I never have a problem choosing a handbag to go with my day-to-day outfits. After all, I have plenty of time to contemplate bags as much as I want, and like anyone else, I have my go-to options. When it comes to a special occasion when I’m outside of my normal routine – say, a holiday or special gathering – sometimes even I draw a blank. Water? Sand? Grass? Those are not things that my bag collection interacts with on an everyday basis. For the impending Fourth of July long weekend, I got thinking about bag choices and potential plans a little early.
It’s worth noting as of right now that I have absolutely zero actual plans for the long weekend after the holiday itself, on which I’m going to a cookout in a friend’s backyard. After that, my options are open, so my bag options will be too. In order to plan for all contingencies, I’ve assembled a helpful guide to successful outdoor bag-carrying, no matter your holiday weekend destination. Not a bad thing to contemplate on a Friday, huh?
Backyard Barbecue
The nice thing about chilling in a friend’s backyard, eating some burgers and having a few adult beverages is that you don’t really have to worry about your bag. Don’t pick something super-expensive or delicate in case you end up tossing it into the grass instead of leaving it inside, but a bag like the mid-priced, tough-leathered Prada Bicolor Saffiano Tote would be perfect. $1,995 via Neiman Marcus.
Baseball Game
In my hometown of Atlanta, going to see the Braves play is an Independence Day tradition. If you have similar plans, pick something hands-free but not too small – you’ll might want to try and sneak in a bottle of water and a little snack, after all. With its reasonable size, unfussy construction and long shoulder strap, the Rochas Zip Satchel is a great choice. $1,360 via ShopBop.
Pool Party
If you have a friend who has a pool or easy access to a reasonably private one, trust me, everyone in NYC is jealous of you. If you’ll be lounging poolside for the Fourth, bring something inexpensive – a pool party puts you in very close proximity to a ton of water, and there’s likely to be more splash-related mishaps at this kind of fiesta than, say, a similar beach gathering. This Bujibaja Woven Broad Stripe Straw Tote is perfect. $150 via Intermix.
Rooftop Party
If you’re an urban-dweller who’s partying on a rooftop, far away from lawns and water and sand and dirt, then you can carry pretty much whatever you want – why not a fun clutch like the Anya Hindmarch Courtney Canvas Pouch, which fits in with the holiday’s color theme without being too obvious? $650 via Net-a-Porter.
Beach Party
If you’re headed to the beach, you’re going to need a sturdy, spacious bag that’s made for just that kind of use, like the Coach Bleecker Canvas Tote. See? It’s right there in the name. $448 via Coach.
Concert
Taking in some tunes over the long weekend? Choose something small, lightweight and well-organized, like the Annabel Ingall Jojo Crossbody Bag. $299 via ShopBop.
