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Summer bag

Minaminu

Veteran

hi All,

hope you are all doing well! I am looking for a mini handbag for spring and summer and have been thinking for quite some times about this type of bag, I like its shape and size.

I am not sure which colour to choose! This year, I want to add more light neutrals to my wardrobe. I have been considering tan as an option, but it’s a warm colour and I am not sure if it could work well with my cool wardrobe which is mainly made up with cream, navy, blues, black and some pink.

The white bag is very appealing, but I wonder how easy it would be kept clean.

I have included my current collection of bags, one is missing as I haven’t taken a picture yet (it’s a soft antique rose)

Any ideas?

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20 replies

Latest reply was from Minaminu

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I find bags easiest to work with if they pick up some color that’s repeated elsewhere in the outfit — especially shoes. Have you considered a complement with your most-worn footwear?

For instance, I found this bag felt a little out of place until I got these sandals and the reptile print booties. The combination works nicely with my blacks and blues.

Harriet Leather Box Tote

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Arc Toe Loop Sandal

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Brooklyn

Veteran

What Janet said.

I think tan would work well with the colours you mention, but so would white. Both are summery.

(I have a white bag and I have been able to keep it clean.)

smittie

Veteran

Do you have shoes to match the tan bag?

slim cat

Veteran

White is easiest choice for summer or navy color. Agree that color of the summer footwear should be taken in consideration. Pretty bags in your collection!

Minaminu

Veteran

Lots of good suggestions! Thank you!!!!

@Janet, I like how the bag and shoes compliment each other! May I ask how you bookend the sandals?

@ Brooklyn, is your white bag "high maintenance"? Just wondering if it would be a good balance.

@smittie, not really! As a brunette, I am using lots of dark summer shoes as per the attached images, however this year I am planning to add some white or grey sandals.

@slimcat, thanks! If I wouldn't be challenging myself to add light neutrals this year, I would have bought the navy option in a heartbeat. But I need to plan it well so that I can build a balanced wardrobe.

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Janet

(website)

Veteran

Minaminu, I basically bookend the sandals with the bag, or with a subtle nod to the cognac/tan color spectrum with a piece of jewelry — a copper necklace, or a wrap cuff I have that is made of a soft tan leather with a silver detail. Maybe a scarf with the color in a print, etc. I think bookending can be achieved with a relatively small amount of the same color or tone (silver with white, for instance, or rose gold or copper with blush or tan).

Sal

Veteran

I have not had a pure white bag, but my light grey bag was easy to look after and wore well.

I also usually repeat my bag colour somewhere else in my outfit - shoes, blouse etc. From what you have said I think white Jay be easier than tan.

bj1111

Veteran

Love those options. That white bag seems more gray than white/cream. I also noticed a lot is structure with all these bags. Was that intentional?

I have a white leather bag and a light pink cloth tote. A quick wipe with a barely damp cloth and the white leather bag is fine...but the leather is thick and any water marks are concealed by the grain.

With the cloth, I use a pink eraser and go to town. Blow away the crumbs and it’s good as new

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Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I think either color could work. You can decide based on the impression you want to make. White and blue (all shades) are a classic crisp combo. I think white can look spritely and support a little playfulness or be serene and soothing. Tan to me is more sophisticated, and works beautifully with the colors you mention, in more subdued kinds of matches. I’m curious to see outfits once you’ve gotten your choice.

Joy

Veteran

White bag with black or brown handles and bottom keeps clean easier.
My requirement for summer bags is a top opening for possible carrying of a water bottle or thermos, maybe an umbrella., a light topper for air conditioning, and maybe snacks. I end up needing more room, not less, during warm weather and regularly use totes, especially now that sanitizer, plastic gloves and masks are needed.

Minaminu

Veteran

@Janet, thanks! very clever book endings! I can see it working with your style. I like your suede sandals very much, I may be looking into a pair of sandals in a similar material!

@Sal, that is a very good idea! white may be the easiest option to mix and match with my current pieces.

@bj1111, thanks! I prefer structured bags, they suit my personality and style. It took me a while to accept it as I do like some bags with an organic shape as well but it drive me crazy when I need to look for an item inside! Thanks for the tipp!

Minaminu

Veteran

@fashionintern, thanks! good points about the perception of white and tan.... need to think what direction I want to take.

@Joy, good idea to look for a bag with a darker colour on the base. The design of this bag has been done in a way that the base does not touch the ground, if you see what I mean. It's interesting to hear your requirements for a summer bag! I try to bring the bare minimum with me as I don't like to have too many things with me.

cat2

Veteran

If cream is your favorite white, then I would not get a white bag, instead looking for a similar cream. A cool tan bag and shoe combination would be nice, but at least on my screen the bags above look like warm tans. Maybe the grey and some reptile shoes or sandals that pick up the grey?

The Cat

Veteran

How about blush pink? I have come to appreciate this colour as a neutral. It goes with all my cool colours. Particularly lovely in summer. A welcome substitute for--or addition to--other light summer neutrals such as white and light gray.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I really like the white one. It doesn’t seem too bright a white thus should go with your cream items better.
Otherwise the paler tan of the two tans looks less warm and like it would go well with the first 3 pairs of shoes you show.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Do you have tan footwear? That can work well.

If not, I vote white. A good quality white bag is very easy to keep clean. I have three, use them all the time, and they are spotless!

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Furla Across-body bag

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Rosie Leather Small Bag

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rachylou

Veteran

I generally avoid white because I’m a wreck - I’ve dropped my drink four times since last Wednesday. But do have two white handbags that I’ve carried daily and it’s been ok. So I vote for white, esp considering your wardrobe colours.

Brooklyn

Veteran

My white bag is not high maintenance at all. I took it on a trip to NYC a few years ago and it survived just fine. It’s Michael Kors.

I do have a Furla bag in ivory that shows the marks. But I think the problem with that one is the leather has a reptile texture and a pile (like suede) and it seems to pick up the marks.

Michael by Michael Kors Ava XS Laser-Cut Crossbody Bag, White/Silver

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Helena

Veteran

I didn't read the whole thread so sorry if I'm being repetitive ... but I use cognac as my 'leather' colour (shoes, purse, belt) for summer and I like how it works with my cool-toned wardrobe (similar to you - black, navy, gray, white, blues, pink, cool teal, etc.)

Minaminu

Veteran

So many white bags collections, all looking incredibly stylish!

Cat2, good point about the cream! I managed to find a close-up picture of the white and light tan bag. The white bag seems to be a chalky white, it could work with the suggested grey and some reptile shoes or sandals.

TheCat, love the blush pink idea! I already have a clutch in blush and a leather "envelope bag" in an old rose.... Would 3 bags in this tone be too much? Uhm....

Jenny NZ, thanks! Lots to think about. I think eventually, as I get more grey hair, I will also replace the black shoes with a lighter colour to bookend the salt and pepper look.

Angie, I don't have tan footwear. I think it's a fab colour but never bought a tan bag or sandals and this year I was planning to add either white or grey footwear for the summer.

Rachylou, that's exactly my worry! I can be so clumsy!!!!

Brooklyn, good point!!! it could well be that the texture of the leather affects more the upkeep rather than the colour...

Helena, how interesting! I always thought that cognac is a wintery colour, thought I don't have and winter or summer footwear in that colour. I think the cognac footwear would bookend beautifully with your hair.

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