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12 summer bags to add to your purse rotation

Take your summertime dressing to the next level.

With summer comes the ever-so-exciting task of unpacking your summer wardrobe.

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Dusting off your dresses for long nights at beachside bars, sipping Aperol to your heart’s content, spending your days by the water and revelling in our famous Australian summers.

Accessories can make or break an outfit, and a good handbag is often overlooked. Yet a carefully curated wardrobe of purses for any occasion can take your outfits to the next level. 

As we are officially in summer mode, now is the time to embrace those warm-weather motifs in your accessories like tropical raffia, beaded bags in rainbow hues and bright bold colours and patterns because if there is ever a time to make a statement, it’s now. 

What handbags are in style this summer?

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Picking a new bag for the season can feel overwhelming.

  • Raffia and wicker bags: These will always make the summer bag list as they are perfect for the season because they’re lightweight and airy. Plus, they come in all sorts of styles, from totes to shoulder bags to crossbody bags. Natural materials are a big trend to watch this summer. 
  • Crochet bags: Crochet bags are another fun and flirty summer trend. They can be dressed up or down, and they’re perfect for adding a touch of personality to your outfit.
  • Metallic bags: If you’re looking to add a little glamour to your summer look, reach for a metallic bag. Gold and silver are always popular choices, but you can also find metallic bags in other colours like rose gold and copper.
  • Oversized totes: Ludicrously capacious bags are never going out of style, plus they’re perfect for carrying everything you need for a day at the beach or the pool. Plus, they come in all sorts of fun colours and patterns.

We have scoured the ‘net to find our very favourite summer bags for you to choose from so you can focus on filling your social calendar this summer. The best news is they won’t break the bank and we’ve even thrown in some affordable dupes for trending luxury purses. 

The best summer bags for 2023 

Best rafia and woven bags 

summer bags
(Credit: Mimmi Terra) (Credit: Mimmi Terra)

Mimmi Terra Eco Utility double handle tote, $120 (usually $149), THE ICONIC

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Perhaps the perfect beach tote, this handy bag is woven from recycled materials to reduce waste whilst still being extremely chic. 

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summer bags
(Credit: Laura Jones) (Credit: Laura Jones)

Laura Jones Seagrass mini shopper bag, $69.99, STRAND

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Summer is the perfect opportunity to lean into natural materials like this raffia woven tote bag that feels like the quintessential bag for warm sunny mornings at the market.

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Best colourful summer bags 

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(Credit: Louenhide) (Credit: Louenhide)

Jacinta crossbody bag, $99.95, Louenhide 

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Go big and bold with your colour choices this summer like this rich sunflower orange hue. Because it’s a crossbody you can take it anywhere and everywhere with you while you’re on the go. 

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summer bags
(Credit: Topshop) (Credit: Topshop)

Topshop Shay ombre bag, $31 (usually $45), THE ICONIC

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With a subtle pop of purple to enhance your outfit, this shoulder bag is also the perfect size to fit your everyday essentials without being too bulky. 

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Best metallic bags 

summer bags
(Credit: Charles & Keith) (Credit: Charles & Keith)

Mini croc effect metallic moon bag, $116, Charles & Keith

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Silver is certainly the tone of the season and this adorable mini moon bag with a croc-effect finish is a must-have statement piece. 

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summer bag
(Credit: Glamorous) (Credit: Glamorous)

Glamorous mini grab bag, $52, ASOS

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Try out the metallics by adding in some colour like this woven pink hobo bag that could either be for a night out or make a statement and have it as your everyday purse this season. 

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Best summer party bags 

summer bags
(Credit: Izoa) (Credit: Izoa)

Izoa Crystal bag rainbow, $119, Hardtofind

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Summer parties and the festive season coming up, and this is the moment to try out a bold bag like this embellished rainbow purse. 

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summer bags
(Credit: Petal & Pup) (Credit: Petal & Pup)

Gidget beaded cross body, $37.95 (usually $76), Petal & Pup

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Beaded bags throw us back to when we were kids in the best way possible, we can’t get enough of this green crossbody and single handle for our next event. 

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Best summer tote bags 

summer bag
(Credit: Poppy Lissiman) (Credit: Poppy Lissiman)

Teeto tote, $170, Poppy Lissiman

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You can use this tote for absolutely everything this summer, from the beach to the office, uni or running errands. Made from recycled rPET fabric with faux leather straps, it looks good and performs better. 

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summer bags
(Credit: South Beach) (Credit: South Beach)

South Beach Plain towelling bag, $46, ASOS

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Could this be your new summer beach bag? Absolutely! An easy to carry size that can fit your sunscreen, towel, beach read and sunnies and is durable around water and sand thanks to the terry towelling finish. 

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Best affordable summer bags 

summer bag
(Credit: Glassons) (Credit: Glassons)

Silver beaded handbag, $29.99, Glassons

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We would never guess that this trendy beaded bag was under $30, but we can’t get enough of the idea of styling this in our wardrobe this summer. 

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summer bags
(Credit: Cotton On) (Credit: Cotton On)

Amelia shoulder bag, $49.99, Cotton On

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A white, lightweight slouchy shoulder bag is the ideal silhouette for your everyday purse this season. 

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