freakiness

Belts have been getting a little freaky lately, and honestly, we’re here for it. If you’re still using a belt just to hold up your pants, consider adding a few more, à la Schiaparelli spring/summer 2025, or simply throw on a belted bag from Prada or the ever-trendy Osoi. Belted bags add a buckle to your look that might not serve much function, but delivers just the right amount of weird, in the best way. Belts aren’t typically a go-to summer accessory, which might explain why belt bags suddenly feel omnipresent. And if you’re not wearing pants? Just sling a belt over your shoulder.

Smooth Like Yellow Butter

Summer should be as smooth and delicious as butter yellow. The sunshine shade is a seasonal favorite for obvious reasons, but it’s also the easiest way to brighten up any outfit, rain or shine. While bold, vibrant colors often take center stage during the warmer months, butter yellow offers a softer, more wearable pop we could all use year-round. Butter isn’t just for summer, so why should the color be?