Summer 2026 handbag trends

Summer 2026 handbag trends from top left: classic black handbag / caramel top handle bag / classic straw tote bag / timeless kisslock clutch / moto bag / black belted bag / black east/west bag / neutral belted tote / classic canvas bag /

Happy summer! Although the IT bag era is on pause, there are still several handbag trends we can follow with our current handbag wardrobes, or shopping lists. The summer of 2026 is all about timeless style, nostalgia for a simpler time, and quality over showmanship; thus, the anonymous handbag.

Handbags for summer 2026 are individual and reflect high quality in craftsmanship and materials. Instead of wearing what everyone else is wearing, the current trend is to wear a vintage bag, an unique bag, and/or a handbag you discovered rather than saw on ten people and ran out to the store to buy. Summer 2026 is all about individual style and investment purchases; not fleeting trends. Think moderate prices, resale market, practical, and strong and sturdy.

So, without further ado, here are the major handbag trends we are seeing for the summer 2026 season:

Vintage IT Bags: Although the IT bag era is on pause, the IT bags from ten to thirty years ago are hotter than hot. So, pull out your vintage IT bags and rock them like it’s 2010. Or, invest in the bag that slipped away but is still on your mind. Think Fendi Spy, Balenciaga City, Fendi Baguette, Chloe Paddington, and more.

Timeless IT Bags: OK, the IT era that is over is the one where we are chasing the hottest item of the moment, classic IT bags will never cease to exist. So, continue to rock those classic handbags which include the Chloe Marcie, Chanel 2.55, Hermes Birken, Dior Lady Bag, etc.

The Anonymous Handbag: If you find a beautiful bag made from high-quality materials and craftsmanship that you love, snap it up! This is the era of the investment bag; sans logos. Look for unique styles, clean lines, and something practical. The anonymous handbag is holding strong, and it is the ultimate investment for now and forever.

East/West handbags: The east/west silhouette is hot. Continue to invest in this timeless look, and stick to styles which aren’t too narrow; it’s easier to fit everything in them when there is a bit of depth.

Canvas Totes: OK Trader Joe’s, we see you! I will never stand in a chaotic line just to score something, that being said, if you do, and you love your Trader Joe’s tote, you do you. Otherwise, there are plenty of canvas totes on the market which are readily available and affordable. Canvas totes are practical, last a lifetime, and won’t break the bank. I wear mine to the gym, out on errands, and more often than my other bags. Love the canvas tote in small, medium, and all sizes!

Straw Bags: Happy summer classic! Straw bags are the ultimate summer classic. I love the bags which are available every year, this way a one season bag becomes an every-summer-bag. Love that!

Well, that’s the low down! The summer of 2026 is all about timeless style, investment handbags, and understated handbags. Shop your closet first, then fill in with the styles you love and crave.

Thanks for stopping by and stay tuned for more summer 2026 coverage!

XOXO

Cathy

BAF Weekly List

BAF Weekly List from top left: knit top / lipstick / Hermes summer nail polish / Chanel summer nail polish / Dior summer nail polish / printed dress / canvas bag / caramel top handle bag / suede high heels (with arch support) / straw tote / black boots / belted tote /

Happy Friday! With the “IT Era” on pause, I am renaming this weekly list to simply the “BAF Weekly List.” Next week’s graphic will reflect the updated the new name. In an era of returning to simplicity, I feel like this edited name works well.

That being said, let’s chat summer! The warm weather season is in full swing, and nail polish is the item of the moment. As oceanic hues sell out faster than we can blink, Chanel is giving us not two, not four, but eight new nail polish colors for the summer season. Wow! These new colors are en route to me, so stay tuned for my review next week. Although, some of the colors are starting to sell out. You can find some of the collection online here, and the rest online here. I also linked them up below.

In addition to excessive choices in nail color, the summer season is giving us neutrals mixed with fun prints and pops of color. We are also enjoying beautiful handbags and nostalgia for IT bags from a bygone era. This is a great season to go into your handbag archives and pull out an old favorite. Or, if there was a bag that passed you by, find the remake or buy it vintage online here.

Just in case you missed it, I posted about online fragrance shopping earlier this week. Check out my post online here.

Shop the BAF Weekly List online:

Thanks for stopping by, and stay tuned for more summer nail polish, information about the upcoming NSALE, and more summer coverage!

XOXO

Cathy

North Beach Fair 2026

wearing: gold hoops / lipstick / blue sweater / summer nail polish / handbag / jeans / sneakers /

It’s street fair season in San Francisco! Last weekend we headed up to the city to check out the North Beach Fair. It’s always a fun event with street vendors, local shops, entertainment, and of course, food! Love that!

We decided to park down on the Embarcadero because after the fair we wanted to check out the space exhibit at the Exploratorium. This was a good choice since the fair traffic was no-where to be found and the lot didn’t fill up. It was a short walk up to North Beach, which was downhill when we returned to the car.

We started our day off with a delicious lunch at Barbara Pinseria & Cocktail Bar on Columbus Ave. They have a lovely outside eating area which we enjoyed, since the weather was perfect. The food is Southern Italian and really yummy! We will definitely go back.

After enjoying out lunch, we grabbed coffee at Caffe Greco, which is cash only btw, and wandered throughout the fair. One of the booths was from a local chocolatier, Z. Cioccolato, and they had delicious fudge! So of course, we indulged. The cookies and cream fudge was the best. We will definitely buy some again next time we are in the city. Love!

As we wandered around the fair we saw a lot of local artists, local shops, and more. This tee caught our eye, especially since my son was a huge Thomas fan when he was little. This tee was so cute and fun!

After the fair, we walked back downhill to the Embarcadero and headed over to the Exploratorium to check out both the space exhibit and the regular exhibits. We hadn’t been there is awhile, and the kids forgot most of what was inside, so it was a fun refresher.

Next time you are in the city, I highly recommend checking it out!

Thanks for stopping by, and stay tuned for more summer coverage.

XOXO

Cathy