8 ‘It’ Bags For Spring/Summer

Spring/summer style brings so many things and among the most discussion (and wishlist) worthy are, of course, THE BAGS. A good bag for the spring/summer season is a pretty broad topic so I want to cover all of the bases. We’ve got the mini top handles to accompany you on lunch catch-ups best had outside, shoulder bags crafted for all-day excursions, plus spacious totes that could double as travel bags also – perfect for a summer spent catching flights. 

Some new releases have made it onto this list, like Gucci’s Bamboo Diva top-handle bag, plus established cult classics like The Row’s Margaux 10 style, as well as a very special limited-edition Hermès pick. Let the season of good bags (and weather) commence! 

Gucci is treating us to an update on its classic Bamboo top handle bag for Spring/Summer 2025 with the new Gucci Bamboo Diva. It’s got a slimmer elongated rectangular shape which, if you ask me, is a clear homage to the continuing popularity of the East-West bag silhouette. The “bamboo” top handle is actually made from sculpted enamel and brass that’s made to look like the textured finish of the bamboo top handle detail from the OG version of this icon first released in the ‘40s. 

I love the new combination of a rectangular bag shape with a top handle (not two design features we see combined all that often). Plus, the new hardware celebrates such an interesting part in Gucci’s history and evolution into a luxury powerhouse (the use of bamboo as a material in the ‘40s really was pivotal). Plus, the enamel update gives the bag a more elevated finish that’s perfect for formal occasions.  

Next up we’ve got a true contemporary classic. The Miu Miu Wander bag has been a favourite on my arm since its debut for Autumn/Winter 2022. When this design was first launched it would have been very easy to brand it as simply another compact croissant-shaped shoulder bag making the handbag rounds at the time. But Miu Miu’s Wander has proved quite the contemporary classic … and seasonless, too. I’ve found myself loving the larger versions lately – my coffee-coloured suede option proves such a great day bag for busy city outings. 

The smaller and vibrantly hued picks are a good choice for this season too, particularly as we edge closer to summer. There are pastel pink, lime green and bright fuchsia colours I’m eyeing up, plus an option with a piped white trim that has a unique sporty feel. 

There are many Hermès bags that exude spring/summer style but there’s one in particular that is defined by the season, and it’s the Hermès Picnic Kelly. It first launched in 2011 to the delight of Hermès collectors everywhere, and then a Picnic version of the Mini Kelly came along in 2019 wooing even more devoted fans in the Hermès community. It’s inspired by a classic picnic basket that’s quintessential of the season so is made from wicker but has the Kelly’s classic leather flap, sangles and top handle to give this bag a truly unique design. It’s about as rare and limited edition as you can get (even by Hermès standards) so have fun getting your hands on one. But, in the meantime, we can all dream. 

This is certainly one of the more practical choices that’s made this list. Bottega Veneta’s Parachute bag is every bit the roomy tote. Introduced last year, it’s got a unique boxy base that helps make it super spacious without feeling too bulky. It proved one of Matthieu Blazy’s most popular additions to the house during his short time as Creative Director. I really love the pastel colours of this bag like the sage green, pink and icy blue shades. 

I’ve written extensively about my love for The Row’s Margaux bags so one of the size options popping up on this list should come as a surprise to no one. The Margaux 10 is the most compact of the bunch so it makes a great daytime bag and I love how it’s structured but not too structured. I think it’s a great bag to pack if you’re planning a city break this spring or summer. All the neutral colours offered are easy to style and timeless, so come autumn, you won’t need to switch this little beauty out of your handbag rotation. 

One of the undisputed standouts from Loewe’s much discussed collab with Paula’s Ibiza, the Ola shoulder bag is simply THAT bag when it comes to summer dressing. It’s made from woven raffia so has an undisputed beachy feel but (and this is crucial because it sets it apart from the legions of raffia bags we see trending every summer), it has a beaded-style strap and frilled flap opening. This adds just the right amount of playful appeal to a style which I’m betting will be a holiday packing must for many of us (myself included). 

Bucket bags are back. We’ve already seen Prada help establish the bucket bag revival with the new bucket edition of its Buckle bag, and styles like the Hermès Picotin and Dior Toujours seem to gain greater traction during the warm seasons. But there’s one style which has been championing bucket bag love for a while now. Saint Laurent’s Le 37 Bucket bag was first released a couple of summers ago but, like any true classic in the making, its popularity only seems to be growing year on year. There’s a leather-trimmed raffia version which I love but if you want something even more classic, I’d opt for the Le 37 Bucket in a light and warm-toned neutral so you can wear it all autumn long, too. 

Prada’s Galleria Shoulder bag reminds me of the Alaïa Le Teckel (a favourite of SS24) but it’s less slim and boxy so can hold quite a bit more. Great if you want a bag that has the elegance of an evening accessory but can prove practical enough to carry during those long-awaited whimsical spring and summer days also. I adore it in yellow (my pick for the colour of the season so far, and it’s so easy to style), plus there are some really cool animal print and fringe variations. 

Can you pick a favourite?