Summertime and the living is easy… or would be under normal circumstances. As we reopen and reenter society, we are finding that our bag needs are slightly different this year. Yes, of course, beach totes and fanny packs transcend a pandemic. What we mean, however, is that the need for masks, sanitizer, gloves and the like, causes us to reconsider what we really need and want in a handbag. As a result, if hand-held bags and clutches dominate your existing handbag collection, it may be time to branch out. Consider picking up a few practical sling, cross-body or belt bags that are easy to wear, access and clean!
For our top picks for the summer of 2020, we rate each bag type for Comfort, Size, Material, Usability and Style. At various price points from least expensive to most, there is something in here for everyone.
Bags under $2,000
GG Marmont Matelassé Leather Belt Bag
Once a handbag pariah and joke, belt bags (aka fanny packs and bum bags) now are totally mainstream and quite popular. Indeed, in recent years, some of the hottest and hardest to get bags are the ones worn on your waist or hips.
The Gucci belt bags sure fit this bill. You stay hands free while making a bold style statement. In a wide variety of colors and materials, the Gold Gucci Monogram stands out, and the size and style ensure you neatly pack in exactly what you need. Think cash or card only (no wallet), keys, a mask and a small hand sanitizer. No room for frills.
Read:
Why Belt Bags Are Here to Stay
Fanny Pack Or Belt Bag: Which is It?
Comfort: ✅
Size: ❌
Material: ❌
Usability: ✅
Style Statement: ✅
Prada Cabane Raffia And Leather Bag
Say goodbye to the endless battle to get into your bag. If you think about it, a structured open top bucket bag is the perfect solution for current times. Easy access to your necessaries. Sling it at the correct height and pull out only what you need. Another option is to make it crossbody by replacing the strap with your own longer one.
Comfort: ❌
Size: ✅
Material: ❌
Usability: ✅
Style Statement: ✅
Fendi PVC Bucket Bag
Rainproof and super easy to wipe clean, these PVC bags ensure that you, and everyone else around you, know what you have in your bag…LOL. Depending on what you have in mind, this may be just the bag you are looking for.
Comfort: ❌
Size: ✅
Material: ✅
Usability: ❌
Style Statement: ✅
Price range $2,000 - $3,000
LV Cherrywood BB Bag
We love this one for its summery, girlish hue and the subtle monogram that is visible throughout the bag. Most importantly, the size is just right and the patent leather makes it not just convenient to carry but also super easy to clean or disinfect.
Comfort: ✅
Size: ✅
Material: ✅
Usability: ❌
Style Statement: ❌
Prada’s Multi-Pochette Bag
Multi-pochettes are definitely the bag style that will rule 2020 and perhaps even 2021! The style sits comfortably across your body, is usually light weight and the multiple separate sections make it easy for you to plan what and where you need to keep to enable quick and easy access. This Prada in nylon fabric is super easy to maintain and even resistant to a sudden bout of rain.
Read:
Louis Vuitton and Prada’s Multi-Pochette Bags Are on Fire This Season
Comfort: ✅
Size: ❌
Material: ✅
Usability:✅
Style Statement: ✅
YSL Cassandra Bag
The cool vibe of this perfectly sized canvas and leather sling bag by YSL has our heart. With two main compartments and a pocket inside and out, this lightweight bag ranks fairly well on usability too. Picturing it against a pretty summer floral print dress at a socially distanced barbeque…
Comfort: ✅
Size: ❌
Material: ❌
Usability:✅
Style Statement: ❌
Price range $3,000 - $5,000
Dior Camp Messenger Bag
Dior’s messenger bags are perfect for days you need to hop into the office. Enough space for a laptop and your daily essentials, you can skip carrying a purse along with it. A few handy outerpockets would have been useful but the style quotient more than makes up for the absence of it. And in case you worry about it going out of style, rest assured the bag is part of Dior’s Fall 2020 lineup.
Read:
Comfort: ✅
Size: ✅
Material: ❌
Usability:❌
Style Statement: ✅
Lady Dior Patent Bag
Obsessed with cleaning and disinfecting, we definitely have an affinity for all things patent this season. While this classic has always been on every collectors list, we recommend a mini size that fits only what you absolutely need and also comes with a chain style sling strap.
Comfort: ✅
Size: ❌
Material: ✅
Usability: ❌
Style Statement: ✅
Chanel Large Shopping Bag
Probably seldom used as an actual shopping bag, this one is perfectly positioned to finally live up to its name. A great option for a quick grocery run, this bag can hold not just your daily essentials but even a few of those items you spontaneously run out to buy. The unusual Dark Beige, Fuchsia & Navy Blue colour combination makes this one a headturner!
Comfort: ❌
Size: ✅
Material: ❌
Usability:❌
Style Statement: ✅
Chanel Patent Medium Classic Flap Bag
Price increases aside, a Chanel flap bag will and always be high on desirability and style. Consider a mini rectangular version in patent leather, which is the perfect size if you need to carry only a limited few things that are absolutely essential, ensuring that the bag sits light and comfortably across your body.
Comfort: ✅
Size: ❌
Material: ✅
Usability: ❌
Style Statement: ✅
LV Pont 9 Bag
The recently launched and very hot LV Pont 9 is at the top of many wishlists for the summer. Our current social outings consist of grocery or coffee runs, and small social gatherings at best. A bag that slings across your body, with enough space for covid living essentials, therefore, works perfectly.
Read:
Comfort: ✅
Size: ✅
Material: ❌
Usability: ✅
Style Statement: ✅
Bags priced over $10,000
Hermès Kelly Lakis Bag or Hermès Cargo Bag
Outer pockets and zippers galore. These were practically made for today’s scenario. With easy access to gloves, masks, keys, sanitizers and cash, these Hermès treasures are going to be even more popular. Good luck finding the Kelly Lakis or the Cargo Birkin. And, in case you’re keeping score, the Kelly Lakis rates higher on account of its cross body strap adaptability.
Read:
Comfort: ✅
Size: ✅
Material: ❌
Usability: ✅
Style Statement: ✅
Is your bag collection ready for the (unusual) Summer of 2020? Which of these bags is on your wishlist?
Love, PurseBop
XO
Updated: June 21st, 2020
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