Fashion

This Handbag Trend Is This Summer’s Alternative To A Classic Basket Bag

best beaded bags
Moritz Scholz/Getty Images

If you’ve been scrolling the new-in sections recently, you’ll have noticed a flurry of embellished bags of all shapes and sizes. After hitting the spring/summer 2026 runways at the likes of Dries Van Noten and Fendi, decorated handbags are no longer a summer essential reserved for maximalist dressers.

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Kate Moss with a beaded bag at a Vogue party in 1998.

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With ’90s-coded styling sticking around for yet another season, it’s no wonder that beaded bags have found their way back into fashion insiders’ wardrobes. In recent months, we’ve spotted a variety of embellished bags – from slouchy shoulder styles to petite pouches – on the arms of fashion’s favourite It-girls. However the original wearer was Kate Moss, who in the late ’90s often accessorised her signature slip dresses with delicate beaded pouches that were so small they might only just fit in an iPhone.

Shop the best beaded bags for summer 2026:

The beach-ready mini bag
CULT GAIA Mercier Bead-Embellished Mini Bag
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The party bag
Reformation Valentina Mini Beaded Bag
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The slouchy beaded tote
Marks & Spencer Macrame Beaded Shoulder Bag
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If, like me, your outfit rotation mainly consists of hard-working wardrobe basics, a beaded bag is the perfect opportunity to add a textural twist to simple outfits this summer. I’ve been pairing my vintage beaded bag with slim-fit jeans and my trusted white T-shirt, with black leather ballet flats. If you’re a maximalist at heart, however, a magpie bag can be used to add even more personality to print-heavy looks.

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Styling my vintage beaded mini bag with my go-to jeans and white tee.

Summer is no stranger to texture, so why not embrace a little ’90s flare, and finish your summer looks with a statement beaded bag. Scroll on to see and shop the best beaded bags for this summer, and beyond.

The mini beaded bag

If you’re wedding-bound this season, a beaded mini bag is the perfect addition to your look. Whether you’re colour-maxing or opting for a more minimalist outfit, use this accessory as a playful addition to any event-ready outfit.

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CULT GAIA

Mercier Bead-Embellished Mini Bag

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Staud

Reef Beaded Bag

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Reformation

Valentina Mini Beaded Bag

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Rabanne

Beaded Mini Wood Shoulder Bag

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H&M

Bead-Detail Net Handbag

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Rixo

Zenni Beaded Bucket Bag

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Mango

Beaded Handbag

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Dries Van Noten

Embellished Twill Shoulder Bag

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Free People

Bailey Beaded Barrel Bag

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Sophie Buhai

Teardrop Embellished Satin Drawstring Pouch

The beaded tote bag

A slouchy tote is always a good idea during the warmer months – skip the canvas, and add an eye-catching beaded exterior to shake things up. These totes will be the perfect addition to your summer capsule wardrobe, adding colour to your office outfits and beach ensembles alike.

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Staud

Karla Beaded Top-Handle Bag

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Saint Laurent

Icare Beaded Wood Tote

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Marks & Spencer

Macrame Beaded Shoulder Bag

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JW Anderson

Bead-Embellished Leather-Trimmed Canvas Tote

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Coach

Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 28 With Wooden Beading

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Zara

Beaded Bucket Bag

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Zara

Mesh Bead Handbag

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Miu Miu

Beaded Mesh Bucket Bag

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Sandro

Crochet Beaded Top-Handle Bag

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Staud

Drift Leather-Trimmed Beaded Wood Shoulder Bag