I Love a Good Accessory—But I’m Only Buying Into Summer’s Bag Trends If They’re Under $500

Close your eyes. Can you envision AllSaints’ spacious straw tote slung over your shoulder, while a lovely and airy linen summer dress dances in the ocean breeze?

She’s closer to the very top of my budget, but I’ve been wanting to invest in a Dragon Diffusion bag for some time. A favorite among the fashion set, the brand’s signature woven bags are handcrafted and made to order in India.

If your TikTok algorithm resembles mine, you’ve come across video after video about the laid-back and beachy jute bag trend. This diamond-motif tote may be how I try out the woven look.

As someone who already owns Freja’s Chrystie bag in black and swears by it as my go-to bag for going out, I’m excited to say this muted yellow option is about to become my new favorite bag for the daylight hours.

What caught my eye about this $78 steal from Free People is that it’s a durable leather bag with a thick shoulder strap that I can see holding up well throughout my NYC adventures, from downtown drinks to Brooklyn park strolls.

Compact yet powerful, feminine with a hint of grunge—what’s not to love about this buckle-front shoulder bag priced under $100?

A bag that checks two trendy boxes at once, this Marge Sherwood tote adds a double-belted twist to fashion’s favorite viral cherry red color.

As someone who thoroughly and passionately researched the best Coach bags, trust me when I say the Swing bag won’t let you down.

Like thousands of other social media users who have a soft spot for quirky-cute bags, I’ve fallen in love with beaded sardine bags. As a follow-up to the viral beaded lobster bags that took the internet by storm last month, this Staud Tommy bag is my entry into the trend.

This isn’t just an ordinary straw bag—it’s a straw bag that comes with a fish friend! Plus, it boasts a very reasonable $178 price tag, too.

I’ve had my eye on Sensi Studio for some time now, considering my fellow fashion editors rave about the beach-inspired brand almost constantly. This bucket bag, with seashells woven into its top netting—what I imagine a modern mermaid would carry—is too good to pass up.

I own Madewell’s suede shopper and use it as my work bag. As my coworkers can attest, I adore the tote and rave about it constantly. I’ve been looking for a smaller option with a similiar look and feel—and have finally found it here.

This slouchy Michael Kors shoulder bag is another option at the top of my budget—but its soft sky blue suede has caught my eye, and I can’t resist trying the pleasing color trend.

Looking at Cos’s black leather pouch, made of premium hide and fixed with tightly knotted drawstrings, you would never know it’s only $135. Call it a magic trick—or you can call it Cos doing what it does best: offering a designer look without the painful prices.

Name anything by Nanushka, and I’m pre-disposed to want it because, to me, the brand is synonymous with artful, minimalistic, and no-fail designs. Case in point: this ivory drawstring with a clever knotted loop as a top handle

A designer bag under $1,000—one that I can actually afford? Loewe makes that dream a reality with its terrycloth pouch from its vacation-ready Paul’s Ibiza line.

When you hear hoofbeats, think of buying a chic zebra-striped bag—especially when it’s under $300. I can envision styling this black and brown shoulder bag by VERAFIED with a little black dress and wrap-around strappy sandals.

With a crossbody bag, I want its strap to offer the function it promises but not look like a clunky seatbelt. Banana Republic’s snakeskin style achieves this perfectly while also capturing the wild-side pattern I’ve been eyeing.

A slouchy shape that perfectly nestles under the shoulder, a compliment-catching leopard print, a girlish bow tie, and a reasonable price under $400? Reformation’s small Vittoria bag has everything needed to be my new favorite take-everywhere tote.