A Fun, Festive Tote Bag Is the Best Way to Celebrate Summer

Is it just me or does it feel like summer took forever to get here? Because I’ve been doing everything I possibly can to make it happen since February. Snag some on-sale porch furniture, check; blow up backyard unicorn sprinkler, check; chill a nice bottle of rosé, check; chill another bottle because I drank the first one that day temperatures slightly spiked, check…

But now that my favorite season has finally arrived, I am ready to dress the part. Exhibit A: I am ordering my summer tote bag. Nothing says summer like a fun, frolicsome, beachy tote! It’s probably second only to a new pair of sandals when it comes to the perfect warm-weather wardrobe staple. 

Ahead, 16 bright, bold, and beautiful tote bags to celebrate our favorite season all season long.

Colorful pompoms, I can’t quit you.

A tote that can hold all your weekend stuff and a Yorshire Terrier, and still make you look stylish while you wait in line for the Jitney.

Day or night, beach or sweltering subway platform, this is one bag that will shine in any situation.

I think I just came down with a case of bag envy.

So pretty, I want to hang it on an entryway hook and then Instagram the hell out of it.

Retro wooden handles, fringey canvas and amorous lobsters — what’s not to love about this kitschy Topshop bag?

This tote is as close to sunshine in a bottle as you can possibly get.

A bag that says “I’ve been in St. Tropez all summer, where have you been?”

Yet more pompoms, and tassels, too. Who can resist?

Take a Hamptons chic vibe wherever you go.

Who needs a wardrobe when you’ve got this amazing kaftan-style bag slung over your shoulder?

Leave it to Italian designer Alice D. to make summer’s all around perfect tote.

Feel like you’re strutting along the beach in Ibiza, even though in reality you’re only trying to avoid the uriney parts of the sidewalk.

Easy, breezy, lightweight — and the ideal sundress accessory. 

As far as I’m concerned, a summer tote with a crossbody strap is summer tote nirvana.