First impressions are made within the first 8 seconds of seeing someone and that’s usually before even one word is spoken. And first impressions are lasting impressions. So yes, first impressions matter. That’s why it’s essential to have a nice looking handbag (and outerwear!). Your bag doesn’t just hold your glasses, wallet, lipstick and keys. It holds the potential to make or break your outfit…and someone’s first impression of you. So let’s take a moment today to make sure we have the essential spring and summer handbags.
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Why the Right Handbag Matters
This will be a quick read, but rather than just run through the reasons I love the bags I have in my wardrobe for spring, I thought I’d share a little about why the right handbag matters. Just thoughts to ponder really. The bags I’m showing are indeed the ones I carry on the regular. And they are available. Just click through the words in the caption below the photograph to shop. But I’m also including a shopping widget at the bottom of the post with lots of beautiful options for your spring and summer handbags.
A woman’s handbag does indeed carry her essentials. So it’s essential that the bags we choose are a good size for our possessions. The contents of our purses change with the seasons of our lives. Right now I generally just carry a small zip pouch for my credit cards and license, keys, reading glasses, sunglasses, a lipstick and gloss, hand lotion and my cell phone.
I’m frequently asked how I manage to change bags with my outfits so often. I’ll admit, I used to find this quite difficult when I allowed my bags to accumulate more and more things over time. But when you keep the contents of your bag lean, it’s really quite easy to move those things over on the go. I also keep a little caddy in my office with things like hand lotion, lipsticks, sunglasses, tissue packs, etc. so if I need to add one of those sundries to my bag I can.
I also try to clean my bag out as soon as I get home from a shopping trip, lunch, appointment or travel, when I tend to accumulate receipts, business cards, appointment cards and such. Keeping a clean handbag is akin to making your bed daily: it helps you to feel more ready for the day, pulled together and competent.
But our handbags and shoulder bags do more than just hold our essentials. They complete our outfits. Gone are the days when your handbag needed to exactly match your shoes and/or belt. However, in the last couple of years we have begun to make a bit more of an effort in that direction. So if you can match yours exactly, go for it. Otherwise, the key is simply to make sure that these three accessories “go together.”
In fact, sometimes it’s nice to throw in an extra color of leather, as I did below. The black bag ties into the black shirt beautifully. But the cognac belt and sandals keep the outfit from being boring and they add a note of richness.
So yes, make the effort to carry a bag that works with your outfit. Take into consideration things like size, texture, ornamentation, color, structure and shape when pairing your bag with your outfit. You want your bag to look balanced with your outfit, but you could also carry a bag that adds a punch of color or interest or texture to the look.
Of course during the spring and summer it’s a great time to carry a bag that looks seasonally appropriate. I love having a beautiful straw or raffia bag or two, and I tend to carry those more than anything this time of year. I’ve had my woven straw tote above for at least four years now, and it’s still available. I carry this bag more than any other during the summer.
But there are still a couple of other considerations when choosing your essential spring and summer handbags. Size and proportions matter. While I do like having bags of varying sizes, I keep my frame in mind when choosing my bags. I’m 5’8″ and have a medium frame, so I can get away with carrying large totes and satchels. But if you are a petite with a small frame you may want steer clear of oversized bags that can overwhelm you visually. By the same token, if you have a large frame you may not want to carry very tiny bags that can get lost on you visually.
Finally, circling back to those thoughts on first impressions, we do want to choose bags that reflect our personality. So while it may be fun to know what the trends are in handbags, I think it’s more important to look for bags that resonate personally. If you like a more traditional or classic vibe, choose structured bags. If you enjoy the boho, free spirit aesthetic, look for bags with trending fringe, suede and slouchy structure.
Do you have your essential spring and summer handbags? Take a look at yours today. If they look worn, outdated or tired, or if they’ve lost their shape with wear, it may be time to get a new bag or two. I’ve created a shopping widget below with so many great options. But whether you find one here or elsewhere, I hope you enjoy carrying your spring and summer bags with confidence.
I did try to include bags at a wide range of price points. But I do think handbags are an accessory worth spending a little more on. You’ll hopefully carry your bags more frequently than you’ll wear most anything in your wardrobe. Plus, they can take a beating as we go through the day. So it’s important to have bags that are well constructed, made from good materials that age well and feature beautiful details. Remember…first impressions last.
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I’d love to hear from you today. Tell me what you carry in your bag. What do you look for in a good handbag? Tell me about a favorite one you’ve had for years.
Blessed for My Day
I have to admit, some days I skim through my Bible reading like I probably read a text book reading assignment in my youth. After reading I can barely tell you the highlights, much less the details. I haven’t bothered to really meditate on anything in the passage, and I walk away from my reading unchanged.
But these days I’m trying to slow down more and look for direction, encouragement, correction and comfort in God’s Word. I’m asking the Holy Spirit to work through the Scriptures as I read them and to open my heart and mind to their truths. I want to be changed by Scripture, informed and compelled by it. And I know that if I put it into practice and allow it to change my heart and mind, then I will truly be blessed by it.
blessed are those who hear the word of God and follow it.” ~ Luke 11:28
What a nice selection of handbags!
This is the Blog Post I’ve been waiting for!!! Thanks for the timely tips and sage advice! I’ve neglected my handbags and needed a boost to get me going on the refresh of this essential element to my Spring wardrobe!! Excellent tips as always! Xoxo
I wanted to take a moment to thank you Kay for going to EVER!!! eve on a moments notice to help subscribers like me know about the sale. I did go because I needed a dress for my granddaughters bridal shower and though there were no signs anywhere I did receive 20% off and found the perfect dress, thanks to you! It might not have been convenient for you to go, but I certainly thank you for all you do for your subscribers! Have a very blessed week as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord!
Thanks for all the beautiful handbag options you posted today. So many pretty options of handbags these days! Enjoy your time with family!
I am a sucker for handbags. I have loved my Brighton bags in raffia and straw. I keep the same items as you do and clean out each day too
Always love to start my day, reading your posts . Today’s post on handbags was especially helpful. I am trying to expand my collection to accessorize my outfits! Thanks Kay. Have a great Monday
The pocketbooks are all so pretty. But most of the you show are very expensive! People do give impressions with their pocketbooks. If pocketbooks are falling apart, dirty, and stuff falling out that leaves and messy impression. Pocketbooks do not have to be expensive to look good and give a good impression.
I love a good bag! Love all your choices. Now that you have a grandchild you may start rethinking your bag! I have 4 grands and when I go anywhere with them I’m carrying extra tissues, lip balm etc. I have found a quilted crossbody works great and looks stylish. MZ Wallace is my favorite but pricey; lots of good options on Amazon.
You are so right about different needs as a grandmother. Carrying more, including snacks and water, juice, etc, made me think more about how heavy my bags should be, not just the capacity of the bag. Also, be more prepared for setting bags down at the playground, occasional spills of things like sunscreen lotion, and other minor messy moments we love to have with the kids!
Thanks for including a discussion of scale in handbags. At 5’2” I have to be aware of that. I keep a zip pouch with the small items so changing purses is easy. I have found some beautiful leather bags at Osgoode Marley, and some less pricey ones at Portland Leather in pretty colors. Similar and size and shape makes switching even easier.
I love a good structed bag and have had some of mine for years. A good quality bag lasts many years. I especially like the cognac bag and shoes with the black or white outfits. I just purchased a Michael Kors cognac bag on sale a couple of weeks ago and find I have carried it many times already. Enjoyed the BFMD today. Have fun at the botanical gardens today with Abigail and Hannah. Take many pictures. Pictures are memories.
I have always bought higher end purses (think Coach, Dooney and Burke etc). I just returned from a trip to NYC and visited Bloomingdale’s for the first time. I was able to see the luxury handbags like LV, Veronica Beard, Gucci and Prada. A goal someday is to possibly make an investment in a luxury brand bag! Does the Nordstrom annual big sale cover these brands??😊😊😊
They do usually have some good bags in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Frequently you’ll see Coach, AllSaints, Tory Burch and a few other notables.
I have a cognac Madewell bag that I love. I prefer classis looking bags with some structure. I keep the contents simple with wallet, phone, lipstick, mints and tissue. I hate clutter in the purse and clean it out regularly. On a side note I notice many women carrying stuffed purses in the baby seat of their grocery cart with the zipper wide open, wallet sticking out and back turned. I was a 911 dispatcher and took many calls about wallets being stolen from an open purse.
Handbags are probably we weakest link in my style game. Thanks for the reminder.
My daughter is trying to teach me her method for quick bag changes. She has several small makeup bags (probably from the thrift store). Each one is a different type of content – like one with menstrual supplies, one with sunscreen & lip protection, one with cash (which most of the younger set doesn’t carry!), etc. When she changes purses she just moves the makeup bag(s) with the supplies needed for that outing. She is more clever and more fashionable than her mom 🙂
Loved your BFMD. Reading a biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer I learned that he would select a scripture passage for the week to read & think about both morning and night. He would often set aside to mid-day time for the same passage. To your point, I believe that if I read the same scripture 15-20 times in a week it would soak in better.
What a great post on handbags, and I appreciated your reasoning! There are some adjustments I am making to my wardrobe these days, and they’re in the accessories department. Handbags, I am now focusing on a quality leather bag, usually Kate Spade or Coach. Personally I find shoulder bags and totes to be the most useful for me, and regardless, they are always structured (classic and refined are two of my style angles).
Love all of the hand bag options and your reminder of their importance in our outfits. I also relate to and appreciate your BFMD reading. Thank you for all of your inspiration. Enjoy your family time.
Loved all your handbag choices. Changing handbags is something I rarely do, I do more seasonal changes than outfit changes. I carry too much stuff and that is why I don’t change them out too often. It’s so hard for me to get in a different mindset about it!
I like your comments about not carrying too much in your handbags. I have begun to minimize what I carry. Then I can easily change from my daily handbag to a smaller crossbody for shopping and travel.
Purses! Handbags! Pocketbooks! Love them all! And yes, they really do make the impression, good and bad. Having been in a sales occupation, first impressions really matter and are a real thing. Thanks for bringing this up!
Good advice! I will take a look at my purses! Thanks for all you do.
I change my handbags often depending on my outfit. What I do is I keep a small shoe box in my closet where I empty out my bag each time I undress. In the shoe box goes my keys, small mirror, tissues, eye glass case (I choose my sunglasses when I choose my jewelry as I get dressed), comb, portable phone charger. The only other thing that I add to whatever bag I’m carrying that day is my lip liner and lipstick. All I do is choose my bag for the day in question and place everything that is in my shoe box in there and just grab my sunglasses and lipstick/liner and of course my phone. Makes it very simple to choose a different bag if I want to.
Hi Kay.
Purses! One of my favorite topics. Like a lot of us ladies, I have too many (if there is such a thing). A new straw purse for the spring and summer is an essential for me. I carry it most every day so there is a lot of wear and tear on it. Last year it was one from Spartina 449. This year it is from Mark and Graham. As I have aged I tend to prefer a smaller bag. I agree that our purse certainly compliments our outfit. Have a great day with your daughter and granddaughter! It is a beautiful day in GA.
Handbags have never been my thing, and for years I carried nothing but a small wallet, (usually in a brief case) because I had to have a drivers license and a credit card. Sure, I had one basic and inexpensive purse that was good for travel but even then felt uncomfortable carrying it. The last few years I’ve become more aware that a bag can and will complete an outfit if you let it. I’ve now got an assortment of bags that will work for me and I use Kay’s system of containing the contents and easy change from one to another. Thanks for your influence and inspiration Kay.
So many great options for the variety of outfits. How adorable is that Bamboo Handle Bag; oh and the Goody Bag! Do my favorites give away my petite frame? lol
I do love my handbags! I especially love the green boxy shoulder bag!! Getting that to go with my Easter dress.
Oh, I love botanical gardens! Do enjoy. Changing out purses, not so much. When I find one I love I use it over and over again. Usually a brown cognac medium size bag. Quality is very important to me. I carry my sunglasses, small wallet, car key, brush, tissue, lipstick, and hair elastic for windy days.
Thank you for all of your content! You have helped me so much over the past few years to help me define my style. I continue to improve knowing what works for me and why. I am overall more satisfied with what I purchase and am curating a closer that works for me. A year or so back you had a blog about how you clean out your purse and keep the essentials at the ready to switch out handbags easily. I started doing that and it works so well to make sure I can easily change to the perfect handbag for each outfit. Thank you for everything you do. I prefer a structured medium sized handbag. Must have top handles and cross body strap. Now that I know what features I require, I’m willing to spend a bit more knowing that these items will have staying power! Enjoy your visit with family and thanks again!
Great handbag selections Kay. The Veronica Beard Dash bag is very classy. Btw….your hair looks shorter in the pic where you are wearing the lavender/orchid colored blouse. I really like that hairstyle on you. Is that a recent picture?
~Lisa~
That was last summer. And I’ve been thinking of going back to that length for the summer. We’ll see! 😉
I have actually been thinking about getting my hair cut “again” for the summer too. Currently it is layered and right above my shoulders. My daughter is getting married at the end of April so I do not want to do anything drastic until after…just in case 😅
~Lisa~
I often shy away from a light-colored fabric (or anything other than leather) because of the inevitable scuffs, dirt and stains that occur. I have yet to find a truly satisfactory cleaning system for these issues. What do you recommend?
Because I am disabled and use a wheelchair, I only use crossbody bags but I’m getting quite a collection! The small size of my bags limits what I can carry so I usually don’t have bottomless pit issues. But I used to love a satchel bag, I think they are so chic.
Sounds like you are having some wonderful experiences with friends and family in GA.
I wanted to thank you for the style tip of color matching a top with a jacket. I recently wore a pair of denim trousers, a yellow ribbed tank with a yellow denim jacket. Two compliments!!
I am also going with my granddaughter to a botanical garden next week. A great time of year to do that. 🌷
I really love your straw tote. And that pink outfit looks so good on you. Have a beautiful day.
I love purses. My favorite is my coach hobo purse. It’s light weight and I love the wine color. I also have a Lulu waist bag that I wear when I’m going to be doing a lot of walking. Thank you for this great post.
First impressions are difficult to change, although it can be done. Apparently, about a second is all it takes. Having said that, I think anyone who bases an impression of someone else based primarily on her handbag, might want to consider how judgmental she is. We need to bring both more compassion and wisdom to how we perceive other people. Others will disagree, but no handbag is “essential.” and one should not be faulted for not having the resources or the knowledge to make the “best” choice.
Hello Breffni, I do apologize for the confusion. I typed this up early this morning before dashing out the door to spend a day with my family. I should have made it clearer that there is much more to a first impression than a handbag, but I do contend that it is one of those things that we often discount while they actually have significant visual impact. Of course we all need to be careful of how we form first impressions about other people, and I think it’s important to be gracious instead of judgmental. But the flip side of that coin is that we need to be aware that other people may not be as gracious with their opinions and we have a short window in which we can establish the climate of our relationships with some people. Bottom line? No, a purse is not as essential as a genuine smile, kindness or a generally well kept appearance. But it does deserve more consideration than many of us give it.
I love purses – and love to rotate the ones I use.
I purchased a leather woven bag in cream and tan from Brighten 5 years ago which was more expensive than i usually spend for a summer bag. I carry it every day from spring until fall, switching it only to accessorize my outfits occasionally. It looks as great as it did the day I bought it. I know real straw wouldn’t have lasted half that time since I’m tough on my bags. If you see faux or real leather resembling summer straw I highly recommend you buy it. Oh, and if you ger bored using the same one every day just add a purse charm for fun!
I really enjoyed this post on handbags! I really like them and agree they can totally make an outfit stand out! Thank you Kay for all,of your hard work. Enjoy being with family ❤️❤️❤️
Always enjoy the BFMY,
Kay, thank you for sharing tips for making it easy to transfer from one handbag to another. This is one area I needed help with.
I love a good hand bag and especially having a variety is so helpful when putting together outfits. I love how you mixed the black blouse, black bag with the white pants and cognac sandals. Really looked sharp! Love that idea and not too match match!
Love this post and love handbags.
I am in the market for a new one but haven’t found it yet. I guess when I see it I will know.
I recently saw someone carrying a green Dooney bag. It was so stylish. I’ve looked in stores but can’t find another like it.
Enjoy the time with your family.
Love all your posts.
Kay, purses are my favorite accessory!! I love changing them out and I too have also began to streamline what I carry. I have a small cosmetic bag that I put all my small items in so I only have to take out my wallet, sunglasses and keys. My favorite purses are Kate Spade and Michael Kors. If you spent more they last for years!
Love handbags too! Shoes and bags I can talk about all day! Thanks for the inspiration pics! Hope you enjoy that little one as long as you can!
I love the cognac purse/ shoes with black look. This is something I never did before but am doing now. I also change my purse quite often. It is easy to do if you put your keys, lipstick and all other essentials in a small cute zipper pouch. Then you just put that your wallet and cell phone in a new bag and you are ready to go.
I love all of these handbags! My question is how do you store them? I have a small closet that I share with my husband. Is it a rule to say you should only own as many as you can store?!
That crochet leather handbag hits the mark with me. Whenever I see you with that bag I am very tempted to go for it!
Handbags are so fun!
Good idea to empty our purses daily. We might find something we’ve been looking for!
Thanks for your ideas.
So many cute handbags! You are inspiring me to branch out from the same purse I tend to use on a daily basis (it’s got a built in wallet with credit card slots so it’s not super practical to be switching it out.)
You are absolutely right. First impressions matter. Also, I’m a handbag lover! Really good post.
The last few years I’ve been carrying a small crossbody bag as I like the hands free and I don’t over fill it with things I don’t need. I do get one large enough to carry my sunglasses case along with all the essentials. Right now the one I’ve been carrying is the Think Rollyn half moon style in black and it’s been fine when I’m wearing black or white this Spring, but now I’m ready to change it out for lighter color crossbody. I have a fun neutral rope bag I bought last Summer that’s fun to use but it’s a small handled one.
I recently texted my (young adult) daughter a photo of a cute new hot pink purse I bought and said, “Why, when I need a little pick-me-up, do I always buy a purse?” Haha! I have a weakness for them…but I usually buy inexpensive ones. I have one Coach purse in an eye-catching teal that I loooove!
Since I retired I carry less with me. The last couple of years I carry a RFID protected crossover bag for my everyday life. I like the built-in wallet. Since I left my wallet at a local bakery last year I feel it’s best to carry a crossover bag with a built-in wallet. (Thank God the employees were honest and kept my wallet.) I do change bags on Sunday and special occasions. Bags are a weakness so I don’t know why I like buying them so much if I only carry one bag most of the week. All the bags you showed are very nice.
First I like the fact that handbags are easy to fit into, ha, ha! i don’t keep much in mine and also clean it out when I come home from shopping – it’s never a good look to be rummaging through your bag, pulling things out while you’re trying to find something! Maybe my favorite because it’s worked so well is a plain black Coach pebbled leather medium-sized shoulder bag that is very understated, no loud logo or excessive hardware – it is more for the cooler months, however, and for the warmer months I like a cream leather and straw bag I purchased at T.J. Maxx that goes with so many things in my warmer-months wardrobe, plus a black straw tote for when I’m wearing black sandals. And yes, the word of God is living and effective!
L over the handbag post! That green bag with the floral dress was darling!
I tend to go for the pricey bags (LV, Gucci) that go with almost everything and last a long time. However, after reading this post I think I need to think about less expensive bags that really make an outfit pop.
Thank you Thank you! 🌸
I change purses almost every day – depending on my outfit! I sure wish I owned every single one of yours. Great choices!
This is the best grouping of summer purses I have seen in years! Sizes, styles and quality are spot on. Thank you so much for this!
I don’t have much of a selection for handbags. I tend to stick to my fairly large one that can hold my water bottle and my ipad inside it. I do have a smaller one but don’t change it out much. These are adorable.
Blessed for my day has been so great to tune into this spring. Thank you! First impressions, makes me want to up my game. Way too casual, with the thought that people should just like me the way I am. My Fanny pack might not make the grade!😊
Beautiful handbags, thank you.
For years my life was so chaotic that I used one bag per season as I just didn’t have the brain space or time to dedicate to any more variety than that. Now I have moved passed this time & am thoroughly enjoying thoughtfully curating my handbag collection & carefully selecting my bag each day to coordinate & elevate my look. I agree that it seems to add the finishing touch to my look.
I’ve admired that green Veronica Beard bag since you first featured it. unfortunately, it’s not in my budget this season but I bet I could find something similar. I’ve enjoyed seeing you style it in different ways.
I love your blog on handbags! So informative!
Does no one carry wallets anymore? I carry my wallet with checkbook and credit cards, hair brush, tissues, lotion, pocketbook calender, makeup bag which has a file, clippers, hand sanitizer, 2 pill containers, lipstick, gloss, tea bags with sweetener, my phone, sunglasses, often my husband’s glasses also. It becomes a catch all for anything someone doesn’t want to carry. I can also slip in a book and a bottle of water if I need to. I have tried many times to downsize but it doesn’t seem to work for me.
I actually do not carry a wallet, just a small zip pouch that holds credit cards and license. I also slip the occasional $20 in there, but I don’t carry a checkbook. If you love a tote, carry one. They are very on trend right now and you can find some smart looking ones.