Spring & Summer 2026 Bag Trends Worth Checking Out

One place where I feel comfortable incorporating current trends is with accessories like bags. If you have a small but hardworking wardrobe, you can change up looks with the switch of a shoe, necklace, or purse. And handbags can make the biggest impact.

IMO, The Best Spring & Summer 2026 Bag Trends

Even if a trend passes, if you shop right, the bag can still be considered chic. I like to watch the bag trends and then pick out which ones may be hot now but are a style that can remain relatively timeless (or at least be a very cool statement piece for years to come). These are the spring and summer 2026 bag trends I think are worth checking out to update your look now, but also enjoy in the future.

Metal Handle Bags

While I wouldn't leave this bag out in the hot sun and then grab it, I love this metal handle bag trend. It adds an architectural detail, dresses up a simple pouch, helps the bag keep its shape, and elevates more budget-friendly fabrics and styles. Inspired by the Bottega Veneta Sardine bag, this trend has morphed so much carrying one from a different brand won't be seen as a “dupe.”

Below, you have bags below $100 and bags nearing $1K all incorporating this trend. Keep an eye on this trend, I expect to see even more of them in a range of fabrics and prices throughout 2026.

Shop the collage: white | tan | embroidered | woven | denim | yellow

Wood Bead Bags

This is a trend that has been big and small for decades, but never has been officially “out.” But in 2026, it is clearly “in.” From Saint Lauren's $2,700 number to much more reasonably priced options below, you will see this bag everywhere in every silhouette. Since there is no specific silhouette, that means this is a bag you can more easily find secondhand (or possibly hiding in the back of your closet!).

Shop the collage: top left | top right | middle left | center | middle right | bottom left | bottom right

Wicker & Rattan Bags

While not quite as versatile as a straw or raffia bag, the wicker bag is a classic that fits the 2026 fashion trends. You will also see some rattan and caning, but the wicker is the most classic. Bottega Veneta, Miu Miu, and Saint Laurent are just some of the higher-end labels showcasing wicker purses in 2026; this is a trend you can find at most any pricepoint.

The bags are small; handbags or clutches, the occasional bag on a thin strap. The most classic style is inspired by the Hermès Kelly bag; this is also the silhouette you're most likely to find secondhand. The ones below I think are chic now but can be stylishly carried for springs and summer seasons to come.

Shop the collage: top left | top right | middle left | middle right | bottom left | bottom right

Texture & Pattern & Shape

I struggled to narrow down this collection, because 2026 is about the interesting bag. Unique textiles, fun colors, lots of texture, open-work designs, and even bags in the shape of non-bag things (shells, flowers, fruit, fish, and other animals). If you like quirky, or you just like having a bag that adds texture and dimension, this is your year.

I kept the collage to what I found to be more… wearable options. Interesting architecture, texture, and pattern, but not so over-the-top only few would like it. But if you like OTT, you have a penchant for a certain color or animal or fabric… 2026 is the year you can likely find a signature bag that will bring you joy each time you carry it.

Shop the collage: wood handle | brown swirl | orange cut-out | brown crochet | multicolor crescent | raffia | cream pleated | print clutch | black leather link | gold clutch | multicolor clutch

Bold Colors & Modern Finishes

This is my personal favorite bag trend for the year… the true definition of a statement bag. Bold colors, glossy and jelly and patent and open work finishes, modern silhouettes that don't adhere to a specific trend or time period. Just really beautiful bags that can go with absolutely nothing in your closet yet look right at home.

Shop the collage: pink openwork | light blue | yellow | lime | pink croco | orange woven | blue | orange with long strap | red | pink with handle | pale green | Kelly green

Bag Trends I Don't Find Will Last

The bags shaped like vases of flowers and fish and shells… if that is your vibe, they are awesome but I have a feeling they will look very 2026 in two years. That is, unless you are a person who rocks quirky bags. Then as I mentioned above, this is your year.

I love the ball studs and grommets, it's such my vibe. I still have my leather and grommet belts from the 90s. However, I am not investing in any bags with these details because I feel these too will look extremely mid-2020s in just a year or two. It's one of those trends that started off cool and ended up easily made at Temu, Amazon, and Shein which means it's on it's way out.

There are a lot of little bags this year. Bags so small your iPhone max won't fit in it, let alone a glasses case, a wallet, or a protein bar. Nope, nope, nope, not worth it.

Clear bags that aren't for a concert or sporting event. I have a clear belt bag for such occasions, I am not going to purposefully rock a transparent bag, especially if it's made of the same fabric as those jelly shoes that made my feet sweat and gave me blisters in 1984. I do like the openwork crochet, macrame, and rattan bags, but those are more subtle and you can throw in pouches and your wallet without strangers a block away being able to read the logo on them.

What Bags I Will Be Sporting This Spring and Summer

I will be rewearing old bags, and have added some new bags to the collection. My bag wardrobe for the warmer months will be:

• A lightweight raffia tote that can easily be packed: I have this one from Blue Illusion. Good for travel, but also for everyday.
• A raffia clutch: I got one 20+ years ago and it's still going strong. If I didn't have it, I'd likely get this one at J. Crew.
• A small crossbody without hardware to get hot in the heat: Last summer I used this one from Quince quite a lot for casual and dress and plan to again this year
• A bag that straddles between casual and dressy: Last summer, I wished I had something that was a bit more casual than my raffia clutch, but had a similar vibe for sundresses and linen pants. This year, I got this bag from Dolce Vita and I think it's very fun and the dark brown goes with black, all shades of brown and tan, and all sorts of colors.
• Lands' End canvas tote: I love these things. Last summer I got one in natural, size medium, zipper top, and had it monogrammed. I hung all sorts of bag charms and whatzits from it and I plan to rock it again this summer.
• A dressy clutch: I have a gold leather dumpling clutch I got on Etsy a few years ago that continues to be my go-to. It's a smart choice for me as my dress shoes (flat and low heel) are the same soft gold color. A lot of gold clutches are textured and can snag clothing; if I didn't have the one I have I'd consider this one from Veronica Beard, this one from Sam Edelman, or this one from Hyer Goods.

Shop My Favorite Bags This Season: