Beaded Bags Are Summer’s Most Joyful Accessories

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Calling all maximalists: If you’re still struggling to get behind the simplicity of quiet luxury, you’re going to want some fun accessories to take your look up a notch. The best beaded bags are just the thing to add a festive feel to your outfit. While you may not think to make a bolder bag your go-to for every day, a beaded bag can do anything that a leather or suede style will. Dressing up for work or a black-tie wedding can be celebratory and fun.

“I think a beaded, sparkly, eye-catching bag goes with literally everything. I wear the same bag to the gym that I wear out to dinner,” says Susan Korn, the founder of popular beaded bag brand Susan Alexandra.

Since bead materials can run the gamut—from glass to pearl to wood and beyond—Korn notes that some bead styles are inherently more casual than others. “I really look at the materials when ascribing a piece to day versus night,” she says. “For example, the bags made from pearls feel specific to a fancier occasion, and our fringe and crystal-laden bags do lend themselves to a sexy evening out.”

With so many colorful and textural options out there, beaded bags also feel particularly appropriate for summer—they’re made for sunny days and festive nights. Shop 15 of our favorite beaded bag styles below.

Cote Bag

Start with an artful carryall to tuck into the nook of your arm. If you have a Matisse poster on the wall at home, this bag is for you.

Dimensions: 7.3" H x 9.8" W x 6.3" D

Materials: 100% polyurethane, glass beads

GO Bag

“I’m a big summer bike rider and needed a hands-free, active bag, which is how the GO bag came into existence,” says Korn. This playful design is perfect for busy weekends.

Dimensions: 5.25" H x 7.75" W x 2.5" D

Materials: Beads

Sphere Bag

Some bags are made to make a statement the minute you walk in the room. This style is unexpected—and sure to elicit questions about how anything actually manages to stay inside.

Dimensions: 6.5" H x 8.5" W x 2.5" D

Materials: Metal

Quartz Bead Bag

If rock candy was a defining snack of your early childhood, think of this bag as the arm candy equivalent. It’s an evening style with a Barbiecore touch.

Dimensions: 6.7" H x 9.8" L x 2" D

Materials: Satin, acetate beads

Nia Beaded Leather Clutch

Beaded does not have to equal bold; there are also options that fall more into the understated category. This wood bead bag is tactile, but doesn’t call too much attention to itself.

Dimensions: 6.1" H x 12.5" W

Materials: 100% cow leather with wood beads

Pearl Clutch Bag

Almost as if it were plucked straight from Grandma’s closet, this pearlescent top-handle bag is begging to be broken out for an upcoming tea party or picnic.

Dimensions: 9.45" H 7.9" W x 2.4" D

Materials: Pearl beads

What reviewers are saying: “This purse is so pretty and feels elegant. It’s beautiful and fits all the necessities. Very convenient and also looks amazing.”

Jodie Mini Bag

There’s something distinctly sci-fi about the color and texture combination of this Bottega Veneta bag. It’s a beaded bag for those who aren’t afraid to take fashion risks.

Dimensions: 9.1" H x 11" W x 3.1" D

Materials: Leather with tonal studs

Black Beads Bucket Bag

A throwback to beaded friendship bracelets and other childhood jewelry, this compact bucket bag is what you break out to dress up a casual weekend look.

Dimensions: 6.1" H x 5" W x 4.5" D

Materials: 51% recycled polyester, 49% polyester

Bead-Detail Bucket Bag

A beaded bag with Jane Birkin flair, this compact basket is perfect for beach weddings and late summer getaways.

Dimensions: 5.9" H x 5.9" W x 4.7" D

Materials: Wood, leather

GG Marmont Bag

A little different than other beaded bags on the list, Gucci's candy-like beads add pops of color to a more traditional leather siilhouette.

Dimensions: 10.2" H x 5.4" W x 2.7" D

Material: Leather

Beaded Crochet Bag

In-the-know shoppers flock to Bode for the brand's vintage-inspired designs. This beaded crochet crossbody bag is the perfect everyday style for carrying just the essentials.

Dimensions: 9.8" H x 5.9" W x 5.9" D

Material: Cotton canvas, beads

Beaded Bucket Bag

A beaded bag that's big enough to carry with you to the office, or an easy weekend thrift shopping outing with friends.

Dimensions: 12.2" H x 7.1" W x 2" D

Material: 100% polyester

Up-cycled Shoulder Bag

Colors abound! This beaded bag has the textures and colors of a spring garden, emerging for the first time after a long winter.

Dimensions: 5.5" H x 9.8" W x 1.5" D

Material: 100% Recycled PVC

Bon Bon Woven Bucket Bag

A statement mini bag, complete with rows of red beads, is like the cherry on top of a playful ensemble. Pack it for a tropical getaway.

Dimensions: 7.1" H x 3.9" W x 3.9" D

Material: Beaded raffia

Tote Bag

It's not your average tote bag. This colorful beaded number is one to break out on days when you want your usual jeans and white T-shirt outfit to feel a little bit more special.

Dimensions: 7.8" H x 9.8" W x 0.8" D

Materials: Viscose with brass and glass beads

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