9 Things: The Best Pastel Bags of Spring 2012

The minty fresh Alexander Wang bags from last week got me thinking – if Alexander Wang can make a pastel bag, and if I can find something to love about its utter lightness, then there has to be a pastel bag out there for everyone. Many of you weren’t as enthusiastic about the Wang bags as Megs and I were, but that’s ok; if I can come around to the idea of pastels, so can anyone. If you want to, that is. If not, I won’t blame you for sticking with brights or black or whatever your signature look might be.

For those of you whose interest might have been piqued by the idea of paleness for spring and summer, though, we’re way ahead of you. After the jump, you’ll find our favorite pastel bags at a variety of price points and in a variety of shades, all the way from colors that somehow find a balance between pastel and neon to those that are so light, they’re barely perceptible. Check ’em out and let us know your favorite in the comments.

The 3.1 Phillip Lim Lark Satchel is my favorite pastel bag of the season. Not only is the color a beautiful, not-too-light buttery yellow, but the modern shape keeps the bag from looking too twee. The perfect option for a girl who wants to try the trend without forsaking her normally non-pastel style. Buy through Neiman Marcus for $875.

Balenciaga is known for producing its bags in season rainbows, and this Balenciaga Classic Velo in a light greyish-purple is perfect for the transition to spring. Buy through Neiman Marcus for $1545.

By now, the Mulberry Alexa is a contemporary classic. If you want your pastel purchase to have longevity beyond the trend, a neutral nude tone is the perfect choice. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $1250.

If you want an inexpensive, versatile entré to pastels, try the blush pink Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Percy Bag. Not only is it priced just south of $200, but the crossbody strap detaches, leaving you with a casual clutch or pouch. Buy through ShopBop for $198.

Pastels are such a soft, ladylike trend that we had to pick at least one crazy bag to spice things up. The Versace Quilted Leather Shoulder Bag definitely fits the requirements. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $1695.

This Reed Krakoff Boxer Tote might not be strictly a pastel, but it looks a bit softer in non-photographic lighting. Either way, both the color and bag are great. Buy through Neiman Marcus for $1090.

The color of this Jil Sander Market Tote is so perfectly, icily pale I think I cooled off a few degrees just by looking at it. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $1350.

Is it blue? Is it purple? I’m not entirely sure, but the Chloe Marnie Mini Shoulder Bag sure is cute. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $665.

The Diane von Furstenberg Adele Embossed Clutch lets you kill two birds with one stone – colorblocking AND pastels. Buy through ShopBop for $395.