Handbag Trends You’ll See Everywhere In Summer 2025

The shape of fashion in 2025 has already brought us a taste of the unexpected. Several classic style trends have made surprising comebacks in 2025, and the 2025 Oscars served us the next big bridal trend: 3D flower appliqués that negate the need for a bouquet. Trends are always somewhat unpredictable, but we’ve noticed a common thread across all facets of the fashion world: Maximalist energy is taking over. It’s obvious in the retro shoe styles experiencing a resurgence in 2025, along with spring 2025’s bold color trends that we saw at New York Fashion Week. And according to Los Angeles-based personal and virtual stylist Emily Burnette, we’re also seeing it in our bags. 

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Big, bold, and statement-making are the key elements to go for when investing in a bag this summer, as Burnette confirms in an exclusive chat with Glam that saturated color and embellishments like charms are going to be the new normal. The stylist, who offers styling packages, closet edits, and digital styling lookbooks, also reveals that this head-turning aesthetic may involve a trip down memory lane, particularly in the way of secondhand bags. “Think 2000s-era Guess and Coach …” Burnette shares. “It’s a great way to uplift the fashion cycle and keep things slightly more sustainable. Even better if the quality is still pristine!” 

In addition, a few eternal summer staples are anticipated to come out of hibernation for another year. “Raffia [styles] are always a go-to for tropical vacays or our local stay-cations,” Burnette notes, and this year, we’re seeing raffia in all kinds of shapes and silhouettes, from slouchy totes to vintage hobos. Keeping in line with that maximalist aesthetic, you’re also likely to spot plenty of doctor-style top-handle bags. With pieces like this, the bag’s chunky size is big and bold enough on its own, so you can go with a more neutral and versatile color to balance it. Whether you want to make a statement through a bag’s design, shade, or embellishments, this summer is all about making a splash.

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Quiet-luxury handbags may have had a long moment after the logomania of the noughties, but for now, Emily Burnette assures us that accessory trends are leaning toward more-is-more territory. The best way to embrace this energy as the weather warms up, she says, is by going for eye-catching hues. “I love color in the summer,” Burnette tells us exclusively. “It’s hot, the styling gets a little bit more relaxed, and the colors in our environment are vibrant, so it only makes sense that we dress colorfully, and that includes handbags!” Pantone’s Color of the Year is mocha mousse, which younger and older celebs alike have already nailed. But since brown might be considered more neutral, you could instead reach for summer-friendly tones like coral or sky blue. Red bags were one of the biggest trends in the spring/summer collections of various designers, while soft pastels are safe alternatives for those who prefer subtler takes on the color movement. 

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The maximalist energy doesn’t stop at color, though. “I am also loving the return of bag charms,” Burnette observes. “It’s such an easy way to elevate an existing bag!” Accessory embellishments in general are set to rule the season, whether you invest in detachable bag charms like the Crizaor Cherry Bag Charm or go for oversized buckles. Another way to embrace a bolder bag style is top dive into the metallics pool with shiny fabrics and head-turning hardware, such as the Pearlzone Hand-Woven Bread Women’s Clutch. Finally, belted bags are also rising in popularity.

Exactly how you style your summer bag comes down to which trend you go for, but the general idea this season is to let the bag do the talking. Emily Burnette recommends dressing for the warm weather with breezy silhouettes and breathable fabrics like cotton. “Your statement piece CAN be your handbag,” Burnette says in our exclusive chat. When your bag has a bright color, you have three options: matching your outfit to that hue to create a palette, wearing neutral clothes, or color-blocking with strategically chosen opposing shades. If you choose to tone down your outfit, not just in terms of color but also with regards to patterns, lines, and fabrics, your statement bag has a better chance of leaving an impression. Otherwise, to embrace color-blocking in your wardrobe, check out these easy outfit inspos we’ve compiled.

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There’s lots of room for creativity and individuality in fashion, but Burnette confirms that there are still some bag styles that should be avoided this summer. “I’m over the fringe!” the stylist admits. “It doesn’t mesh well with the summer months as it’s usually made in suede or leather. Coquette has also been serving us for a while and I think it’s on its way out the door in larger doses but tying it in with a small clutch or sock or accessory is still very-in.” That doesn’t mean it’s time to throw out these pieces that are no longer en vogue, but you may want to send them on summer vacation to a storage box until they return to the spotlight.