These are the 12 most stylish beach bags to buy, according to a fashion editor

The sun is shining, so it's time to treat yourself to a new beach bag.

Woman holding a Loewe basket bag GettyImages-1632126608
(Image credit: Getty Images)

There's nothing like shopping for a new beach bags to signal not only that summer is on the horizon but also the start of the holiday season. That said, while they're undoubtedly the most practical thing you'll pack, a beach bag can also be a great everyday bag for running errands and fitting all your essentials in, so, it's worth investing even if you're not heading away just yet.

Beach bags, whether made of raffia, basket or fabric, are a big summer trend for SS24 as well, and needless to say, go hand in hand with a pretty summer dress and your favourite pair of sandals  as a warm weather essential. So, get shopping for one early and, by the time the sun does make an appearance, you'll be well equipped to swan off to the beach in style. 

If you aren't sure which style to invest in, then a classic, timeless option is the basket bag. It's no surprise it's been a bestseller with brands such as Loewe and Jacquemus for the past few seasons and we predict they're still going to be huge for 2024. When it comes to Spring/Summer 2024, the bigger the better. This year, it's all about having fun with proportions which is great news if you're prone to carrying everything but the kitchen sink in your handbag. 

There are more fashion-forward beach bags in the line-up too, and I'm especially loving logo totes (see Prada or Chloe), printed fabric bags, and brightly coloured crocheted arm candy.

And, while designer styles always draw the eye, so do the high street ones this season. The usual suspects - think Zara, Mango and Arket - are all offering fun, trendy beach bags that you'll keep for years without breaking the bank.

How to style a beach bag: 

In terms of styling poolside, use your bag to accessorise a chic swimsuit and sarong combo, and in the evening, pair your bag alongside a floaty floral dress. This way, you're covered from beach to bar. 

If you're on dry land, then your beach bag will be the perfect companion to a linen suit or a t-shirt and denim shorts. For more inspiration to round off your summer look, do take the time to scroll through my other edits, including the best sunglasses, summer sandals and swimwear

Keep scrolling to shop my edit of the best beach bags available to buy right now. I've handpicked each one from brands that I love, and taken everything into account from the size to the style and the material. 

The best beach bags

Penny Goldstone

Penny Goldstone is the Digital Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, covering everything from catwalk trends to royal fashion and the latest high street and Instagram must-haves.

Penny grew up in France and studied languages and law at the Sorbonne Nouvelle University in Paris before moving to the UK for her MA in multimedia journalism at Bournemouth University. She moved to the UK permanently and has never looked back (though she does go back regularly to stock up on cheese and wine).

Although she's always loved fashion - she used to create scrapbooks of her favourite trends and looks, including Sienna Miller and Kate Moss' boho phase - her first job was at MoneySavingExpert.com, sourcing the best deals for everything from restaurants to designer sales.

However she quit after two years to follow her true passion, fashion journalism, and after many years of internships and freelance stints at magazines including Red, Cosmopolitan, Stylist and Good Housekeeping, landed her dream job as the Digital Fashion Editor at Marie Claire UK.

Her favourite part of the job is discovering new brands and meeting designers, and travelling the world to attend events and fashion shows. Seeing her first Chanel runway IRL at Paris Fashion Week was a true pinch-me moment.

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