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

      The theme song for my Brooklyn neighborhood is Erykah Badu's "Bag Lady." The stylish girls I notice grabbing creamy matcha lattes while working at cafés or strolling down my street always sport a summer bag trend that catches my eye. Before moving to New York, the majority of influencers I followed were based in Brooklyn, and I would save their posts for outfit inspiration. Now, I can simply ask Brooklyn girls in real life. When it comes to summer bags, these girls often rave about their purses, sharing everything from how long they saved to buy them, to whether they found a good deal, how the bag has aged, and if it was worth the investment. This summer, I'm letting the Brooklyn girls determine which bags are considered trendy. Each time I leave my apartment, I encounter the same bag trends repeatedly. Therefore, I decided to share with you the styles I've noticed most during my daily commutes and stylish walks around my area. Below are my Brooklyn neighborhood’s top five summer bag trends to explore before the season wraps up. (And don’t worry—many of these will still be fashionable in the fall.)

      **Slouchy Leather Bags**

      The slouchy leather bag trend dominated last summer, and I’m pleased to report it has persisted through the rapid trend cycles. Trendy Brooklyn girls pair these bags with nearly every outfit imaginable. I've seen slouchy bags styled 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 bring an elegant and refreshing element to an outfit. They're adaptable enough for a night out after work and casual enough for a day of errands.

      - A.P.C. Orange Ne Neige Bag

      - AllSaints Asha Shoulder Bag

      - The Row Bindle Medium Leather Tote Bag

      - Reformation Medium Vittoria Tote Bag

      **Roomy Baguette Bags**

      The Brooklyn girls have a fondness for '90s and early 2000s vibes. The baguette was a hugely popular shape back then and even got a mention in a “Sex and the City” episode when Carrie Bradshaw was robbed of her Fendi. The memorable line, “It’s a baguette!” remains a relevant meme today. Fendi reintroduced the baguette in 2019, and since then, other brands have created their versions of this trendy silhouette. Fast forward six years, and the baguette continues to maintain its status as an It bag among the stylish Brooklyn crowd. Lately, I’ve noticed people sporting them for nights out, often paired with kitten-heel sandals and capri leggings.

      - ZARA Elongated Woven Shopper

      - Freja New York Mini Chrystie Bag

      - HYER GOODS La Strada Leather East West Bag

      - Mansur Gavriel Candy Baguette Bag

      **A Classic Tote**

      The classic tote bag is immune to trend cycles. Its shape is timeless and works for any style of dressing. This might be particular to my neighborhood, but non-canvas tote bags have been incredibly popular on my block. I’ve spotted girls from various generations (early 20s, older, and younger Gen Z) carrying sleek leather totes while running errands that necessitate a spacious bag. I particularly love the idea of using an upscale-looking tote for adulting tasks like grocery shopping and picking up alterations; it’s a chic way to look fashionable on the go.

      - Tory Burch Perry Triple Compartment Leather Tote

      - COACH North Pebbled Leather Tote

      - Madewell The Handwoven Leather Tote

      - MANGO Patchwork Leather Shopper Bag

      **Novelty Bags**

      Fashionable individuals in Brooklyn also have a playful side. Sometimes, I’ll spot an outfit that fits the definition of quiet luxury, but then the bag adds a whimsical touch. Novelty bags made a splash on the S/S 25 runways of Moschino, Bottega Veneta, and Valentino, where each brand showcased models carrying bags in unexpected and extravagant shapes. Trendy Brooklynites have embraced this, and now, I’m seeing novelty bags paired with chic everyday outfits.

      - Puppets And Puppets Small Leather Cookie Bag

      - VAQUERA Brown Monogram Violin Bag

      - D'heygere Black Rose Sleeve Clutch

      **Cargo Bags**

      I’m a fan of cargo bags. They represent both style and functionality. They appeared on numerous F/W 25 runways, including Tory Burch and Coach, while Chanel’s S/S 25 runway introduced the immensely popular Chanel 25 bag. This is the bag I see most frequently in my neighborhood. It combines the functions of a bag and a wallet, allowing you to leave your wallet at home for outings. I enjoy seeing how Brooklyn's stylish residents pair it with everything from simple looks to more elaborate ensembles—it’s as versatile as it is practical.

      - Aest Studios Capture Large Shoulder Bag

      - Acne Studios Micro