kate spade new york’s New Summer Collection Is Here & It’s Giving Major Coastal-Glam Vibes

I’ll be the first to admit: As temperatures rise, so do my shopping impulses. Breezy sundresses are my weak spot. But now that summer is firmly underway and my closet is stocked with the airy frocks I rely on for the season, it’s time to turn my attention to a slightly more nuanced endeavor: finding the perfect handbag that can be paired with all of them. Enter the kate spade new york summer collection, which feels like summer incarnate. The clutches, shoulder bags, and totes in the brand’s latest drop feature colors and textures that feel completely of-the-moment, and I must say, I’m smitten.

Known for serving up joyful designs with a side of cheeky humor, kate spade new york has always been a reliable destination for handbags, and its coastal summer collection feels particularly inspired. From shimmery sequined pochettes and crossbody shell bags that are the perfect nod to mermaidcore, to bright crocheted raffia totes that add a whimsical pop of color, here are a few gems — or should I say, pearls — that you’ll want to scoop up now before the summer vacay vibes drift away.

Shop The kate spade new york Summer Collection

1. The Pearly White Crossbody Shell Bag

Inspired by all things aquatic, the nautical bags in kate spade new york’s What the Shell collection are standouts both for their playful shape and pearlized leather construction. The 3-D Shell crossbody bag comes with a 22-inch strap to throw on and go, but there’s also a shorter faux-pearl strap included for pairing with dressier looks. As one Instagram reviewer noted, “This is THE summer bag.” It’s roomy enough to fit the latest iPhone models and even a water bottle, but compact enough for feeling unencumbered as you stroll down the boardwalk. Pair it with your favorite summer sundresses and embrace a holiday-by-the-sea mood, whether you’re by water or not.

Love the shell look but looking for a different size? There’s also an adorable Micro Seashell crossbody bag and a Nautilus Shell shoulder bag in luxe Spazzolato leather.

2. The Crocheted Raffia Tote In Colorful Contrasting Stripes

Crochet is having a moment and kate spade new york’s Hide Tide collection, with its hand-crocheted raffia, captures the earthiness of the look but elevates it with vibrant contrasting stripes in a mixed matte finish. The Ladybug Multi tote featured here calls to mind summer berries, but you can also score the open-top tote in three other color combinations, including Fresh Greens and the more neutral White Multi or Black Multi. The tote is large enough to fit a 13-inch laptop and versatile enough to go from strolling the beach to pounding city pavement without missing a beat.

You can also score the crocheted raffia look in a smaller crossbody size for a classic bag you’ll toss in your suitcase for every single getaway.

3. The Sam Icon Mini Tote With Heritage Appeal

It’s hard to believe that kate spade new york is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, but that makes the latest iteration of the Sam Icon tote so special. A revamp of the original Sam bag that started it all back in 1993, the striped sequins on the Sam Icon Mini Tote have an under-the-sea vibe that feels au current, but that squared-off silhouette harkens back to the bag that put the brand on the map in the first place. The shimmery tote comes with a cute 3.5-inch handle for wrist carrying, or a crossbody strap for even more versatility. It can fit your iPhone and other small essentials, and with its classic lines, you know you’ll have this tote for years to come.

If you’re looking for a slightly larger tote, the Sam Icon Ombré Sequin small tote is sure to dazzle as well.

4. The Ombré Sequin Pochette

The Lulu Pochette is the perfect way to embrace mermaidcore, with its ombré sequined design in sea hues. The shoulder strap can be worn as a wristlet to take you from brunch to an evening out without missing a beat. The zip-top closure promises to keep all essentials — like your iPhone and wallet— safely inside, while the two interior side pockets make accessing keys and lip balm a breeze. The shape nods to the ‘90s but the irridiscent flair feels like the epitome of Summer 2023.

5. The Classic Straw Tote With Under-The-Sea Flair

Featuring charming sea embellishments on straw with leather trim and canvas lining, the What The Shell Straw Tote is the ultimate beach bag. Large enough to a laptop (if you’re planning to work remotely) as well as all the essentials you’ll need for a day on the sand, this colorful coral- and starfish-adorned tote is perfect for summer sea adventures, but you may also find yourself reaching for it for city errands as well.