Ultimate Summer Bag Guide
The Only Bags You Need to Google This Summer
Bags are the only accessories you need this summer. And shoes. And… oh, forget it.
But bags are important!
Last week we did a detailed shoe guide for 2020. And this got us thinking about bags. So, let’s take a real look at the key bag shapes taking center stage this season.
We’re all about choosing classic accessories that will last and last through the seasons. And this summer’s biggest trends are just that. Which is our favorite combination. We’ve also thrown in a couple of statement trends that you can mix and match with your staple fashion looks.
Choosing only from our Shop It To Me partner brands, you’ll also notice some seriously good savings thrown into the mix. Trends, classics, and designer bag deals!? Yes.
You’re welcome! 😘
Best Summer 2020 Bags
Here are our fave trend looks for bags in summer 2020 and beyond.
Raffia Bags
Raffia bags are a big hit this year. The detailing is a super cool way to create a relaxed summer look with a little more style than your usual beach bag. And these bags are not just another basket bag, ready for a day in the sun. They’re actually chic totes and bucket bags, perfect for smarter looks like work or even formal outfits for weddings and events.
A key look for this trend is the mixture of fabric with both raffia and leather elements tied into the bag.
We’re seeing plenty of this style of raffia bag from the likes of Loewe, Celine, Valentino, and Prada. Oscar De La Renta is doing it luxe and beach style and brands like D&G are keeping it super chic with sharp tote shapes.
Here’s how to nail the look…
Micro Bags
A big trend that’s getting…smaller. The micro bag. The micro bag is just about the tiniest bag they could possibly create without it just being a coin purse. But these micro bags are structured and detailed. Almost incredibly so.
Jacquemus was one of the first to make this look so huge this year. While Versace and Celine have also created tiny bag versions. Brands like D&G and Chanel have entered into the trend but created micro versions of their classic shapes. While Fendi has gone all out with micro bags that are actually worn as necklaces.
Basically, there’s one rule. Small, small, small.
Huge Slouch Bags
As a polar opposite trend to the micro bag, the biggest and slouchiest bags are also a key look for 2020. Almost in the shape of slings, these ‘hobo’ bags, as they are also known, will fit all your essentials – plus a couple of outfit changes too!
Bottega Veneta did their HUGE slouch sac in this look while Hermes did a silk scarf style version. Georgio Armani, Lavin, and Opening Ceremony were all also fans of the huge bag trend.
Want to carry around everything you own? Here’s how…
Bamboo Handles
Natural elements being incorporated into bags is also a look this year. In particular, bamboo handle details. We saw this vibe from the likes of Gucci, Miu Miu, and Cult Gaia and for summer, we’re obsessed.
From basket and beach bags to smarter and more structured totes, the bags vary but the chic bamboo detailing is always the main focus.
Try one of these for the bamboo summer trend.
Bucket bags
Smaller bucket bags are not new to the accessories scene. But they’re taking the spotlight this summer. And we’re not mad about it. This super cute bag is handy for carrying your daily must-haves but also adds some chic detailing to any look and often serves as a statement piece with a simpler outfit.
The new tote, the bucket bag is chic in all types of fabrics. From raffia to minimal leather, we’ve seen it done best by Celine (who keeps it simple), Prada (who went extra with cut-out detailing this season) and Stella McCartney.
If you’re looking for a new top handle bag and fancy a change from a classic tote bag shape, the bucket bag could be your perfect summer 2020 bag choice.
Vintage-Inspired Gold Detailing
Clasps and buckles with a vintage twist are another trending look we’re loving for summer 2020. Louis Vuitton has done this look to perfection while Celine and Gucci also followed suit in their summer 20 collections.
For this trend, it’s all about the details. The bag shapes are often structured and angular, but it’s the clasps, buckles, fastening and branded logo details that show off some vintage-inspired gold shine.
Pouch Clutches
The cult pouch bag was arguably coined by Bottega Veneta this year. Who, despite a global pandemic, has gone on to be one of the only designer labels to show a profit increase this year thanks to its quilted heels and pouch clutches. Cult status → achieved.
The look is cool, minimal, and easy and serves up the perfect day to night styling that takes you from a lunch or work meeting to dinner to drinks.
Statement Green
If there’s a color that’s blowing up at the moment in handbags, it’s green. Unpredictable, right? This is a bright and bold statement green – but not neon. Kind of… slime?
Staud has done plenty of pieces in this hue but many brands, including Victoria Beckham, have shown a love for this unusual palette for the season too.
Style it with all-black or all-neutral or go all-out and do a monochrome head to toe green look if you dare.
Here are some of our top green picks, if you’re struggling to relate.
Wristlet Pouches
Cute, simple, and awesomely ‘90s, wristlet pouch bags are back for 2020. If you love a hands-free experience when you’re out and about, this bag trend is so for you.
Whether you love leather, suede, fringe, or sparkle, a wristlet pouch comes in every and all fabrics. Look to the likes of Cult Gaia, Ganni, and Simone Rocha for high-end versions of this tiny trend. And we’ve also pulled some high street and more affordable versions for you too.
Here are our best this season.
If you’re rocking one of these summer 2020 bags this season, you know your outfit looks on point. But choose wisely. Right now, the fashion world is all about choosing better pieces that we’ll keep for longer. So, although we love trends, we’re also always keeping our eyes open for trends that promise to transcend just one season and keep us looking chic year after year.
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