The Summer Bags That Work From The Office To The Beach

M&S Cotton Rich Canvas Striped Tote Bag

As your clothing gets lighter and brighter during the summer, don't forget to upgrade your bag too! The (sometimes) bright and beautiful weather spurs most of us to choose vibrant hues and softer textures, but we neglect to update our dark, leather bags from the winter and early spring.

Totes are in all the shops this season, and who could blame them? They're soft, durable and an environmentally friendly way to carry your shopping, not to mention they come in fabulous colours and patterns. This M&S Cotton Canvas Tote Bag, £25, is one of our faves, doubling as a beach bag and supermarket saviour.

From classic handbags to straw jutes to slouchy styles, we've scoured the shops to find the brightest bags to wear this season. Not only will these bags see you from your summer holiday through to the colder months, but they'll inject some much needed sunshine into dreary days, whatever the season!

Zara Tote With Cord Detail, £29.99

A perfect balance of bold and elegant - take to the beach or the office.

Oasis Summer Aztec Shopper, £28

If you don't want to go the whole hog, this Aztec print bag has a golden yellow tassle for a touch of colour.

Ted Baker Senley Tribal Stripe Small Tote Bag, £79

Nautical needn't always be blue and white. This chic bag channels Breton style in rainbow hues, which helps bring the trend up-to-date.

White Stuff Multi Mexican Shopper, £39.95

This all-round winner of a shopper fits the bill slung over the shoulder of a casual tee or a formal dinner jacket.

Aspinal of London Mini Marylebone Tote, £297.50

Ok, so this breaks the 'lighter textures' rule, but as they say, rules were made to be broken - especially for a bag THIS gorgeous.

Mango Jacquard Jute Bag, £35.99

Navy blue is the must-have shade this season, but that doesn't mean a dark and dreary wardrobe! Paired with neutral colours, it's an ultra-flattering colour that goes with most outfits.

Modalu Poppy East West Shopper Peach Marble Shopper, £69

Unleash the tiger within with this marbled-effect bag from Modalu.

Anthropologie Pepita Pom Tote, £98

Beach bags don't get much more summery than this playful pom-pom tote.

New Look Gold Woven Straw Shopper

, £19.99

Get the sunnies out, because this shiny gold bag is set to dazzle!

LK Bennett Kiki Print Tote, £245

Switch up your ditsy florals from last season with more abstract prints, like this gorgeous pattern from LK Bennett.

&Other Stories Rock Garden Canvas Tote, £29

From the artistic colour clashes to the cut-out print, everything about this tote screams cool.

Glamorous Embroidered Beach Bag With Pom Detail, £32

Embroidered bags are beautiful, but aren't always practical for your day-to-day life. Try this sturdy yet stylish piece from ASOS instead.

River Island Orange Leather And Suede Patchwork Slouch Bag, £60

Can't choose between sky blue, coral or mustard? Why not have all three - plus additional accents of black and white - with this patchwork River Island bag!

Zara Fringed Tote, £29.99

Fringing may strike fear in the hearts of some shoppers, but this bag offers a more approachable take on the trend.