Sorry, Canvas Totes—I Just Know These 6 Designer It Bags Will Sell Out This Summer
Planning your summer wardrobe? Don't sign off on your new-season accessories until you've seen these trending handbags.
Now that we've had enough days of sunshine to officially declare that summer is here, I'm ready for a wardrobe refresh in preparation for all of my social plans. New season means new shopping, and whilst I am always keen to invest in some lighter layers and pretty dresses. I'm equally interested in what is happening in accessories, too. Summer shoes are a doddle (and I'm always one step ahead of sandal trends), but bags? Bags are getting my full attention right now. With so many new styles on the market each week, it can be difficult to know which are not only worth buying now but also have the staying power to last well after summer has passed.
From raffia baskets to roomy totes, a great handbag trend has the ability to change up your entire summer look. Whilst many of my fellow editors invest in minimalist top handles and sensible shoulder bags, the runways are suggesting clutches, mini bags and ostentatious embellishment that excites the eye (but less so the wallet). So, what are fashion-forward women in the know really carrying right now?
As I embarked on my search for chic handbags that can do it all, I stumbled across some of the same brands and styles going unnoticed in the background of pictures. Whilst linen trousers, slip skirts, capris, jellies and flip-flops have been hogging the limelight, some beautiful bags have been going under the radar, that is, until now. And no, reader, this will not be a list full of black shoulder bags; in the mix are the kind of prints, colours and details that are perfectly in step with the brighter mood of the season, so you've got warm-weather dressing sorted.
So, ready to see the new summer It bags having a moment on socials? Keep scrolling to see them for yourself and shop your favourite, should you be ready to invest.
1. Saint Laurent Icare
Style Notes: Any bag that was designed in the 2020s but feels like part of fashion's collective consciousness has to be considered an It bag of the ages. Anthony Vaccarello's Icare bag might not be brand new, but our infatuation with it still feels fresh, particularly when new updates continue to roll out. The shearling and suede iterations were perfect for winter, but right now I've got my eye on the raffia baskets too. If it's good enough for Rosie Huntington-Whiteley…
Shop the Saint Laurent Icare:
This colour will go with quite literally everything in your wardrobe.
The black is so chic, but it also comes in green, burgundy and wheat.
Gold on gold.
2. Chanel Small Shopping Bag
Style Notes: We can't talk about 2026 It bags without mentioning Chanel, and whilst the internet is still losing its mind over the brand's two-toned pumps, we're equally distracted by the Small Tote. Are Chanel bags expensive? Yes, but they only increase in value, and I'm convinced that a classic black shoulder bag from the Blazy era will continue to appreciate. Carry it now with tanks and skirts and throughout winter with wool coats, jeans and loafers.
Shop the Chanel Small Shopping Bag:
Good luck trying to get your hands on this.
The animal print is such a cool touch.
3. Manu Atelier Cambon Cabas
Style Notes: After stumbling across Manu Atelier a few years ago, I always wait with bated breath to see what they will do next. You may not know them by name, but you will have seen the brand's Le Cambon bags all over your feed last year. This year is the turn of the Cambon Cabas, a bigger, looser shoulder bag that will carry all your essentials in style. As someone who naturally gravitates towards neutral accessories, the vibrant green Cabas (as seen on Tia Dewitt, above) convinced me that the best summer accessories are all about being bold.
Shop the Manu Atelier Cambon Cabas:
I am hooked on this grass green.
Just add a white maxi dress and sandals.
Such sumptuous suede.
4. Prada Route
Style Notes: If you're into funnel-neck jackets and cargo trousers, allow me to introduce you to the Prada Route. Quietly launched over spring, it didn't need fanfare and ceremony; those in the know picked up on its potential and have been carrying it nonstop over the past few months. The pockets, canvas and khaki colourway make this right on time for the utility trend, picking up traction this summer, so expect to see much more of the practical Route with technical jackets and shorts for the rest of the year.
Shop the Prada Route:
Selling out fast.
White leather feels perfect for warm weather.
You can never go wrong with chocolate suede.
5. Khaite Olivia
Style Notes: After making its debut on the runway in 2022, Khaite's Olivia hobo bag comes in suede and patent leather, but it's the raffia that has fashion girls hooked this season. A far cry from your average basket bag, the crescent shape and slouchy silhouette make it one of those grab-and-go bags that are designed to look (and feel) effortless. Did I mention that there's an über-cute mini version, too?
Shop the Khaite Olivia:
I love how Monikh Dale wears hers with an all-white outfit.
Not your average basket bag.
This pop of red will instantly lift any look.
6. Loewe Amazona
Style Notes: Yes, we're still talking about Loewe's Amazona bag (and not just because of its controversial, one-handled, unzipped design). Under Jonathan Anderson, Loewe re-established itself as a leading name in the handbag world, and even after his departure, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez have continued to carry the mantle with bags designed to be, well, talking points. Just like the Puzzle, the Flamenco and the basket before it, the Amazona is instantly recognisable from a distance, signifying that the wearer knows their fashion (especially if it's Kate Moss). And if you've already seen plenty of the classic black, brown and white colourways, just wait until next season when new colours start to land.
Shop the Loewe Amazona:
The perfect everyday work bag.
I love this buttery camel shade too.
Now this is a real show piece.
