Image courtesy @mrs_bcworld
It’s that awkward time of the summer when thoughts of fall are flooding in. Whether it’s getting ready for back to school, seeing Halloween displays, and the imminent return of pumpkin spice lattes, there are constant reminders that the seasons will soon change. Perhaps a chill in the evening air. The shortening of daylight hours. All hints of the new season approaching. And when it comes to shopping, much of the summer clothing is on sale, and the new merchandise labeled fall.
For anyone itching for a new handbag, it raises an interesting question, especially if you live with weather-fluctuating seasons. Do I buy a bag for summer? Or should I get one for fall? Is it time to commit back to black, or other dark colors?
Image courtesy @mrs_bcworld
To be fair, it’s the same dilemma faced with one’s wardrobe. Even as Labor Day fades into the background, the outdoor temperatures remain warm for a while. And yet, it can feel too late for linen, too early for cashmere.
So, what’s a bag lover to do? Why not find something that works for both… Whether it’s the bag style, material, or color, there are options.
Natural Fibers Not Unnatural in Fall
Let’s start with the most classic of the summer vibe bags, those made of woven natural fibers like wicker, raffia, straw, and jute. Admittedly these seem the most seasonally limited since they practically scream summer, particularly when styled as a basket or beachy tote.
However, when you add structure and fine leather, some of these bags can make the shift to fall. We daresay no one will criticize you for carrying the ultimate wicker bag – the Hermès Picnic, whether Kelly or Birkin – into the autumnal season, particularly when it includes BARENIA® or black leather. Admittedly, white, yellow, or pink leather hints more of the summer. But given the difficulty of obtaining a Hermès Picnic (or, for that matter any Hermès bag), buy it whenever you can!
Read:
Pick of the Picnics: Alternatives to the Hermès Picnic
This Is Guaranteed To Be Your Go-To Bag For Your Summer Vacation
Hermès Birkin and Kelly Picnic Bags. Image Credit: @christieshandbags
Beyond Hermès though, if you’re committed to a natural fiber bag, Dior has versions that easily transition to early fall. Indeed, Dior is releasing its wicker CD Signature Vanity Case for fall 2023. With black leather trim and strap, it works now and later.
Image courtesy: dior.com
Similarly, consider Dior’s wicker Lady Dior. The blue oblique jacquard print lining and strap are seasonless and always appropriate.
Image courtesy: dior.com
Or consider Dior’s complement of natural cannage raffia bags. The beige hue is always in style. And you can choose between many styles, from the Book Tote to the Lady D-Lite.
Image courtesy: dior.com
Image courtesy: dior.com
And there’s that Chanel 22 version coming out in metallic leather macrame. True, it’s not wicker, but it does have that woven vibe . . . and it’s in the Chanel 2023 pre-fall collection. Put another way, it’s perfect for August-September.
Read:
Mini Chanel 22 in metallic calfskin macrame $8100. Other color ways available. . Image courtesy: chanel.com
Tote-ally Appropriate
Style-wise, a tote always works. Whether Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Goyard, or whatever your favorite luxury brand, a two-handled open top bag takes you from the beach, to school, to work, the playground, and everything in between. It can be slouchy or structured, in whatever color you prefer (more on that later). As seen below, these bags come in leather, fabrics, and coated canvas, all perfect for any season.
Read:
Some Discontinued Chanel Designs Are Tote-ally Better Than the New
The Battle of the Totes 2020: Louis Vuitton v Goyard
For the Louis Vuitton Neverfull Skip the Wishlist and Go Straight to the Waitlist
Image courtesy @hpluxe
Image courtesy @k01981
Image courtesy @littleluxthings
However, if big – or should we say huge – is what you want, options abound. For example, the YSL Icare that we have written about comes in black leather and beige suede. And on the way for November is a raffia version. Admittedly for the the cruise/spring season, could YSL be hinting that natural fibers are just fine for winter? Just a thought.
Image courtesy @promenadenoslo
Spin the Color Wheel
Remember the old adage about not wearing white after Labor Day? Yeah, well, forget it. We were never big believers in that anyway. Winter white anyone? More important than the color is the fabric weight. Gauzy linen screams summer, but denim, wool, cashmere, and so on, don’t.
But even if you hang up the white outfits, the “rule” just doesn’t apply to handbags. White winter coats (as distinguished from winter white lol) are all the rage – including at Hermès. All you need to do it match it to your bag. Alternatively carry a white purse with your black ensemble for a color blocking look. Just be careful about color transfer and dirt.
Image courtesy @stefaniehelen
Image courtesy @cocomeetshermes
There’s also no need to shy away from black bags. Let’s not forget that our PurseBop recently purchased the Chanel 22 in black with pearls during the height of summer season. And Celine’s Teen Triomphe in black box leather has been flying off shelves.
Read:
Chanel 22 Once a Hard Pass, Now a Must-Have
The Chanel bag the PurseBop Girls Couldn’t Leave Paris Without
Five of the Most Coveted Celine Bags of 2023
Falling Head Over Heels for New Celine: Buying a Celine Triomphe in Paris
@Pursebop
Image courtesy @modeetchien
Similarly, you can pretty much make any color bag work. In the everlasting debate over neutral or color pop bags, both win! When it comes to using your handbag to provide that pop of color, the shades are largely seasonless.
Adding to that, as Barbie-mania rages, hot pink continues its popularity run. The pink passion commenced back in Fall 2022 (perhaps with Valentino’s PP collection), in anticipation of the upcoming movie. And it was in December 2022 that Pantone named Viva Magenta the color of 2023. In any event, pink is never really out of vogue . . . Bottom line, the right bag color is whatever loud (or soft) color you love.
Read:
The Color Match Up; Pantone’s Take on Hermès Hues 2023
Image courtesy @_love_love_loves
Image courtesy Chanel
So, as the days of August tick by, tell us what handbags you are shopping for now? Do you select and carry bags according to season? Why or why not?
Love, PurseBop
XO
Updated: August 11th, 2023
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