How to Pack Your Purse for Summer

As summer approaches, it’s time to pack up the cold-weather gear, pull out the swimsuits and shorts, and get ready for days in the sun! An important part of keeping your busy life on schedule when the warmer weather arrives is to pack your purse so it’s summer-ready. Get tips on how to survive summer with your best bag essentials here.

The First Step: Match Your Bag to Your Summer Activity

Summer comes with lots of exciting summer fun and activities that you may not get to do for the rest of the year. Start with the right bag for the situation, and then pack it so you’re perfectly prepared. Most ladies will want at least a few different options for their summer purses to match the different situations and events. From casual to dressy, there are lots of purses perfect for wearing with everything from summer dresses to cute women’s shorts.

Summer Bag Options to Try

Try one of these great summer purse options to pack:

Waist pack/bag: These are ideal bag types for situations when you want to keep your hands free and your essentials close at hand, such as an amusement park or when sightseeing.
Mini Backpack or sling bag: Another hands-free option, a mini backpack or mini sling will help you keep everything available while keeping your hands free. You may want to choose this option for summer shopping, errands, activities with the kids, or for an everyday bag.
Lightweight shoulder bag: Summer calls for all things lighter and brighter, so ditch that heavy shoulder bag and pick up a lightweight one for summer. Shoulder bags are ultra-stylish options that go with everything. The classic shoulder strap look comes in everything from trendy embellished looks to traditional, more simple bags, so you can take our pick for a sweet summer bag.
Mini shoulder bag: Perfect for dates, nights out with the girls, or just when you need a more minimalist approach, a mini bag keeps you as light and breezy as summer itself.
Regular backpack: Summer hikes, nature, walks, park outings and much more can require a few more items (and keeping your hands free) so a standard size backpack might fit the bill for many summer events.
Summery clutch: Those dressier occasions from bridal showers to ladies’ luncheons to dinner dates on the beach might call for a more streamlined and dressy bag. Choose a clutch in a summer color or a light material for a beautiful look.
Crossbody bag: For everyday occasions, casual wear, and many summer events and activities, a cross-body bag works perfectly.
Summer tote: From trips to the farmer’s market to a day at the pool or beach, ditching your regular purse for a summery tote bag or stylish beach bags could be the answer.

Packing Your Purse With Summer Essentials

Your summer purse will require a fair number of essentials, but you also don’t want to be weighed down when it comes to all the things you want and need. Consider this list and then customize it to your own needs to stay prepared and ready for anything.

Things to pack in your purse for summer may include:

Sunglasses
Hair ties, hair bands, or summer clips to pull hair up or back in hot weather
Small, lightweight summer hair or sun visor
Sunscreen
Lip balm
Lotion
Hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes
Reusable water bottle
Packable poncho in case of summer storms
Antihistamine spray or tablets for bug bites/stings or allergies
Tylenol, ibuprofen, or other pain or headache reliever
Mini first aid kit
Tissues
Facial wipes or oil blotting papers
Mini deodorant
Mini perfume
Spare phone charger
Translucent powder compact
Waterproof mascara
Earbuds
Comb/brush
Small, quick-dry towels or personalized beach towels

Summer Purse-Packing Tips

It’s easy to stay organized and ready for summer fun with a few simple tips:

Pack mini tubes or containers of essential items like sunscreen or lotion to save on space.
Pick up travel-size basics to keep in your purse in case of impromptu summer trips or emergencies.
A ziplock bag or plastic shopping bag can be handy to have in your pack for kids’ items or odds and ends that end up in your bag.
Keep a lightweight cami and pair of stretchy shorts rolled up in your bag in case of summer storms or emergencies that might require a clothing change.
Use small, stylish zip-top pouches to keep items organized inside your bag. Place like items together, such as hair ties and makeup, so you know which pouch contains what.
If your purse doesn’t have a strap or slot for a water bottle, sew a piece of elastic or an extra elastic hair tie inside your bag with a few tack stitches to keep your water bottle upright and in place.
Place adhesive Velcro strips on frequently used items or small things you don’t want to lose, such as pens or lip balm.
Line your change pouch with a small plastic bag to keep debris or odors from coins at bay.
Keep your bag smelling summery and fresh by placing a small mesh bag with scent beads or a new dryer sheet inside.
Instantly brighten up a basic bag for summer by attaching a colorful lightweight scarf or ribbon to the outside.

Keep Your Purse Summer-Ready and Stress-Free