A classic woven tote never goes out of summer style, whether it’s crafted in natural straw or navy stripes, but you will want a whole wardrobe of new beach bags when you see the whimsical fantasies that designers are embellishing with cowrie shells and playful tassels. Canvas and macramé bags can make it to the top of your beach getaway wish list, especially when bright colors and intriguing patterns add a little character and a lot of whimsy.
Invest in a new summer bag that’s both fashion forward and practical to take along those beach necessities—sunscreen, sunscreen and more sunscreen. The best new beach bags are commodious enough to hold a coverup and towel stashed along with a good book.
Can’t think of anything to read? Everybody from Bill Gates to Oprah to Khloe Kardashian has a 2019 suggested summer reading list, so dive in with your favorite influencer. The first book on the Kardashian list is The Wangs vs. the World by Jade Chang ($10; amazon.com).
Sensi Studio Medium Woven Tote, $112, goop.com
Whether you call it a beach vessel or a market bag, this bright red summery straw tote will stand out in any setting. Made in Ecuador from 100 percent toquilla straw, this is the bag you’ll tote around on the weekends and take on vacation wherever you’re going.
Mar Y Sol Hadley Tote, $139, amazon.com
Summer classics don’t get any more sophisticated than this navy blue option. This straw-lined beauty boasts tassels for fun.
Jonas Woven Crochet Tote, $186, nordstromrack.com
Crochet style by Sophie Anderson makes this bag easy to pack and take along on your travels. Once you arrive at your destination, you’ll find this the perfect size for toting everything to the beach. A spacious compartment fits all the essentials you buy at market.
Playa Clutch, $194, misalosangeles.com
Who says beach bags must have handles? Maya takes you to the beach and beyond with this playful clutch with “Playa” spelled out in pom-poms across the front and trimmed with pom-poms at the bottom. Created from boucle green and white fabric with a touch of gold lurex, this clutch is lined with contrasting blue striped cotton fabric. The perfect grab-and-go accessory for days at the beach and dinners out.
Paco Rabanne Iconic 1969 Crossbody Bag, $750 to $1,890, nordstrom.com
Then there’s the “It” bag of Summer 2019 that you’re taking nowhere near the beach. It’s a fashion-forward work of art that looks like tote covered in fish scales. Emily Ratajkowski is the latest beauty to carry it. Brigitte Bardot made it famous in the ‘60s. The mini version costs $750 and the larger size a cool $1,890.
Banana Fiber and Sisal Tote, $88, eileenfisher.com
From Bamboula for Eileen Fisher, each of these one-of-a-kind summer totes are handmade in Kenya by women artisans for a truly unique carryall. Banana fiber comes from the bark of the banana tree and is twisted into rope, while the sisal is sustainably harvested from the Agave sisalana plant.
Arianna Tote Handbag, $74, amazon.com
White and rose gold stripes give a luxurious look to this tote from Madison West.
Ondine Tuk Tuk, $350, figue.com
Figure revamps its iconic carry-all with a bold onyx black and ivory white Ikat print, cowrie shells and evil-eye details. This tote is named after the lively vehicles used in India and Thailand and is meant for travel and global adventures. Each bag is created entirely by hand.