The 6 Biggest Summer 2023 Bag Trends, According To Fashion Experts

You could assume the biggest summer 2023 bag trends are a standard lineup of straw purses and crochet totes without doing your style homework. But after checking in with fashion experts—and keeping close tabs on the market myself—I've found that bag trends poised to dominate summer 2023 are adventurous while still checking the "beachy," "colorful" and "laid-back" boxes.

Here's a preview of the everyday bags you'll see all over the place this summer: Woven totes are arriving in up-cycled materials and crafty patterns, while quiet luxury leather bags are reaching the stratosphere of refinement in supple leather with minimal accents. Colours are saturated and shiny, with shades of blush and bright pinks taking over before deep red trends upward in the fall. And in terms of silhouettes, bigger is better once again, with extra-oversized totes everywhere from Goyard to Saint Laurent. (Take that, Succession.)

Equipped with recommendations from fashion experts at Nordstrom and Fashionphile, read on for the six summer 2023 bag trends that are about to be everywhere. They're definitely not your typical carry-alls.

Related article: 4 New Spring 2023 Bag Trends You Need To Know Now

Summer 2023 Bag Trends: Crafty and Colourful

"Never underestimate the power of a great summer tote!" says Rickie De Sole, women's designer fashion and editorial director at Nordstrom. "Classic summer bags get reimagined this season in vibrant colours and fun patterns—all prepped and ready to haul your beach essentials." Some of the best versions have an art-class element, like the psychedelic tie-dyes from Altuzarra or the crochet-like paper woven into bags from Anya Hindmarch.

SUMMER 2023 BAG TRENDS: CRAFTY AND COLOURFUL

Anya Hindmarch Granny Square Crochet Shoulder Bag

Dimensions: 14"W x 10"H x 1"D

Material: Paper

SUMMER 2023 BAG TRENDS: CRAFTY AND COLOURFUL

Altuzarra 'Weekender'

Materials: 27% Linen, 18% Cotton, 10% Polyurethane Fibre, 45% Polyvinyl Chloride

SUMMER 2023 BAG TRENDS: CRAFTY AND COLOURFUL

Naghedi St. Barths Medium Graphic Geo

Dimensions: 9" W x 17" D x 7" H

Material: Woven neoprene

SUMMER 2023 BAG TRENDS: CRAFTY AND COLOURFUL

Loeffler Randall Pia Crochet Tote

Dimensions: W 14.5" x D 6" x H 9.5"

Materials: Natural raffia, leather

SUMMER 2023 BAG TRENDS: CRAFTY AND COLOURFUL

Clare V. Summer Simple Crochet Tote

NORDSTROMSHOPBOP

Dimensions: 15"W x 12"H x 7"D

Material: Cotton

Summer 2023 Bag Trends: Pink on It

A sun-kissed summer outfit includes a blush toned bag. "Pink is a trend across all categories this season," says Nordstrom's De Sole. "After all Pantone’s color of the year is ‘Viva Magenta’. A color that oozes joy and optimism, you’ll find all spectrums of pink within handbags this season, from Valentino and Staud’s hot pinks to Coach and Mugler’s candy hues." And in the most opulent takes, Chanel has updated its classic flap bags in dreamy pink leather.

SUMMER 2023 BAG TRENDS: PINK ON IT

Chanel Classic Handbag Cloudy Pearly Goatskin & Gold-Tone Metal

Dimensions: 6" × 9.9" × 2.5"

Material: Leather

SUMMER 2023 BAG TRENDS: PINK ON IT

Coach Polished Pebble Leather Shoulder Bag

Shopper review: "I'm really loving this little bag! And don't let her size fool you. She fits the necessities: small wallet, keys, phone, small lotion, 2 lipsticks and a chapstick and a few other small items. Get the bag."

Dimensions: 9 1/2"W x 5 1/4"H x 3"D

Materials: Leather, cotton lining

SUMMER 2023 BAG TRENDS: PINK ON IT

Brandon Blackwood Cortini Leather Handbag

Shopper review: "Love this bag! Great size and nice quality."

Dimensions: 9"W x 5 1/2"H x 3"D

Material: Leather

SUMMER 2023 BAG TRENDS: PINK ON IT

Loewe Mini Gate Leather Convertible Bag

NORDSTROMSAKS FIFTH AVENUENEIMAN MARCUS

Shopper review: "This bag is beautiful! I live in NY and was looking for something I could use across my body and small enough to wear everyday and not be boggled down by. This is it! The quality is high end and instantly gives you a classic cool look!"

Dimensions: 4"W x 5"H x 3"D

Materials: Leather, suede lining

SUMMER 2023 BAG TRENDS: PINK ON IT

STAUD Tommy Beaded Shoulder Bag

Dimensions: 6"H x 10"W x 2"D

Materials: Textile, synthetic, glass beads

Summer 2023 Bag Trends: Ludicrously Capacious Bags

According to the season 4 premiere of Succession, you wouldn't want to be caught lugging an oversized tote—especially not around the upper crust of the Upper East Side. But Landyn Tedrick, site merchandising specialist at Fashionphile, says oversized totes are replacing ultra-mini handbags for summer 2023. It's a matter of practicality, the accessories expert explains: "Summer pool parties, beach days, and weekend getaways pair perfectly with the practicality of a spacious tote. You can’t beat a trend offering convenience and functionality." Make a water-resistant investment in the Goyard Goyardine Saint Louis for vacation or the celebrity-favourite Saint Laurent Icare for slouching around Manhattan.

SUMMER 2023 BAG TRENDS: LUDICROUSLY CAPACIOUS BAGS

Polene Cyme Tote Bag

Dimensions: 53cm x 32cm x 10.5 cm

Materials: Leather, suede

Colors: Camel, cognac, black, and more

SUMMER 2023 BAG TRENDS: LUDICROUSLY CAPACIOUS BAGS

Goyard Goyardine Saint Louis GM Green

Dimensions: L 15"x H 12.5" x W 7"

Material: Leather

SUMMER 2023 BAG TRENDS: LUDICROUSLY CAPACIOUS BAGS

Hereu Cala Large Canvas Tote Bag

Dimensions: 15"H x 26"W x 9.8"D

Materials: Canvas, leather

SUMMER 2023 BAG TRENDS: LUDICROUSLY CAPACIOUS BAGS

Saint Laurent Icare Shopping Tote Bag

Dimensions: L 14.5" x H 16.75" x W 3.75"

Materials: Leather, hardware

SUMMER 2023 BAG TRENDS: LUDICROUSLY CAPACIOUS BAGS

Cuyana Tall Easy Tote

Dimensions: H 15.1" x W 15.7" x D 5.1"

Material: Leather

Colors: Black, brown, coral, sage, and more

Summer 2023 Bag Trends: Shh...It's Luxury

Ostentatious logos and flashy house prints are taking a backseat this summer. Many of summer 2023's most covetable bags belong to the "quiet luxury" movement, defined by well-crafted pieces with no obvious ties to a particular brand. It's a "trend" that isn't actually a trend, because the bags have refined leather and sleek hardware accents that will last decades. But there is a new guard of designers joining the category alongside the polished classics at Hermes and Celine, such as Savette, Objets Daso, and Neous.

SUMMER 2023 BAG TRENDS: SHH...IT'S LUXURY

Savette Symmetry 26 in Mink Leather

Dimensions: L 10" x W 5.5" x D 3"

Materials: Leather, hardware

SUMMER 2023 BAG TRENDS: SHH...IT'S LUXURY

The Row Half Moon Leather Shoulder Bag

SAKS FIFTH AVENUENET-A-PORTER

Dimensions: 8"W x 13.5"H x 2.5"D

Materials: Leather

SUMMER 2023 BAG TRENDS: SHH...IT'S LUXURY

Objets Daso Hye Bag

Dimensions: W 29cm x H 22cm x D 4.6cm

Materials: 100% LWG certified calfskin, hardware

SUMMER 2023 BAG TRENDS: SHH...IT'S LUXURY

Neous Corvus Leather Mini Bag

Dimensions: D 2" x H 5.9" x W 11.4"

Material: Leather

Color: White

SUMMER 2023 BAG TRENDS: SHH...IT'S LUXURY

Sézane Mini Milo Classique Bag

Dimensions: 4.7" x 7.5" x 2"

Materials: Leather, cotton lining

Colors: Honey, pink, yellow, green, and more

Summer 2023 Bag Trends: Never-Ending Nostalgia Trip

Fashionphile's Tedrick has a word about the return of Y2K-inspired crop-tops, low-rise jeans, and bitty nylon bags: "It's here to stay." For summer 2023, "perhaps nowhere is [the era's influence] more apparent than in the world of designer handbags." Not only are designers from Marc Jacobs to Prada re-issuing the bags that rested in the crook of every downtown celebrity's arm in the early aughts, but re-sale sites are also overflowing with early 2000s-style handbags. How you want to channel the look back is up to you but Tedrick's recommendations are a Dior saddle bag or a Fendi Zucca baguette. These bags reference the past, but they've also got staying power for this summer and next.

SUMMER 2023 BAG TRENDS: NEVER-ENDING NOSTALGIA TRIP

Fendi Zucca Baguette Beige

Dimensions: L 9.5" x H 4.75" x W 1.5"

Materials: Fabric, hardware

SUMMER 2023 BAG TRENDS: NEVER-ENDING NOSTALGIA TRIP

Prada Re-Nylon Prada Re-Edition 2000 mini-bag

Editor review: "It comes with me everywhere. [...] I think of it now as a kind of family heirloom, one I might pass on to my own kid one day."

Dimensions: H 17cm x L 6cm x W 22cm

Material: Nylon

Colours: Black, white, gold, and more

SUMMER 2023 BAG TRENDS: NEVER-ENDING NOSTALGIA TRIP

Kate Spade Sam Icon Leather Small Tote

Shopper review: "I love this bag!!! It's so cute for work I can carry exactly what I need and it's just the right size for a date night or out with friends. I've been using this bag everyday and have gotten so many compliments."

Dimensions: 6.25"h x 9.5"w x 3.25"d

Materials: Spazzolato leather

Colours: Watercolor blue, pistachio cream, black, and more

SUMMER 2023 BAG TRENDS: NEVER-ENDING NOSTALGIA TRIP

Christian Dior Grained Calfskin Saddle Bag With Strap Sage Green

Dimensions: L 10" x H 8.5" x W 2.5"

Materials: Grained leather

SUMMER 2023 BAG TRENDS: NEVER-ENDING NOSTALGIA TRIP

Marc Jacobs Re-Edition Quilted Leather Stam Bag

Dimensions: 14in L x 5in D x 10in H

Colours: Black, white

Materials: Lamb leather, metal frame

Related article: Saddle Bags Are Back: 23 Pouches You Will Want To Carry All Day Long

Summer 2023 Bag Trends: Picnic Perfect

Bucolic, top-handle wicker bags bring a Cape Cod attitude—a little nautical and a little preppy—to wherever you're spending the summer, while also furthering the sportswear resurgence we noticed this spring. Go for a classic basket shape from Patou or vintage Gucci, or embrace a modern remix of this Americana classic with help from Dauphinette's recent J.Crew collaboration.

SUMMER 2023 BAG TRENDS: PICNIC PERFECT

Patou Wicker Basket Bag

Dimensions: H 7" x D 6.5" x Handle 16"

Materials: Hemp, brass

SUMMER 2023 BAG TRENDS: PICNIC PERFECT

J.Crew Dauphinette x J.Crew Wicker Bag

Dimensions: 6"H x 6 1/4"W x 4" D; 5" handle drop

Materials: Natural rattan shell, cotton lining, cow leather trim

SUMMER 2023 BAG TRENDS: PICNIC PERFECT

Frances Valentine Hannah Lunchbox Wicker Toast

Shopper review: "I already purchased another wicker purse from FV, but when the Hannah came out, I had to have it as well. It is just so darn cute. I love that the top fully opens up to access the interior. And the interior has a beautiful floral lining. The bamboo handles are attractive and nice quality. The latch is attractive and works well. I plan on using this for spring and summer special weekend plans."

Dimensions: H 6''x L 8'' x W 4.25''

Materials: Wicker basket with bamboo handle, cotton floral lining

SUMMER 2023 BAG TRENDS: PICNIC PERFECT

Zimmermann Wicker Crossbody Bag

Dimensions: 5"W x 7"H x 4"D; 17" - 24" convertible strap drop

Materials: Wicker, leather

SUMMER 2023 BAG TRENDS: PICNIC PERFECT

Gucci Cestino Bucket Bag Wicker Small

Dimensions: 6"W x 11"H x 7"D; 9" handle drop

Materials: Wicker, leather

This article originally appeared in Harper's BAZAAR US.