_{If you are still looking for the chicest summertime showstopper bags and totes for beach vacations, the last hurrah in August and warm-weather holiday escapes, these ultra-chic edits are more than just a run-through. This season the trends lean toward soft creams and whites, to sophisticated forms and standout pops of color. Sustainability is a movement into 2025 and classics, like straw and leather, never wane.}

Dashing Summer Bags For Chic Adventures

Ghurka

The indelible Ghurka stamp, the timeless detail, unparalleled craftsmanship, leather, binding and brass: these are the cornerstone ingredients in any Ghurka product. The luxurious Ghurka Market Tote No. 294 ($725) is incredibly roomy with zip pockets on the inside. There’s also a smart key clip so you’ll never lose them again! A Ghurka is a unique heirloom that will tell the story of your every adventure, near and far.

Radley London

The Radley London Basil Street Sea Horse rounded canteen bag in Lava ($268) is not a bag you just toss into your suitcase, it adds dimension and playfulness to any vacation ensemble. A bespoke bag from the Radley London design studios on Basil Street in Knightsbridge, the monochrome striped handle and seahorse key fob add luxury character and charm to any holiday adventure. Wear as a crossbody or handheld.

Piper And Skye

The Delray Shopper in Cobalt luxury Pirarucu leather ($995) by Piper & Sky is an ultra-chic everyday summer bag. Beach blankets, laptops, books and towels have nothing on the Delray Shopper. It’s large enough for weekend excursions and luxurious enough to wear to dinners, clambakes and board meetings the next day.

“Featuring our signature pirarucu leather, you can carry our Delray Shopper with pride knowing you’re adorning your style with a fully verified, certified sustainable leather tote,” says Piper & Skye founder and creative director Joanna MacDonald in an email. “Our rare material selection of pirarucu leather comes from the Amazon forest, assisting the local fishing communities to make a decent living and preventing fishermen from having to cut down trees in the Amazon. This tote will be your new favorite bag, and people are going to ask you where in the world you got it.”

Milaner

The Milaner Travel Elena Woven Handbag ($545) in White Nappa is made from buttery-soft Nappa leather and is large enough to hold anything you could need for getaway travel. Also available in suede leather, choose from a variety of rich colors—or plain white, to accentuate the handwoven detail as you enjoy summer on the go. Available in sizes ranging from a cute 8-inch handheld to a 27-inch travel size, each bag comes with a convenient magnetic-top closure.

Mme.Mink

Mme.Mink Beach Birk tote ($525.00) is a confection of design wrapping a functional carryall that can hold everything you need to saunter in style.

“Nothing is more of a beach statement than our chic statement carryalls, trimmed in leather and ribbon,” said Jan Haedrich, founder and designer for Mme.Mink, in an email. “The Mme.Mink Birk beach basket is made from hand-woven straw palm leaf. Large enough to carry everything, yet chic enough to look like arm candy. The basket structure is perfect for anywhere in the city to sandy beaches. It has a drawstring closure, a detachable zip wallet, and wide-open interiors that promote use in the sand as the holes allow the sand to pass through. Each bag comes numbered with its authenticity number and bespoke charm with the customer’s name engraved.”

Vici Collection

The Vici Collection Playa bucket bag ($54) is a posh player with a vegan leather trip. The clean-lined aesthetic, printed fabric-lined interior, and plus pockets put this bucket bag in a league with eye-catching competitors at much higher prices. Also available in black for a bold look that accentuates any outfit.

July

The Juliette Soft Fold Crossbody in Mint ($135) has soft folded gussets and an easy top closure for travel. The sturdy base gives the Juliette upright confidence to stand on its own without support. The suede inner lining is another lovely touch to this elegant crossbody. It’s light enough for daily use, and practical enough to join you at the beach or the pool, securing those everyday items you can’t stand losing.

Horizon Studios

The Horizon Studios Shibuya Weekender ($120) is made from vegan and recycled material, and the shipping is carbon-neutral.

“At Horizon Studios, we believe every adventure starts with the right bag. The Shibuya Weekender in Lemon isn’t just a bag—it’s your passport to spontaneous escapes and sleek city jaunts. It’s got your back, rain or shine, with unmatched durability and style. Ready to make your weekends effortlessly chic,” said Horizn Studios Founder Stefan Holwe in an email.

Lemonbella

The Lemonbella Sydney Woven Tote in Platinum ($99) enters the room as a beacon of light, designed with luxurious vegan leather. The roomy tote comes with a matching zippered clutch for separating and organizing essentials.

My Style Bags

The Vienna Handbag from My Style Bags (starting at $385) summer collection is timeless and trendy. The bamboo handle and Vienna leather trim make this a super chic beachy beauty.

“The Vienna Light Brown Handbag seamlessly marries style with practicality,” said Lorenza Bellora, Founder and Creative Director of My Style Bags, in an email. “The small size caters to those seeking a travel tote bag to take to dinner or out on a day trip, while the larger size offers an oversized option versatile enough to serve as both a travel bag and a stylish tote.”

Dooney & Bourke

Dooney & Bourke Alto Large Woven Shopper ($725) is rich and sophisticated. Large enough to hold essentials, and with an inside zip pocket for your cellphone and credit card slot, this bag is for the sophisticated traveler. It’s made in Italy, crafted from ultra-smooth Italian leather.

Ten Thousand Villages

The Boho movement is always in season with cult followings worldwide. And Ten Thousand Villages has you covered. The Sari Shop Slouchy Bag ($79.99) from Ten Thousand Villages is made from recycled sari fabric. The Boho swoons with pops of color and colorful patchwork patterns, made by Action Bag Handicrafts, an organization that employs women and provides literacy, nutrition and legal rights classes.

Vendula London

A chic bag full of sweets makes everyone happy. The vegan leather Old Sweet Shop Arden Bag from Vendula London is printed and embossed vegan leather with hand-stitched sweet shop details in vegan leather and cotton.

“Our Tote bags are always super popular with room for all essentials and much more – and with the Vendula London unique designs our tote bags are at home with our Vendulettes while going out, going to work, taking to the gym and even on the red carpet,” said Fable CEO Raymond Lam in an email.

Anne Klein

The Anne Klein Ew tote ($88) transitions from day to dinner effortlessly with the iconic style Anne Klein always delivers. The texturized soft straw composure comes with a convertible adjustable strap and the flower hang-off can also be detached. “This tote is an essential bag to have in your wardrobe,” an Anne Klein spokesperson tells us via email. “It can go from the office to the beach with equal elan. It’s like the LBD of totes, ready for any occasion and super chic.”

Patricia Nash

Patricia Nash Verzi Tote ($249) in Bougainvilleas Along The Coast is a striking bag that adds an artistic flair to any outing. Made with full-grain leather, the Verzi tote has a rear slip pocket on the exterior, one zip pocket and two slip pockets along the interior. The bougainvillea bag becomes the centerpiece of any gathering, even if you don’t have much to say.

Chic Summer Bags For Pool And Beach Vacations

Bette

The Bette Terry Weekender Set ($85) comes in four rousing colors: azure, lima, noire and rosa. The soft terry texture is perfect for beach and pool soirees, and each bag comes with a matching clutch. The clutch can hold essentials during the day and seamlessly transition to an evening bag. The rope handles on both bags give the set a classic nautical look.

“I love this tote for the beach, but also for running errands (quick grocery run, store returns, shop therapy fixes). I keep all my small stuff like keys, phone, charger, chapstick and wallet in the clutch inside the big tote so things don’t fall to the abyss of the bottom of the bag. I get complements EVERY time I go out with it,” said Lauri Pani, owner of Bette, in an email.

Hat Attack

Someone actually realized that a bag with a built-in spot for your sun hat was needed. Welcome the Original Straw Traveler Bag from Hat Attack New York ($198). Your favorite sunhat fits effortlessly in the side straps, and the bag holds all of your favorite travel essentials.

“The bag is a travel essential, for airplane or car/train travel. The natural color is a classic/chic look and the hat feature is perfect for any vacation. Fully lined and goes with any beach look,” said Cooper McManus, creative director for Hat Attack in an email.

Stone And Mason

The mesmerizing minimalism of the Stone & Mason Palomino bag ($363) with a bumpy beaded handle screams hot weather chic.

“Our Palomino Bags not only come filled with everything you could need to be ocean or pool side, such as recycled cotton quick dry towel, fan and wet swimsuit waterproof pouch, but they are also made using natural fibres such as ENEA, which are harvested by artisans in Colombia,” said Holly and Susan Stille, Founders of Stone & Mason, in an email. “We have partnered with a Charity for the last 2 years who work with over 250 local artisans to support the craftsmanship and culture by promoting products with history and tradition local to the area. With Customers making more considered purchases with regards to sustainability and materials used, it has been an important influence across our product range.”

Rue de Verneuil X Mayflower Inn & Spa, Auberge Resorts Collection

The Mayflower Inn & Spa, Auberge Resorts Collection has launched an exclusive tote bag ($375) in collaboration with the elegant Parisian studio Rue de Verneuil. The Rue de Verneuil x Mayflower Inn & Spa exclusive custom tote bag has a polished design with Oxford cotton and leather finishes. The totes are only available on-site at the resort’s Washington, Connecticut location.

In an email, Thomas Franc, International Sales Manager at Rue de Verneuil, applauds the New England elegance of the tote: “The Mayflower Inn & Spa, Auberge Resorts Collection has joined forces with the Parisian house Rue de Verneuil, renowned for its textile leather goods, and unveils an exclusive Tote that is inspired by the verdant landscape of the property and the aesthetic of the resort which embodies the New England Elegance. The Large “Traversée” bag, exclusively made by our artisan in Paris, is crafted with a green “Oxford” cotton fabric enhanced with leather finishes. It features two side pockets and a removable shoulder strap. The tote’s volume is perfect for everyday use, whether shopping in town or on vacation. During travels, it’s the ideal hand luggage, but is also the perfect beach tote to store towels for the whole family.”

Lilibridge

The Lilibridge Bag ($98) is an ultra-chic shout-out statement piece that holds everything for your next escape. It marries form and function with a sophisticated hand-drawn print that’s perfect for beach, boating and cocktails on the Cape.

“Our bags are the definition of beach chic. They’re stylish, sophisticated and all of our original hand-drawn prints capture the spirit of sun, fun adventures. The Lilibridge Bag has a sophisticated shape and folds to a square for easy packing. The Forevermore is made from water-resistant coated-canvas that is machine washable and boasts interior pockets to hold whatever you need for a day at the beach, boating adventure, and more,” said Lilibridge cofounder Vanessa Douglas in an email.

Able

A sharp cabana tote is a wardrobe staple. The Mandrell Blue Cabana Striped tote ($118) from Able is crisp and cheery in canvas with leather handles and trim. The interior pocket is generous and it comes in three chic shades. At the time of publishing, the blue and green were available on the website.

“I personally love this tote because it is not only spacious and practical, it features a fun block printed striped pattern and bright, bold colors that add a fun pop to your outfit!” said Alexandra Collins, Vice President of Product and Sourcing at Able. “The tote fits everything from your laptop to summer beach essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, water bottle and beach towel, and has a convenient interior pocket for your wallet, keys and other smaller items. It’s also equipped with sturdy leather straps made from 100% upcycled leather scraps, giving it a sophisticated, timeless feel that you can carry on season after season. My favorite part about the Mandrell Tote is that it provides economic opportunities to female artisans in India.”

Baggallini

The chic Baggalini Carryall Packable Tote in Moss ($60) is easily identifiable in a crowd of beach chairs or sightseeing. The size is generous enough to fit all of your essentials for a weekend away or day in the sun and the water-resistant fabric protects against a bottle that accidentally pops open inside, or packing a wet swimsuit for travel after a dip in the pool or ocean.

“I think that the Carryall Packable Tote is a must-have in anyone’s summer line-up. The tote is perfect for throwing in your suitcase for a week-long vacation or packing up for a weekend getaway. The bag folds and zips up to fit seamlessly in your carry-on or backpack, but packs a punch: it expands to be 22 inches wide, so that if you find a must-have souvenir or go shopping while away, you don’t have to struggle for room. Plus, the bag is under $100 for affordability without sacrificing quality,” said Devon Pike, President of Baggallini, in an email.

Cincha

The Cincha Canvas Go-To Tote ($119) is an impressive design for travelers. There’s a laptop sleeve for working on the go, three external pockets and one internal pocket — these allow for

overnight travels and packing for the beach or pool. With the expanding trend for large totes, founder Ash Sharma expounds on the excellence of this tote via email.

“One trend I keep seeing is oversized tote bags (cue: our Canvas Go-Tote) — bigger is definitely better especially when it comes to travel. Being able to fit your whole world in one bag whether you are going to a meeting or meeting your besties in Barcelona … a bag that carries it all is a must,” Sharma said. “It’s perfect for summer trips, holding everything from sun hats to a cozy sweater for chilly flights, and all the little extras to keep you effortlessly chic. Plus, I love its versatility — you can carry it by the handles or wear it over your shoulder with the straps.”

Walker And Wade

Handmade in Bali, the gorgeously intricate details of the Walker & Wade Medium Shell Tote ($198) are breathtaking. The front side of the bag features beading and real shell details, while the other side is straw. The vintage-looking vessel comes in pink, tan and turquoise.

Helen Jon

The Poppy Canvas Beach Tote from Helen Jon fits squarely in the trend of soft creams and whites with strong splashes of color. “We created this tote with the intention of it being multifunctional — not only is it a large carry-on for travel, but can take all of your essentials to the pool. The canvas material makes it easy to clean, so that you can bring it everywhere without worrying about wear and tear,” said Helen Jon cofounder Missy Neville in an email.

Fable England

The Fable Meadow Creatures Quilted Tote ($112) makes a sweet impression with cats, squirrels and rabbits playfully discovering a new season in the British countryside. For picnicking in the park, hiking in the woods, or lounging by the pool, the Fable Meadows Creatures Quilted Tote perfectly captures the cozy classics of Cottagecore.

Mersea

The Le Canvas Tote from Mersea ($58) comes in fun pops of color to amplify summer travels and make a statement wherever you are.

“We love how truly durable this tote is — we schlep this around everywhere, from photoshoots to the pool, to visiting artisan partners across the world, and more. We made sure to create it in a variety of fun colors so that not only is it functional, but fun,” said Lina Dickinson, co-founder of Mersea, in an email.

Boys Lie

If you just need to add a pop of color to any outfit, the Boys Lie Apple Terry Cloth Tote ($90) is soft, roomy and just plain fun. It comes in a rainbow of colors for summer styling. Embossed with the iconic Boys Lie logo, the tote is a rare combination of upscale, casual and practical in one bag.

Old Navy

Never underestimate Old Navy for having the most affordable on-trend and luxury-looking handbags for seasonal shifts. The Straw Basket Tote ($24.99) is a wardrobe staple made from paper straw with a faux leather trim that elevates your style with its mere presence.