Now at the apex of summer with temperatures topping 100 degrees in some parts of the U.S., wardrobes are solidified with swimwear, linen and the sandal du jour  — The Row flip-flop, anyone? But where does a customer looking to carry all the spoils of the warm season procure a handbag? The spring 2025 collections offer some bread crumbs, musing newness with see-through iterations of totes, crossbody bags and pouches. Designers including Chloé, Proenza Shouler, Lemaire, Staud, and Christian Louboutin trotted see-through options down the runway.

The time has come to see what’s in the bag, literally.

“Summer styling feels more effortless than ever,” said Courtney Grant, senior vice president buying for multibrand boutique Elyse Walker. “Textured accessories are the easiest way to add dimension and interest to your head-to-toe white linen outfit, or little black dress look.”

Designers make the bag, but really it’s the client who personalizes it with whatever they pack for a day, a weekend or more. “See-through raffias and sheer mesh bags add an element of modernity and playfulness as a contrast to your low-key minimalist looks this season” Grant added.  

Fabrications for a modern game of show-and-tell range from clear tonal plastics to silver mesh but easily the strongest concepts come in rope — direct off the runway of bohemian Chloé and ‘It’ girl cool Miu Miu, proposing a winking upgrade to the ubiquitous raffia accessories of summer.

On the business side, executives and creatives are engaging in conversations about what makes something unique enough to give a customer — during a well-reported luxury downturn — a reason to open their wallet.  Well, what is more personalized than a handbag that shows your daily haul and well, your wallet?

Caroline Maguire, Shopbop’s senior fashion director, labeled the season’s transparent bags and knotted rope totes as “the perfect summer accessory. They add an element of sporty chic to any look, while still feeling contemporary and elevated.” The Amazon-owned Shopbop carries several, including the 3.1 Phillip Lim Slim Net Tote and the Staud Christos Mini Mesh Tote, two she calls favorites.

“Add a knotted bag to an office look for a touch of beachy energy or select a transparent style for a pool day to make a statement with a more casual warm-weather look,” she said.  

Summer is the time to let it all out, including what you carry in your bag.