THE JOURNAL
4 MINUTE READ
These 10 Designer Bags Are Perfect For Every Summer Occasion
Words by Ms Molly Isabella Smith
22 June 2021
What exactly is a summer bag and how does it different from a winter, spring or autumn bag? Unlike the rest of our wardrobes, bags are not something we feel the need to change with the weather. Having said that, summer is a time when our social calendars tend to get fuller, with trips to the beach, weekend breaks and festivals all requiring something subtly different from our bags. Here then is a guide to getting it right – and 10 to invest in now.
01.
By the pool
A trip to the beach or pool is surely enough to brighten your day, but KAPITAL’s tote could make it an even cheerier excursion. Made from canvas, so it’s robust enough for countless summers to come, it’s detailed with the brand’s signature smiley face and is roomy enough to hold your towel, sandals and a change of clothes.
02.
Back to the office
Wherever you stand on the prospect of heading back to the office, we’ll hazard a guess that you want to look your best when you do. And after more than a year of working from your sofa, it’s likely your wardrobe has become a little too comfortable. Investing in a smart briefcase, such as this one from TOM FORD, won’t do much to quell your first-day jitters, but it’ll certainly make the right impression.
03.
The busy weekend
The bag requirements of a man with many places to be and errands to run are great, but we think this LOEWE messenger will tick most people’s boxes. It’s large enough for daily essentials, but still compact enough that it won’t weigh you down. Plus, it’s made from high-quality full-grain leather, the sort that masks scuffs or scratches and lasts close to a lifetime.
04.
A quick getaway
There’s something particularly grown-up about a proper holdall. You, a real adult, wouldn’t dream of shoving four days’ worth of clothes into an overstuffed beaten-up backpack. Instead, the man carrying this Brunello Cucinelli weekend bag has everything within perfectly arranged by day, activity and weather conditions.
05.
The long walk
Yes, we know you look the business, but unless you’re going into the wilderness, you won’t want a cumbersome backpack burdening you on your summer hike. Indispensable’s cross-body bag is just as robust (the clue is in the name). It’s made from a combination of tough canvas, ripstop and twill and is blessed with a plethora of pockets.
06.
For a smart dinner
You’re not the only one who has forgotten how to dress appropriately for a nice sit-down meal in a nice sit-down restaurant. Hence why we recently published a handy guide on the subject. Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to consider your accessories. A slick, streamlined pouch, such as TOM FORD’s, is all you need to take you from drinks to dinner.
07.
At a day festival
Oh, to be jostled and shoved in a crowd again. Before you get too excited, festivals are still likely to play out a little differently this year, but there’s no reason why you can’t go full tilt wardrobe-wise. A belt bag has the dual advantage of tapping into current trends and being inherently practical. Gallery Dept.’s is made from distressed vintage canvas, so it can withstand the aforementioned jostling, and is fairly sizeable.
08.
A coffee date
A date is perhaps one of the trickiest dressing scenarios you’re likely to encounter. Even for something such as a coffee date, you need to strike the right balance between smart and casual. Dries Van Noten’s black leather pouch, which is exclusive to MR PORTER, does just that, with the added benefit of having a bit of personality, too, thanks to the gunmetal hardware.
09.
The shopping trip
The window variety aside, every kind of shopping trip ends up one way: with an accumulation of things you need to carry. You’ll need a bag, then. Neighborhood’s tote is made from lightweight voile, so it’s easy to pack away when you’re not using it, and has an adjustable tie handle, based on traditional Japanese furoshiki wrapping, so you can hold it in your hand or sling it over your shoulder.
10.
The summer holiday
The stars will have had to align perfectly for you to have managed to book yourself a proper holiday this summer and, while we could sit here and sulk in a fit of jealousy, we’re also going to advise you to make the most of it and dress the part. That includes your luggage. A suitcase is a real investment and we can’t think of a better one than a classic trunk from Globe-Trotter, a brand that’s been in the business for more than a century.