Top 5 Summer Bags for Vacation

When it comes to summer bags and packing for vacation, your bag game is very important. I like to keep in mind, style and functionality when looking for the perfect bag. In this post, I highlight fashion trends, and functionality. 

Summer time is full of outdoor events, vacationing, and showing off your new summer wardrobe. These are the top 5 bags I would recommend this summer, depending on what you have planned! 

1. Wicker Bag

There is no surprise here that the wicker bag is number one this summer. These bags made their first spotlight last summer and by now almost every retailer has caught onto this trend. There is nothing that says beach and vacation more than a wicker bag. 

I love these bags, because sometimes I want to rock my normal uniform, a pair of denim with a black tank top and pairing that back to a wicker bag, gives it that “beach” vibe. If off the shoulder tops, with pom poms hanging off the end isn’t your type of style, just use accessories to give you the summer look. 

Typically beachy looks mean very preppy and just because it’s hot out and were vacationing on a beach doesn’t mean all of the sudden we have to be preppy with bright colors, paisley prints, and lace. 

I like to stay true to my normal style, and then pair it with a cute pair of sandals, a wicker bag, and maybe a statement earring. 

2. Clear Bag

The clear bag is more of a trend than anything. This bag isn’t necessarily the most function because whatever you put in it, everyone else is going to see it. If you’re one of the people that holds their entire lives in their handbag, then I wouldn’t recommend adopting this trend. 

The clear bag is perfect for the person who carries a card or two (in a cute card holder), some chapstick or lip gloss and a cute pair of sunglasses. 

The more minimal the better, when it comes to this look. 

3. Backpack 

Now, this bag is definitely more functional and perfect for the person we mentioned above. The one who may have 4 lipglosses, two sunglasses, a pack of bandaids, tissues, coverup, bronzer, blush, an extra pair of shoes, you name it. I call these the “mom bags” because no matter what you need, they have it. 

A backpack is a cute way to rock more of that athleisure trend. A backpack is a sporty chic way to carry everything you need, and be on trend. These are great bags to carry if you’re going to a music festival, baseball game, concert, you name it. 

4. Fanny pack

Another heavy trend this year, and again better for the minimalist. The smaller the fanny pack the better. The fanny pack has been mostly seen by celebrities wearing high designer bags, but again this is a trend so big that most retailers are on board as well. 

I specifically wear my fanny pack to spice up a rather average outfit. I have a Gucci fanny pack so it makes quite the impression. I did get this bag off of Poshmark because paying full price for a designer fanny pack didn’t seem like the best financial decision. Whenever, I am purchasing a trend piece, I would rather get something used or not designer. However, the way that fashion typically works, even if the fanny pack goes out of style next year, it will come back into style maybe 5-10 years down the road. 

Often times, when I am wearing the fanny pack, I have a moment where I freak out thinking I left my purse somewhere. Kinda like when your sunglasses are on your face and you’re looking for them, or when you’re talking on the phone and also looking for your phone at the same time (please say you have these moments too.)

5. Beach Bag

The beach bag will always be a must when it comes to the summer. The best part of summer, is getting to live at the pool, or if you’re lucky, the beach! The beach bag, is great for holding all of your summer necessities, sunscreen, sunglasses, towel, drink, clothes, book, etc. 

I recently purchased this bag here, from Topshop at Nordstrom. I thought it was the perfect size for me and I love the neutral colors. Like I mentioned in the beginning, just because its summer doesn’t mean I want a hot pink or monogramed beach bag. 

This bag should hold up, against the sand, water, heat and whatever else it may encounter during the hot summer months. I also got the bag for $45, which isn’t a bag price for a bag that I will most likely have for years to come. 

Summer Bag Wrap Up

I typically talk about style when I talk about clothing items, but it seems that for me, these bag choices were more based off of functionality. I never try to buy the same size of bag, because depending on the occasion or event, I typically prefer a certain bag over another. 

For example, when I am going to the beach and bringing sunscreen and towels, I would prefer a larger bag, if I am just running errands or going out for the night, I’ll probably go for my small fanny pack. 

If I was going to a music festival, I would most likely want something festive, trendy, and easy to carry like a backpack. And if I was trying to make a fashion statement, and wanted to achieve the ultimate summer look, I would 100% opt for the wicker summer bag.