5 Outdated Handbag Trends To Ditch For Summer 2026 (& 6 To Add To Your Closet)

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Oh, accessories, how we love thee. Even on a bloated day when nothing seems to fit, you always do. You can take an outfit from blah to booyah with minimal effort, and miraculously (wink), we always seem able to fit just a few more of you into our closets. While we've been longingly perusing the warm-weather shoe trends we won't be able to avoid for spring/summer 2026, we've also been daydreaming about what handbags deserve a place in our wardrobes this season.

Which leads us to contemplating which handbag trends feel outdated for summer '26, and can hibernate in their duster bags until they get another round on the fashion carousel, as they inevitably will. But in the meantime, what should we focus on and what should we ditch? We asked designer and stylist at Milliner's Row, Amy Grammer, who tells Glam exclusively, "Unlike last season, shoppers want bags that have a unique and personalized touch, that are functional and expressive, and that are not a part of the outfit, but that complete its style." So nothing too quiet, too small, or too contrived? We're in.

When looking at summer 2026's most outdated trends you won't want to be caught wearing, quiet luxury is out. And the same extends to handbags. These are the everyday bags that might qualify as beautiful but boring, what stylist Amy Grammer calls "dull" and "minimal" during our exclusive chat.

Instead, think extra. Maximalist details were among the handbag trends that were everywhere in summer 2025 and they're going strong again this year. But rather than just a few trendsetters sampling bags with bold hardware details and eye-catching colors, now the fashion-attuned masses will be embracing bags with big energy: drawstrings instead of zippers; chain straps instead of basic leather ones; major hardware and other embellishments instead of nothing.

Maximalist doesn't mean it needs to be animal print or furry fuchsia; it could be something as subtle as texture. For example, check out this Liadreem Straw Purse with its chain straps and gold hardware (and budget-friendly price tag). Or this Michael Kors Hamilton Shoulder Tote, which ticks many trend boxes with its color and tasteful extras.

In our exclusive chat with stylist Amy Grammer, she confirmed what we already suspected: formerly-trendy microbags, those miniature versions of a normal-sized handbag, are still outdated for summer 2026. What was fun about these bags is that they challenged the notion that we need to carry our lives around in a jumbo purse, and they literally lightened our load. That doesn't mean we need to revert back to functional, bulky bags, however.

Instead, daytime clutches are here for summer '26. Are they the most practical bag? Nope. You can't sling them over the back of your chair, or across your body for hands-free living. But this bag isn't about practicality. It's a fashionable piece that will immediately elevate an outfit and tell the world that you've got style.

Look for a slouchier silhouette like this well-priced QWINEE Woven Dumpling Clutch, which comes in a variety of colors and textures. The Zimmerman Medium Cloud 91 Clutch is more of an investment piece, but its elegant lines, extra details, and optional strap will make it one you'll carry frequently, and for years.

According to our style expert Amy Grammer, "Top-handle bags that are overly stiff and formal" are out for 2026. These bags tend to veer too far into the quiet luxury category, and something less structured for summertime is better.

On the flip side, you'll see oversized tote bags everywhere. And if you love fashion that's also functional, this is your tea. "The lighter oversized sack shoulder bags are going to be the top summer 2026 handbag," Grammer tells us exclusively. "These bags are designed to be slouchy, and are structured to have a woven and a raffia-like texture, and some even have a chain to be more expressive."

The Phillip Lim 3.1 Raffia Market Tote embodies Grammer's brief. For a version with a more mid-level price tag, check out The Sak Los Feliz Large Tote Bag, which comes in nearly 30 different materials, colors, and patterns. And for a wallet-friendly version, check out the sqlp Large Work Tote, which boasts thousands of positive reviews.

If you love your red handbag, especially if you just got it last year when red was all the rage, by all means, keep rocking it. But if you're looking to add a new piece to your collection in '26, fashion insiders are looking away from fiery shades and diving into something cooler and calmer this summer. But again, don't get rid of the red — you'll want to put it back into rotation in the future, undoubtedly.

Instead, blue and white hues are trending for all the handbag shapes mentioned here. While white is pretty straightforward, there's an ocean of blues to choose from. Add a pop of color to a neutral outfit with a bold cobalt bag, or use pastel blue as a neutral that complements your 'fit. Or, do maximalism proud by wearing a blue that matches your outfit.

This Tin Marin Mixte Large Woven Bag is the type of piece that's bound to garner compliments. Looking to sample a few trends in one piece? Then consider the elegant Takeasy Leather Tote, which comes in both white and blue options.

Sorry, Labubu lovers. It looks like bag charms are on the decline for 2026. But you may have suspected that, which is why they're merely clipped onto your bag so they can be easily removed. (Don't worry, the second-hand bag charm market is still going strong if you want to rehome your critter.)

Instead of a furry friend attached to your bag, add interest with a mesh or woven texture, which were a staple of the '26 Fashion Week runways. The Mamunu Crochet Tote Bag has summertime written all over it, whether you're heading to the market, the beach, or brunch with girlfriends.

Another trend to add to your closet this season is the east-west bag, which is a horizontal baguette style with handles on top. These have been spotted on celebrities and street stylers alike, making us want to add a style like JW Pei's Keyla Bag to our cart. This piece practically overdoses on summer 2026 bag trends: woven, blue, east-west shape, and gold hardware. Tick, tick, tick, and tick.

Above, we've featured a number of on-trend-for-2026 handbag options to buy. Why are they the ones worthy of space in your closet? For starters, they've ticked the style boxes selected by experts for what's trending this year. Next, they cover a variety of price points, depending on what your budget may be. And finally, they have overwhelmingly positive reviews from the people who have purchased them in the past, with feedback about important features like their quality, durability, and attention to detail.