Perhaps you may have heard the saying “A good bag is a woman’s best friend”? Well, we made that up..and also kinda true! Having the perfect bag to keep all essentials while adding that special touch to any outfit is important.

With daylight savings time in full force and warmer weather approaching.. Let’s talk about the bags you should absolutely have in your wardrobe this summer. Obviously, we don’t mean the summery beach bags a.k.a crochet, canvas, or raffia – although these won’t disappoint (whatever floats your boat!). We mean the most practical and efficient summer bag.

Tottie shortlisted the bags you're going to want to shop now, ahead of summer, before they sold out.

What are the must-have bags this summer?

As the Australian summer heats up, it's time to refresh your accessory game with the latest bag trends. This season, it's all about striking the perfect balance between style and functionality. Here are the best summer bags that will elevate your wardrobe:

1. The Classic Tote:

A timeless piece that effortlessly transitions from work to weekend. Look for tote bags made from natural materials like straw or leather, or opt for bold colours and patterns to make a statement.

2. The Mini Bag:

Small but mighty, mini bags are the epitome of chic. Perfect for evening outings or daytime errands, these compact bags come in various shapes, from boxy to rounded.

3. The Crossbody Bag:

Hands-free and stylish, crossbody bags are ideal for exploring the city or the beach. Choose a versatile style in a neutral colour or a bold hue to add a pop of colour to your outfit.

4. The Woven Bag:

Channel summer's laid-back mood with a woven bag. Perfect for beach outings or picnics, and adds a bohemian touch to any outfit.

5. The Statement Clutch:

Elevate your evening look with a statement clutch. Whether it's embellished with sequins, adorned with feathers, or crafted from luxurious materials, a statement clutch is sure to turn heads.

 

Should you go for bold or neutrals?

Who says summer has to be a riot of colour? While bold hues and vibrant patterns often dominate the summer fashion scene, this year, a more understated approach is taking centre stage. Neutral colours, once associated with minimalist wardrobes, are emerging as a surprisingly chic and versatile choice for the sunny season.

Why Neutral Tones are Trending This Summer

Timeless Elegance: Neutral colours, such as beige, cream, brown, and grey, exude a timeless elegance that never goes out of style.

Effortless Chic: Neutral outfits require minimal effort to put together. Simply pair a neutral-colored top with a bottom in a complementary shade, and you're good to go.

Versatility: Neutral pieces can be mixed and matched with a variety of colours and patterns. This versatility makes them a practical choice for any wardrobe.

Effect: In a world filled with chaos and constant stimulation, neutral colours offer a calming and serene aesthetic. They can help you feel relaxed and centred, even on the busiest of days.

Choosing the Perfect Bag for Work and Play

Summer is a time for adventure, whether it's a business trip or a weekend getaway. A reliable and stylish bag can make all the difference in your travel experience. Here are some key features to look for when selecting a bag for your summer escapades:

Spacious Compartment: Ensure your bag has ample room for your laptop, tablet, chargers, notebooks, and other work essentials.

Multiple Pockets: Look for items with multiple pockets of various sizes to keep your belongings organised.

Comfortable Straps: Opt for padded and adjustable straps to distribute weight evenly and reduce shoulder strain.

Water-Resistant Material: A water-resistant or waterproof bag will protect your belongings from unexpected rain showers.

Practical Design: Look for a bag that can be used for work, university, or leisure.


Introducing, the Tottie Summer Collection

Tottie curated the best women’s bags in timeless stone and tan hues, perfect for the summer season. This collection redefines summer essentials with its sleek silhouettes and versatile designs.

Crossbody Bag: The first bag you need in your closet! Its spacious interior and two detachable straps make it ideal for exploring cities or running errands. Super practical, as it carries everything you need without being overly bulky.

 

 

 

Tote Bag: Having a bigger bag to throw everything in when you’re on the go is a must! This tote is perfect for carrying all your essentials, from laptop and books to beach towels.

 

 

 

Bum Bag: The ultimate grab and go bag. Its compact design while allowing you to wear it multiple ways make it the perfect bag to bring to summer festivals, concerts, or bike rides.

 

 

 

Backpack: Most people travel often during the summer months. Tottie’s travel bag backpack has a spacious interior and multiple pockets allowing you to carry everything you need, from tickets, wallets, towels, sunglasses, to water bottles and snacks.

 

 

 

BONUS: Pair your bag with the newest Cardholder Wristlet Wallet by Tottie

Traveler’s best friend! Its sleek design fits easily into small bags, pockets, or passport holders. Perfect for any traveler who relies on cards for their transactions.

 

 

 

Why choose Tottie?

Timeless Colors: Neutral hues that never go out of style.

High-Quality Materials: Crafted from durable, premium materials. They're durable, water-resistant, and easy to clean.

Functional yet Stylish: Tottie bags are designed to be both stylish and practical.

Supporting a Good Cause: With every purchase of a Tottie nappy bag, you're helping to provide birthing kits to women in need.

 

Shop the Tottie Bags online here or in person at the One Fine Baby Expo in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Follow us on Instagram @tottie.shop and sign up for our newsletter to stay in the know.

FAQs: The Best Summer Bags for Work and Play

What are Summer Bags?

Summer bags are handbags crafted from lightweight materials such as straw, raffia, canvas, nylon or any breathable synthetic fabrics, designed to suit warm weather. They often come in light, bright, or neutral colours and feature versatile styles—from slouchy totes for daily errands to structured bags for work or events. Popular summer designs embrace boho, casual, or polished aesthetics, making them perfect for beach days, city outings, work or summer evenings.

What's a good summer bag for work?

A great summer work bag combines style, function, and lightweight comfort. The top choices are totes, structured crossbody bags, and sleek canvas or nylon styles, since they’re breathable and easy to clean. Look for a spacious interior with laptop storage, multiple compartments for organisation, and padded straps for all-day comfort. Neutral shades like beige, tan, or cream also transition seamlessly from office to after-work outings, making them versatile for the entire season.

Which summer bags are most practical for commuting and weekends?

The most practical summer bags for commuting and weekends are crossbody bags, versatile totes, and travel backpacks. They offer hands-free convenience and can hold essentials like laptops, notebooks, water bottles, and sunglasses. Look for durable, water-resistant materials, adjustable straps, padded handles, and multiple compartments for organisation. Extras like a zippered closure or a trolley sleeve make them even more travel-friendly, while packable designs add versatility for spontaneous summer adventures.

What features should I look for in a summer bag for work?

When choosing a summer work bag, focus on lightweight yet durable materials like nylon, canvas, or vegan leather, paired with water-resistant protection. Look for comfortable, adjustable straps and a well-organized interior with multiple pockets for essentials such as laptops, tablets, and phones. A secure closure like a zipper is important, and a professional, minimal design ensures your bag suits both office and business-casual environments.

Where can I buy stylish summer bags in Australia?

Stylish summer bags are widely available across Australia, both online and in physical stores. Popular online retailers like Tottie offering a range of totes, crossbody bags, backpacks, and mini bags. You can also find summer bags at baby expo, local boutiques and department stores in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and other major cities. For those looking for limited-edition or summer bag designer collections, Tottie’s summer range provides neutral, versatile, and water-resistant bags perfect for work, travel, or casual summer outings.

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