The Only Bag Styles Worth Investing in This Summer

Hands up who loves trading their wintery, leather handbag for something more spirited? Making that swap over signals a true change of season and goes hand in hand with welcoming slides, sunglasses and summer dresses into the forefront of our wardrobes.

But back to bags - the question being, what to swap your faithful black tote for? The good news is that summer trends are much more democratic and playful; a woven basket bag for £20 will look as chic as something that could set you back hundreds. The bad news however is where to draw the line. From girlie and beaded to circular and oversized, you could have a bag with a wildly different personality for everyday of the week.

Our money’s on five key styles – which perhaps sounds extravagant, but is the number which we think best sums up all the varieties vying for our shoulders and wallets right now. So from a woven tote for the park to an slip-handle clutch for smarter moments, don’t buy anything until you’ve browsed our edit below.

Style Notes: Blame it on London label Shrimps, but we're into this unapologetically girlie bag trend. Just the ride side of kitsch, a beaded, top-handle bag might recall childhood dressing up - thus making it a feel good investment. It'll also add a touch of the unexpected to your outfit. 

Style Notes: If it's netted, it's in. Whether that's a stringy bag for the beach or netting covering something more structured and luxe, it's the texture to tote right now. 

Style Notes: Our inner minimalists are craving this addition to our bag collection. Like a clutch but with the addition of a cut-out handle, it's as practical as it is desirable. A clean shape with straight edges creates a welcome contrast against flouncy summery dresses.

Style Notes: Simmering away last year, the round bag is everywhere to be seen this season. It may seem impractical, but it's actually genius for adding interest to the simplest of outfits, as Erica Davies shows. If you’re keen on a large style - and practicality - house your essentials in a small zip-top pochette to avoid everything falling to the bottom.

Style Notes: OK, this isn't a newsflash - but many of us can't compute a straw/basket bag for the city. How to chic yours up for urban surrounds? Simply add a bow and keep everything else sleek and simple to stop it looking like you've lost your way from the beach.