THE BAGS AND BITS WE’RE TAKING TO EVERY EVENT ON THE SOCIAL CALENDAR

Summer plans have a habit of endlessly multiplying before you can keep up, and there’s no one-bag-fits-all solution to them. A leather crossbody makes no sense if you’re en route to the beach. Likewise, you don’t want to drag down the festival energy with a heavy tote slung on your shoulder. Different occasions call for different bags – and with all the fresh arm candy arriving on-site this summer, you’ve got every excuse to expand your collection. Below, we’ve rounded up our favourite summer bags for everything on your social calendar, plus what to pack inside.

Festival season is officially here. If you’ve been patiently waiting to log off your work laptop and lock into a weekend of muddy fields, your bag needs as much consideration as your outfit. While your tent, spare clothes and emergency supplies can live in a larger bag, you’ll want something small and compact for walking from set to set. Desigual has dropped a plethora of festival-ready bags, including this studded leather standout. It’s great for keeping your bits and pieces close – like sunglasses, a crochet beanie and lip balm. If you want to bring a fragrance along, this KIKO x Just Cavalli body spray is filled with floral notes – ideal for smelling fresh when showers are few and far between.

 

GET THE LOOK:
Desigual Buckle charm bag in black, £85
Mango starring Hailey Bieber square sunglasses in black, £19.99
KIKO Milano x Just Cavalli Exclusive Rebelicious Fragrance Mist, £22
Levi's crochet beanie in black, £27
LANEIGE Glaze Craze Tinted Lip Serum - Blueberry Jelly, £19

A little sun and sea offers an instant dopamine boost – whether you’re kicking back in Bournemouth or Bali. Start your beach-day prep with a large tote. Woven and raffia bags have become synonymous with beach style, especially when paired with summer neutrals. Then comes what to pack. Naturally, you’ll want practical picks like a beach towel and SPF. A crochet cover-up is the perfect lightweight layer when there's a slight temperature dip. And why not carry the beachy vibes through your accessories? This flower hair claw clip gives serious Zara Larsson feels while doubling as a makeshift bag charm, too.

 

GET THE LOOK:
Dragon Diffusion Nantucket woven basket bag in sand, £407
DesignB London hibiscus flower hair claw clip in teal, £8
Baggu bath towel in bright pool stripe, £46
Aray low back crochet mini beach dress in white, £38
Clinique UV Solutions Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 50, £30

Off to the races? Pick a bag that’s equal parts elegant and practical. Pearl details have long been a favourite on the racing circuit, which is why this mini bag – complete with a pearl strap – feels like such a perfect choice. With limited space to work with, every item needs to earn its place. If you’re not following the races uniform of a fascinator or wide-brim hat, a lace headband offers the same charm. With photos aplenty, you’ll also want some beauty essentials to touch up on-the-go – like a lipstick and compact hairbrush. And of course, your look isn’t complete without a fragrance to pull it all together. Huda Beauty’s latest scent is inspired by the fragrance of the Easy Bake powder, and its mini bottle effortlessly slips into even the smallest of bags.

 

GET THE LOOK:
ASOS DESIGN resin ball handle frame clutch bag in stone, £26
ASOS DESIGN white lace headband, £8
Huda Beauty Easy Bake Intense Eau De Parfum 50ml, £70
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick - Pillow Talk Original, £29.50
Tangle Teezer Mini Ultimate Detangler Millennial Pink, £11

At this point, Pilates could be classed as a major social event – the perfect way to spend a morning before grabbing matcha with the girls. It even has a go-to colour palette – soft pinks and light neutrals – that this Havaianas puffer bag matches. With its padded design, it’s both comfortable and roomy enough to fit all your studio essentials. Grip socks are a must-have for both mat and reformer classes, so pack a pair from OYSHO. Stay hydrated with a cute water bottle and catch a sweat with this soft-girl-approved headband.

 

GET THE LOOK:
Havaianas Puffer bag in buttercream, £55
4505 Icon soft touch yoga wide headband in blush pink, £6
OYSHO cotton blend yoga and pilates socks with crossover straps, £15.99
TYPO On the move 1L insulated bottle 2.0 in off-white polka dot, £25
LANEIGE Cream Skin Cerapeptide Mist 30ml, £10.50