5 Summer Bag Trends I'm Embracing Inspired by the Stylish Girls I Spot in My Brooklyn Area

      The theme song of my Brooklyn neighborhood is Erykah Badu’s “Bag Lady.” The stylish girls I spot grabbing milky matcha lattes while working at cafés or strolling down my street consistently showcase summer bag trends that catch my eye. Before moving to New York, many of the influencers I followed lived in Brooklyn, and I would save their outfit details. Now, I can ask the Brooklyn girls in real life. When it comes to summer bags, these women often discuss their bags with enthusiasm, sharing details about how long they saved for them, whether they found a great deal, how the bag holds up, and if it truly deserves the investment. This summer, I’m allowing the Brooklyn girls to determine the season's It bags. Each time I leave my apartment, I encounter the same bag trends repeatedly. So, I wanted to share the trends I've noticed most on my daily commutes and walks around my block. Here are my Brooklyn neighborhood's top five summer bag trends to try before the season wraps up. (Don't worry—many of these will still be trendy in the fall.)

      **Slouchy Leather Bags**

      The slouchy leather bag trend was everywhere last summer, and I’m pleased to say it has endured through the rapid trend cycle. Stylish Brooklyn girls mix these with virtually all types of outfits. I’ve seen them paired with everything from dresses and pointed-toe heels to long denim shorts and cropped tank tops. While these bags have a relaxed vibe, they still lend an elegant and fresh aspect to any look. They're versatile enough for a night out post-work and casual enough for a day spent running errands.

      **Roomy Baguette Bags**

      Brooklyn girls have a fondness for a '90s/early 2000s aesthetic. The baguette style was immensely popular back then, even making an appearance in an episode of Sex and the City, where Carrie Bradshaw was robbed of her Fendi. The memorable phrase, “It’s a baguette!” continues to hold meme-worthy significance. Fendi reintroduced the baguette in 2019, and many brands have since created their own takes on this trendy silhouette. Fast forward about six years, and the baguette still firmly holds its place as a favored shape among cool Brooklynites. Recently, I’ve noticed people wearing them for nights out, paired with kitten-heel sandals and capri leggings.

      **A Classic Tote**

      Classic tote bags remain unaffected by the trend cycle. Their shape remains relevant for every type of dresser. This might be unique to my neighborhood, but non-canvas tote bags have become quite popular on my block. I’ve seen girls of various ages (in their early 20s, older, and younger Gen Z included) carrying chic leather totes while running errands that require more space. This approach of using a sophisticated-looking tote for adult activities like grocery shopping and picking up tailoring is by far my favorite way to appear stylish on the go.

      **Novelty Bags**

      Stylish Brooklyn residents also have a great sense of humor. Occasionally, I’ll see an outfit that reflects quiet luxury, but the bag adds a whimsical touch. Novelty bags made a splash on the S/S 25 runways of Moschino, Bottega Veneta, and Valentino, with each fashion house showcasing models carrying bags in unexpected and quirky shapes. Trendy Brooklynites have embraced this style, and now I frequently see novelty bags incorporated into chic everyday outfits.

      **Cargo Bags**

      I’ve developed a fondness for cargo bags. They perfectly embody cool and functional design. These bags appeared on multiple F/W 25 runways, including those for Tory Burch and Coach, while Chanel introduced the highly sought-after Chanel 25 bag during their S/S 25 show. This particular bag seems to be the most commonly seen in my neighborhood. There's no need to carry a wallet for every outing—it functions as both a wallet and a bag. What I love most about seeing it around is the myriad of ways it's styled by the fashionable residents of Brooklyn, from casual ensembles to more dressed-up looks. It's as versatile as it is convenient.