The Four Handbags You Need In Your Spring & Summer Handbag Wardrobe

Tina, here.

Time to switch out your winter handbag for a fresh new summer one if you haven't already made the transition. And it's a good time to file (or throw away) all those receipts, pens and empty lip glosses that have been living in the bottom of your bag all winter. I love a fresh start.

Check out our newest video on how to style an outfit with your summer handbags!

Here are the four handbags / totes you need in your handbag wardrobe this summer.

A Day Bag

I do what I don't do all winter and I go for color. Summer handbags are traditionally less expensive than fall and winter bags, so I'm willing to indulge my love for a POC that I get every once in a while. That's Pop Of Color, btw. That's by the way, fyi. (Somebody stop me.)

Guess what goes inside your summer bag? Your evening clutch, that has your wallet and lipstick in it, and can hold your phone, too. This is for when you stop by for drinks on a patio after work and you don't want to lug your big bag with you.

A Pool or Beach Tote

What kind of bag do you pack for the pool? And your answer better not be a backpack. Or some other kind of "field trip with the campers" sort of thing. You're a grown woman who has the right to extract joy from even the most functional objects in life. That's why we have coffee mugs that say things like "Choose happiness" and "Let me adjust my crown and get my day started" - it's the little things in life that can make us smile throughout the day, and having a fun or pretty pool tote is one more opportunity for this.

I'm not posing by a pool with my pool bag (or on a beach) because when we shot this post, it was cold and my suits were still stored. That's not true - it's because I didn't want to wear a swimsuit on the blog. But anyway, you need a tote that is sand-proof, i.e. the sand can escape. So a straw tote makes sense. Also, make sure there's a little zipper enclosure, or pin one to the inside, for your valuables.

A Travel Tote

I just love travel totes. You don't exactly need a travel tote for both winter and summer, but if you want to, I've got some great options for you. Important features to look for: zipper closure, shoulder strap, and a lightweight yet sturdy material.

An Evening Clutch

I've also been known to get wild with a colorful evening clutch during warmer months (color looks so good paired with white jeans!), but for that never-fail-you clutch, go with a neutral.

Thanks for reading! And don't forget to take a look at our video on how to style an outfit with summer handbags!