BAGS OF SUMMER
- William Garfield
- Jun 26
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 27
When the temperatures rise and the days stretch longer, the way we dress shifts—lighter fabrics, bare shoulders, sun-kissed skin. But what truly seals a summer look? The bag. This season, it's all about effortless elegance through color: think coastal blues, crisp whites, and sunkissed neutrals. Whether you’re heading to a beach club in the South of France or just want your weekend coffee run to feel chic, the right bag makes all the difference.
Here’s a look at my bags that have must-have hues—and the brands doing them best.
Blues: Mediterranean Moods
Blue is the color of clear skies, endless oceans, and vacation freedom. It’s fresh, cooling, and quietly luxurious. This summer, blue bags are making waves in every shade—from icy pastels to deep cobalt—and the best part is how seamlessly they pair with both neutrals and prints.
Start with a standout: the Emilio Pucci Printed Mini Bag. This little pop of paradise is pure summer energy in a pouch—the leaves in seafoam green, aqua, and cobalt blue capture that signature Pucci movement and playfulness. It’s the bag equivalent of sipping a spritz by the Amalfi coast. Tiny but mighty, it’s perfect for slipping into a straw tote by day and carrying solo by night.
For something more sculptural, Jacquemus delivers again with their micro minis in cornflower blues. Styles like Le Chiquito or Le Bisou strike the perfect balance between statement and staple. They're the kind of bags that spark conversation.
And of course, Goyard in a classic navy or bright sky blue is always a good idea.
The brand’s lightweight canvas and subtle monogramming bring understated elegance with every carry—ideal for weekend getaways or workdays that still deserve a little flair.
Whether it’s Pucci’s joyful print or Goyard’s Parisian practicality, blue bags bring that cool, coastal touch to any summer look.
Whites: Clean and Crisp
White bags in summer are the equivalent of a fresh mani: polished, essential, and effortlessly elevated. But not all white bags are created equal—some feel too delicate, others too sterile. The magic lies in texture, detail, and a touch of nostalgia.
Just look at this vintage Chanel. Soft ivory leather with a rich, pebbled grain gives it dimension, while the wooden handle brings a grounded, natural contrast that screams understated luxury. The tonal stitched logo adds a tactile layer of craftsmanship—subtle but unmistakably Chanel. It’s the kind of piece that works just as beautifully with linen trousers as it does with a swimsuit and oversized shirting.
On the other end of the spectrum is Saint Laurent’s Rive Gauche canvas tote, a minimalist icon that blends structure with a laid-back, beachy attitude. Crisp white canvas trimmed with leather and bold black lettering, it’s the bag you sling over your shoulder on a market morning in Ibiza or use as your in-flight carry-on. It’s functional, yes—but make no mistake, it’s still chic. Think "editor off-duty meets jet-set classic."
This Gucci shoulder bag from the tom ford era is also a perfect addition with its stark white structure
Whether it’s the timeless femininity of Chanel or the classic elegance of Saint Laurent, white bags are your summer wardrobe’s best-kept secret.
Neutrals: Sun-Washed & Understated
There’s something effortlessly elegant about neutrals in the summer—soft sands, creamy linens, and sun-bleached tones that feel like golden hour in bag form. These aren’t your average basics. In warm weather, neutrals bring out the richness of texture, silhouette, and subtle detail.
First up: the Saint Laurent all-over monogram canvas crossbody. In natural canvas with a repeating black YSL logo and a matching black strap, it’s the ultimate mix of heritage and utility. The print gives it personality without overpowering, and the crossbody style makes it easy to throw on whether you’re sightseeing, brunching, or heading to a gallery opening. It’s minimalist, but fashion-forward.
Then there’s the Louis Vuitton Mini Pochette in Natural Canvas—a quiet luxury staple. With its perfectly petite size, natural base, and classic Vachetta leather trim, it’s the kind of piece that ages beautifully and travels well. Tuck it inside a bigger tote or carry it alone with an oversized shirt and sandals for that ‘undone but done’ vibe.
Of course, nothing says summer like a classic natural canvas or rattan tote. Whether it's woven raffia from a local boutique or a structured straw carryall, these bags add texture and a sense of ease to any look. Toss in your sunglasses, a linen scarf, a paperback novel, and you're set for anything from beach days to open-air markets.
Neutrals aren’t boring—they’re timeless. They work with everything, feel organic and luxurious, and add that soft-focus finish to your summer style story.
Here are some bags on my summer wishlist too!
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