I love a chic designer piece as much as the next person, but summer just hits different when it comes to handbag styles. Structured silhouettes and dark leathers feel too serious for the lazy days of summer so fashion girls generally gravitate toward styles with a bit more personality. Color, beads, crochet, and natural materials become the main characters until September rolls around again. This allows you to add some personality to your look during a time when high temps require the rest of your outfit to be more minimal.
I'm one of the said fashion girls that benches my usual bags during summer in favor of more playful styles, so I've recently been on the hunt for fresh options. Since these bags do have a shorter wearability window I like to stay in the under $300 price point, and our favorite retailers clearly understood the assignment because there are too many fun options to choose from.
Whether you're looking for a high-saturation shade, beads, prints, or a woven texture, consider all of your stylish summer handbag needs covered. Keep reading to see and shop the best under-$300 options I found.
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Staud
Tommy Beaded Bag
Instagram-worthy.
Simon Miller
Lopsy Bag
There aren't enough words to describe how I feel about this color.
Aranaz
Curba Mini Bag
A work of art.
Mango
Mini Shopper Bag
Add a pop of color to your outfit.
Olga Berg
Shar Mesh Convertible Bag
Le disco.
Alexander Wang
Scrunchie Mini Bag
For a night out.
& Other Stories
Straw Tote Bag
This one screams summer vacation.
& Other Stories
Braided Leather Crossbody Bag
How good is this color?
Staud
Mini Moon Bag
Perhaps the cutest bag name ever.
Zara
Beaded Pattern Bucket Bag
Summer BBQ, anyone?
Simon Miller
Mini Retro Bag
You can't go wrong with a stripe.
Mango
Beaded Mini Bag
These flowers!
Zara
Oval Leather Shoulder Bag
This color is so rich.
H&M
Straw Shopper
Made for beach days.
Zara
Velvet Bucket Bag
Going to a summer wedding?
Sensi Studio
Striped Bolso Playero Soft Woven Carry Tote
For the beach and beyond.
Brandon Blackwood
Syl Beaded Bag
Beading is really having a moment.
Clare V.
Foldover Clutch
A print moment.
Mango
Braided Shoulder Bag
How bad do you want to touch this one?
Zara
Woven Bucket Bag
The perfect size for wherever the day takes you.
Frame
Le Signature Compact Mini
I'm not typically a pink girl, but this one changed my mind.
Zara
Crochet Mini Shopper
You can never have enough texture.
Staud
Tommy Bag
She's a fun girl.
Faithfull the Brand
Crocheted Cotton Tote
Beach, please.
& Other Stories
Canvas Leather Tote Bag
The perfect daytime bag does exist.
Staud
Bean Gathered Leather Shoulder Bag
Your new going-out bag.
Transience
Pillow Small Shell Shoulder Bag
Both a pop of color and a neutral.
Mango
Crossbody Bag With Twisted Strap
Now this is a summer color.
Mango
Braided Mini Bag
Yes to this texture.
H&M
Terry Shopper
Meet my new carryall.
Mango
Beads Strap Bag
Proof black and white doesn't have to mean boring.