Gone are the days where beach bags were for holidays only, which is a plus since foreign trips are still up in the air for May. Whilst they are of course ideal to chuck your holiday essentials into, they’re also perfect for adding a laid-back vibe to your summer dress.
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For the past few seasons now, natural textures have been a strong summer bag trend, pioneered by designer giants such as Loewe and Jacquemus with their timeless basket bags.
The high street is joining in the fun, with raffia, bamboo totes and basket bags galore at the likes of Zara, Mango and H&M, which comes in all shapes and sizes, so you’re covered for everything from beach days to evening drinks.
If you’re into more classic designs, Saint Laurent, Céline and Fendi have some great minimal fabric totes on offer, stamped with a discreet logo for that Instagram-worthy touch. Though slightly pricier than others, these will see you through summers to come, proving a better investment than a trend-led piece.
For something a little more on the fun side though, I’m loving the sorbet shade terry totes bags spotted at Zara and Asos, or the neon shades that wouldn’t look out of place on a Miami beach. GANNI also has some great floral-print oversized bags which would jazz up the simplest of white linen dresses.
Finally, if you’re looking for more summer fashion trend inspiration to round off your new season look, do take the time to scroll through my other edits: the best sunglasses, summer sandals and swimwear to get your sartorial juices flowing…
Whatever your style, you’re sure to find something you adore. Shop the Marie Claire edit of the best beach bags available to buy right now…
SMALL WOODY BASKET, available soon at Chloé
In partnership with the World Fair Trade Organization, Chloé is launching the first fair trade-verified luxury bag collection. Ethically produced and environmentally responsible, the project launches with four Woody panier styles that have been hand-woven by 700 women in Kenya.
To realize these basket bags, Chloé has collaborated with Mifuko, a WFTO guaranteed member. Meaning ‘pocket’ in Swahili, the social enterprise secures fair pay and safe conditions for its network of more than 700 artisan producers – mostly women in rural areas – who become less dependent on farming as their principal income source.
Traditional Kenyan handcraft is thus woven with the empowerment of every individual, which is why each unique basket is signed by the artisan who made it.
LOEFFLER RANDALL Avery gingham shell tote, £170 at Net-A-Porter
Lightweight and spacious, this tote's made from durable shell patterned with gingham checks and has an internal zipped pocket to secure small items.
GANNI Padded Tech Fabric Tote Bag, £80 at LIBERTY
Staying true to Ganni's off-beat, contemporary aesthetic, this tote bag is characterised by a large, slouchy silhouette with a vibrantly printed exterior and a single knotted top handle. Crafted from lightweight, soft shell tech fabric, it features a spacious main compartment with a concealed magnetic fastening and a single zip pocket for smaller essentials.
St Tropez tote, launching soon on Celine
This classic tote is part of Celine's Plage (French for beach) collection, launching on 23rd April, and a cheeky nod to the French Riviera.
ASPINAL OF LONDON, Henley tote, £295
The perfect combination of style and function, Aspinal of London's Henley tote is sized to fit all your beach day essentials - think, towel, cosmetics case and sunglasses. Personalise yours with the brands bespoke embroidery.
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LARGE ROUND RAFFIA SHOULDER BAG, £112 at ASPIGA
This stylish raffia bag is handmade in Madagascar from 100% raffia and soft leather handles. Aspiga has also partnered with Thrift+, an on-demand clothing donation service where you can order a bag to send in unwanted clothes which will be given to a charity of your choice.
Small Square Basket bag in rainbow toquilla palm and calfskin, £475 at LOEWE
Part of this year's LOEWE Paula’s Ibiza an annual capsule collection, this tote is a nod to the bohemian coastal dressing and playful archive prints of legendary 1970s Ibizan boutique, Paula’s.
MAXI TERRY TOTE BAG, £19.99 at ZARA
This playful Terry tote is available in several fun colours including lilac, pink and acid green.
Jute basket bag, £35.99 at MANGO
This hold-all is made of 90% natural jute and lined in a 100% cotton, as part of the label's Committed range.
FENDI Roma Shopper small canvas tote bag, £1,390 at MATCHESFASHION
Fendi reimagines the Roma Shopper bag in a striking monochrome palette. Crafted in Italy, this ivory canvas style is shaped with a flat base and clean-cut silhouette with black edges and an embroidered logo on the front, then opens to reveal an unlined interior with neat slip pockets.
South Beach beach bag in ombre mint, £15 at asos
For a stylish yet affordable beach bag, look no further than this ombre style.
