6 Bags Under $620 I’d Buy for Summer

Over the weekend, we had a birthday dinner for a friend, and I popped into my closet to pick a fun bag to carry to what felt like a summer kick-off party. I wanted something bright, playful, and distinct. And funnily enough, as the saying goes, “I had a closet full of clothes with nothing to wear”.

I have many bags in different colors, sizes, materials, and brands. Yet, somehow, I didn’t have what I was looking for. I didn’t want to carry an expensive bag or the usual big brands, which showed me a gap in my bag collection. Thus, the playful, easy, seasonal bag comes into play.

That said, price is the last and potentially most important aspect of this new need. With the skyrocketing prices across the brands we know and love, I am looking for a bag that I will freely and without hesitation, carry and enjoy.

Summer Bag Want List

My plan for this summer is to streamline my wardrobe. I aim for more quality pieces, light materials, and a bag that becomes the pièce de résistance. Each of these offers a playful nod to seasonal dressing but isn’t overly kitschy.

Polo Ralph Lauren continues to grow its handbag business. The brand found success with its Polo ID Bag, and now there is a big push for the Polo Play. This shape is very similar to the beloved Picotin from Hermès, but is more accessible price-wise and offers more sizes that change the overall shape. I love the playfulness of the stripes on canvas; it makes for an ideal summer bag!

You know that we are big Polène fans here, and I am drawn to this bag because of the intricate nature of the wavy leather weaving. Each of the four pieces of leather forms the handle by folding together, and the final product is sophisticated, tailored, and strong. I am partial to this light green color, but there are other options, too! This hue, dubbed Fresh Almond, offers a summer color without being overt.

When I was first introduced to Le Tanneur, I became an immediate fan, and the Emilie was my bag of choice. I already own this bag in a larger size with a more neutral colorway, but how great is this option! They call this color pink chalk flamingo, and there is an oversized white topstitching. That added touch gives me Fendi Selleria vibes, but that isn’t a bad thing – I’ve always loved that line!

I’ve heard many of you tell me you don’t want to spend a lot on Raffia. I get it; I do. While I may be a raffia lover, for many, it simply doesn’t make sense to put money toward a designer raffia item. I keep checking Sézane’s site for its summer clothing and found this cute mauve raffia bag. I could see it working so nicely with linen pants and a simple top.

When I was looking through my closet, I also came to another realization: I have no animal print bags. Yes, there are larger realizations in this world, and this is pretty much the bottom of the list as far as any of those go, but this is a handbag site, after all! Typically, I have gone for leopard print, but this zebra raffia bag differs from anything I own and would dress up and finish off an outfit.

And now we rewind to the beginning of my handbag journey, back to the end of my middle school years. A variation of this bag was one of my first Coach bags (after the classic pochette), and I have this newfound liking for suede (even during summer). This feels like such a throwback vibe, and I love it!