Get a handle on some brilliant bags!

What’s in the bag for summer?

When it comes to handbags, purses and just plain old bags, there’s a hot style for every occasion, whether you’re heading out to the beach, stepping out to a party or (sigh) just putting in another day at the office.

Get the latest scoop on summer’s “it” bags in this edition of our weekly fashion roundup.

firstview.com Envy is green: From Luella.

Hot hobo
The humble hobo ascends to the height of fashion fame in a new, softer shape. A favorite of celebs and fashionistas around the world, this hobo is the perfect, all-purpose day bag to wear with most styles — dresses, pants, suits and capris. The one exception?  Very vintage looks, which work better with retro-inspired handbag shapes. The hobo fits comfortably and stylishly under the arm, so it’s both securely tucked away and easy to carry. Most have lots of interior room. Organization truly can truly be chic!

Trend Tip:
The “it” celebrity handbag of the moment is from Kooba. It’s a structured white leather hobo with handles, outer pockets and silver hardware details. You will find different interpretations of the hobo style — many in bright colors and mock croc — at all price points, including models from Dooney & Burke, Kenneth Cole and Isaac Mizrahi for Target. 

Coach A twist for your wrist: From Coach.

Wrist watch
The tiny wristlet bag is a best-seller, and it’s easy to understand why.  Its neat, streamlined shape has an attached wrist loop, making it oh-so-easy to carry. You’ll find sporty versions for day and glitzier, metallic versions for evening (perfect for dinner or dancing). Logo bags from luxe designers are hot right now but “when your own initials are enough” there are plenty of options: bright florals  and stripes in canvas or suede, printed silk bags in Asian-inspired  chinoiseries, Pucci-esque or graphic prints. Expect to see this style last for a while.

Trend Tip:
The newest twist on the wristlet incorporates an attached resin, gold or silver bracelet instead of a leather loop. You’ll find great summer looks at all price points ranging from Salvatore Ferragamo to Coach to Banana Republic. Another wristlet  advantage — you can condense the “essentials” — that’s lipstick, cash, a credit card and a cell phone.

firstview.com Haute handle: From Miu Miu.

Get a grip
One of the key trends this season adds a fashionista touch to any outfit. It’s the “special” handle, whether it’s bejeweled, bamboo, carved from wood or decorated with color.  The trend started to gain speed with structured, framed-type bags but now, anything goes. Right now, look for light or dark wooden handles that transition beautifully from summer to fall. Some other trends to watch include handles of faux fur and/or feathers(hot for fall), chains and big metal or plastic resin “O”-shapes (sometimes bigger than the bag itself!).

Trend Tip:
Want to get a grip? You'll find wonderful top handle handbags from Lily Pulitzer (think "conversational" motifs) and Kate Spade (a fan of the big "O" handles). Also check out Cole Haan, the private label collections from Nordstrom's and Bloomingdale's as well as the great, rattan-handle handbags from The Sak.

Dooney & Bourke Cool classic: From Dooney & Bourke.

All-star classics
Want a classic, wear-with-everything handbag, but one that packs a fashion punch? Stick to a classic style, but amp up the color and texture, which takes a bag from “ho hum” to “wow.” What to look for? Start with a fabulous bright color like lilac, hot pink, jade, orange or yellow. Add the sumptuous, current look of mock crocodile or lizard (whether embossed or printed), then go for the finishing touch: silver hardware details such as buckles, rings or snaps. Voila!  You’ve got an all-star on your hands. Wear it confidently with (almost) everything — no need to be “matchy matchy.” Just pick a color you love and go!

Trend Tip:
Unless you truly love and adore your brightly colored classic, don’t invest your life’s savings in a top-of-the-line version. Spend the big bucks on a wear-it-forever neutral like brown or black. Pick up the quick fashion hit of a brightly colored handbag from mid- to less-expensive brands such as Dooney & Bourke, Cole Haan, MAXX New York, Monsac and Ann Taylor Loft.

firstview.com Glam bag: From Gucci.

Puttin’ on the glitz
This year, the trend is to treat your evening bag as an essential piece of “jewelry.” Make sure your bag is as glitzy as your favorite pair of evening earrings. The small clutch is the trendiest shape, but you can make a big fashion statement by choosing a metallic, textured or decorated bag. An easy way to go — and a look we love — is the beaded and jeweled carrying strap. You’ll also find many bags that twist or snap closed with a dramatic, oversized jewel, especially in the shape of a snake, a butterfly or as a lovely vintage-inspired brooch.

Trend Tip:
The must-have evening bag right now is Gucci’s metallic clutch with a beaded, snake jewel closure, but who can afford it! To get the look, find a fabulous brooch and pin it to your handbag. Or opt for a less expensive yet chic metallic clutch from Stuart Weitzman, Whiting & Davis or Nine West.

Only on TODAY.MSNBc.com! Style editor Judy Gordon brings you the latest news and advice about apparel and beauty. LAST WEEK: Love is in the air — and in your closet GO TO ALL FASHION FRIDAY COLUMNS

Judy Gordon is a New York-based style consultant and the “Today” show’s style editor. She has been covering the fashion and beauty beat for the past decade. To learn more, you can visit her Web site, TheTrendReport.com, which highlights style trends in America.

firstVIEW is the primary supplier of photos to Fashion Friday. Go to www.firstVIEW.com for the latest pictures from top fashion shows around the world, including New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Milan, Brazil, New Zealand, South Korea and more.

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