Summer Wardrobe Edit: Bags

Summer in the city, country, beach or village – who knows where the upcoming months will take you. One thing is for sure when it comes to bag trends this season: it’s all about ‘forever appeal’ and investing in a bag that’s going to turn out to be a timeless classic in years to come.

The Summer Bag Edit

Whether it’s a brand new style, second hand or rented, this season’s rules are there to be broken. There’s much inspiration to be taken from the catwalk’s varying styles, shapes and colours. Raffia bags are once again the summer staple seen all over the catwalks at Loewe, Valentino and Prada, but this season they are even more polished. So much so that your pride and joy will definitely need its own shelf space, or even displayed on permanent show when not being used.

Loewe Paula’s Ibiza bag

Next up is the oversized slouchy super sac, especially if you’re one of those people who never have enough room in your bag for all your belongings. Check out designers such as Bottega Veneta, Hermes and Gabriela Hearst. This oversize bag can be worn slung over the body or thrown over the shoulder; wear in the day for a chic update to your working wardrobe, or to the beach over an oversized shirt. If you’re after something a bit more colourful, rainbow brights are in full force, whether as a solid block colour in the softest leather or just as an accent. Choose the style that suits you best and goes with the key items in your wardrobe.

Zimmermann’s Raffia tote

Now onto the vintage styles. Have these bags ever really gone out of fashion? There’s nothing better than finding an iconic style on Vestiaire Collective, in a charity shop or on ebay. This season more than ever designers are harking back to classic summer bag styles: the bucket, oversized clutch and any bag with gold hardware, whether it’s a buckle, strap, clasp or even a chain handle.

Divine vintage-looking styles can be found on the catwalk at Celine or Gucci, but if you want an heirloom start rummaging in the back of your wardrobe to see if there’s one of your own to resurrect. If it’s seen better days check out The Restory, which provides modern aftercare for luxury goods, bringing them back to life after a brief hiatus. Their mission is to have you fall in love with your favourite pieces all over again by giving your item some much needed care and attention restoring them to their past glory. It’s also worth checking out the Mulberry Exchange, where you can have your old Mulberry handbag authenticated and appraised, with the opportunity to put this value towards a new purchase.

Check out my top 15 favourites below also including some sustainable options for those of us wanting to make more considered purchases moving forward.

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