The Best Designer-Style Beach Bags To Carry Everywhere
This trending summer tote is perfect for your summer vacation but also works well for the office, weekends, and everything in between.
A beach bag can do much more than serve as an accessory for your trips to the shore. It can offer a practical carry-all for multiple scenarios, including a roomy work bag, thanks to long shoulder straps (usually a beach bag signature) and various compartments for essentials like your wallet, phone, sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun hats. Their crush-resistant structure and functional design meant to ward off sand and water means they're just as practical for other unforeseen circumstances—like dirt, spillage, and downpours.
The Spring 2024 handbag trends were big on woven, raffia, wicker, and straw fabrics—from Fendi to Loewe—but designer and contemporary options are ready to encapsulate the summer spirit. Grab them for picnics in the park and backyard gatherings, and keep them handy for trips to your local farmers' market.
While contemporary brands like DeMellier, Little Liffner, and Dragon Diffusion have long championed woven designs, the ease of a classic canvas bag from designers like L.L. Bean (famous for their Boat and Tote), Marc Jacobs, and Clare V. continues to persevere.
Ahead, discover the best everyday beach bags and totes that balance function and style with picks from styling duo Danielle and Alix, who spend their summers on the coastlines, and fashion content creator Nana Yaa Ansah, who relies on her extensive beach bag collection—for the beach and otherwise— throughout the warm weather season.
The Best Beach Bags
- Best Overall Beach Bag: L.L. Bean Boat and Tote
- Best Affordable Beach Bag: Banana Republic Paper Straw Shopper Tote
- Best Woven Beach Bag: Altuzarra Watermill Bag Small
- Best Splurge Beach Bag: Celine Classic Panier in Raffia and Calfskin
- Best Canvas Beach Bag: Marc Jacobs The Jacquard Tote Bag
Live out your coastal grandmother fantasies with this classic canvas tote from L.L. Bean. Leave it plain, or get it embroidered with a monogram for a personalized touch. For reference, this large bag can hold a change of clothes, multiple water bottles, a book, and sunscreen with room to spare.
Banana Republic's woven straw bag is under $100, yet it rivals its pricier counterparts. This tote has a vegan leather handle for extra durability, so you'll easily carry around your shoreside necessities. With its neutral hue and simple silhouette, you can make this bag your go-to accessory.
Are you heading to an upscale dinner after a day of lounging at the beach? Look no further than Celine's Panier bag to add an elevated feel to your look. "I love the contrast between the calfskin leather and the hand-braided palm leaves—I also love how spacious this is. It’s ideal for storing beach essentials," says Ansah.
This bag has infiltrated the fashion crowd for the past few years, and it's back for another trend cycle spin. It's the tote that needs no introduction. Marc Jacobs' iconic tote bag comes in many shapes and fabrications, including this jacquard canvas version that's a top summer pick.
More Beach Bags That We Love
"We love the Naghedi St. Barths Large Tote," says styling duo Danielle and Alix. Aside from the bag's intricate woven construction, the duo tells Marie Claire that they're especially partial toward the style's zip pouch, which is ideal for keeping smaller belongings separate from oversized items.
This sturdy striped tote bag, made from nylon canvas, will be your no-fuss summer accessory hero. Ansah loves canvas for its durability and convenience—it's easy to wash and carry.
In need of a large carryall? Marni’s spacious raffia bag is 18 inches around, making it a perfect choice for toting around all your bulkier pieces—like a beach towel or a laptop. Plus, it’s crafted with two wide straps that will help evenly distribute the weight of the bag across your shoulders.
Danielle and Alix share that classic designer beach bags offer "the perfect way to elevate a summer outfit." Their favorite? Jacquemus' Le Panier Soli tote, handwoven with refined raffia and trimmed with sleek leather. The fashion mavens love to style this designer piece coordinated with Jacquemus' Le Bob Gadjo bucket hat.
Sustainable manufacturing is a core value for British brand DeMellier, and their Santorini style is also ethically and responsibly designed—a huge plus for me," says Ansah. It's woven by artisans in Morocco, which makes this bag special." DeMellier also prioritizes quality craftsmanship, ensuring this bag will last you through the years.
Casablanca’s cotton tote flaunts a captivating crotchet design that blends vibrant shades. The artisanal beaded top handles also add a whimsical touch that gives the design character.
For a hands-free experience, sling the All Saints' Ebro crossbody over your shoulder and go about your day without having to lug around a heavy bag. An interior slot will help keep all your cards organized, so feel free to carry one less thing and leave your wallet at home.
If your beach bag collection feels dull, try livening things up with this artful Tory Burch printed tote bag. Cut from recycled polyester, this design is covered in an eye-catching green print and Tory's signature logo. The leather handles and feet make this bag a great option for carrying around a work laptop, too.
Scandinavian brand Little Liffner is known for its suede and leather handbags, but its linen tote bags are just as unique. Their Sprout bag is finished with white leather trim for a polished appeal, making it suitable for upscale occasions. It also boasts the brand's signature hardware, which enhances its high-end appearance.
A.L.C's Gia bag has a flexible shape with a slouchy effect— a popular silhouette on the Spring 2024 runways. Since this piece falls more towards the relaxed side of the spectrum, consider carrying it for casual outings—like a laid-back lunch with friends or a trip to your local farmer's market.
We've got you covered if you're searching for a neutral beach bag that will pair well with practically any outfit. Dragon Diffusion's woven tote is offered in a flattering shade of pearl that will effortlessly complement your summer wardrobe. Style it with a white button-down and gauzy linen pants for a breezy outfit.
This bag fits everything at 18.5 inches long, 6.25 inches wide, and 14 inches high. Dagne Dover's cotton tote can even serve as a laptop bag if you plan to work remotely this summer. There are galore pockets—one interior zip, three interior slips, one bottle holder, four exterior slips, and one phone pouch.
Meet the Fashion Experts
Celebrity styling duo Danielle and Alix specialize in styling red carpet and special events, street style looks, editorial shoots, and brand campaigns. They're based in Los Angeles and New York.
Nana Yaa Ansah is a first-generation Ghanaian-American fashion and lifestyle content creator who helps her followers to elevate their personal style.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Julia Marzovilla is the Fashion E-Commerce Editor at Marie Claire, where she reviews the latest launches from fashion and beauty brands, finds the best on-sale items around the internet, and interviews experts to find the best products in any category to share with her readers. She also creates shopping guides that span every vertical on the site as an expert in everything from the best laptop bags to the best laser hair removal devices.
In her near decade of experience, Julia has both written for several top outlets in the E-Commerce space and worked at major fashion labels. Prior to joining the Marie Claire team, she contributed similar shopping stories to sites such as Bustle, InStyle, The Zoe Report, Who What Wear, and worked as the Trending Fashion and News Writer STYLECASTER. You can find her across the internet at @JuliaMarzovilla. In real life, you can find her creating shopping guides for her friends, cooking or baking in her too-small kitchen, or buying tickets for the next time Harry Styles is in town.
Julia has a Bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in Journalism from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. She lives in New York City, her hometown.
-
My New Favorite Luxury Candle Smells Like a Bowl of Rigatoni and I'm Utterly Obsessed
November's best new beauty launches topping all my gifting lists.
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling Introduce the "Newest Member" of Their Family
"I'm crazy about her and excited to share life."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Brie Larson's Shocking New Hair Cut Is Inspired by '90s Icons
This pixie needs to be seen to be believed.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
I Discovered the Best 30 On-Sale Jackets You Need to Shop Ahead of Black Friday
Not a single item exceeds $400.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Fashionable Gift Ideas for Every Type of Personal Style
From the classic dresser to the eccentric trendsetter.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Strathberry's Black Friday Sale Features Bags Beloved by Meghan Markle, Jennifer Lopez, and Kate Middleton
Strathberry's best styles are 30 percent off.
By Kelsey Stiegman Published
-
How Do You Find Your Personal Style?
From Gen Alpha to an almost-centenarian, we asked six stylish people to share how they discovered their formula for getting dressed.
By Emma Childs Published
-
I'm Stocking Up on Cozy Cashmere Essentials from Nordstrom's Latest Sale
Here are 25 under-$300 finds I'm shopping right now.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
The Loewe Bags Everyone's Manifesting Right Now
From modern styles to heritage classics, these are the most coveted styles of the moment.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
7 Late Fall Essentials Marie Claire Editors Bought for November
Here are all the fashion and beauty must-haves to covet for the kickstart of the holiday season.
By Marie Claire Editors Published
-
This Winter’s Shoe Trends Embrace Individual Style
From edgy moto boots to classic loafers, there’s a shoe to suit every taste.
By Emma Childs Published