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ummer is just around the corner, and with it comes the promise of long weekend getaways, city breaks and seaside escapes spent soaking up the sun. Whether you’re following the call of Britain’s music festivals, or celebrating a friend’s nuptials, eschew bulky backpacks and awkward rolling luggage in favour of a chic holdall or weekend bag. Read on for our guide to the best.

Balenciaga Neo Classic City Bag

Balenciaga’s City bag was first released in 2001 and quickly became the must-have accessory, seen slung over the shoulders of every Noughties It Girl from Kate Moss and Sienna Miller to Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. This contemporary reworking of the motorcycle-inspired style in grained calfskin leather is bang on trend for 2022.

Balenciaga Neo Classic City large leather bag, £2,490, matchesfashion.com

Bric's 202 holdall

Celebrating its 70th year of handcrafting luxury Italian luggage, Bric’s remains a staunch favourite of discerning travellers in the know. This spacious cotton canvas holdall from the brand’s Sorrento collection comes complete with three internal pockets and two long handles for easy and comfortable carrying.

Bric's 202 large holdall, £235, harveynichols.com

Chloé Oversized Edith bag

A true accessories heavyweight, Chloé has a knack for creating the kind of handbags that become instant classics the second they debut on the runway. This playful, supersized take on the brand’s signature Edith bag in supple buffalo leather features a contrasting topstitch and epitomises the B Corp’s retro-tinged romanticism.

Chloé Edith topstitched leather weekend bag, £2,150, matchesfashion.com

Ganni recycled weekender bag

Like your luggage to make as much of a statement as you do upon arrival? Look to this spacious recycled-fibre shell holdall by Ganni. It comes in black too, but we can’t resist the brand’s hallmark youthful leopard print.

Ganni Recycled weekender bag, £225, ganni.com

Longchamp Le Pliage Alpin travel bag

A truly cult design, Longchamp’s foldaway Le Pliage is one of the most recognisable bags on the market. This contemporary take, in a quilted nylon canvas with white leather accents, brings the classic style firmly into the 2020s.

Le Pliage Alpin travel bag, £275, farfetch.com 

Louis Vuitton Keepall Bandoulière 55

Nothing is as emblematic of luxury travel as Louis Vuitton luggage. The French fashion and accessories house has been making its signature monogrammed boxes and trunks since 1896 and going on to launch the Keepall in 1930. Capacious yet still cabin-friendly, the Keepall 55 is ideally sized for transporting your entire holiday wardrobe – as long as you pack lightly.

Keepall Bandoulière 55, £1,780, louisvuitton.com

Rains weekend duffle bag

Scandi accessories and outerwear brand Rains marries form and function with its minimalist, detail-oriented designs. Crafted from the brand’s hallmark waterproof PU-coated fabric, complete with a detachable shoulder strap, adjustable side buckles and matte hardware, this festival-proof duffle bag promises to keep your essentials warm no matter the weather.

Rains black weekend duffle bag, £65, brownsfashion.com

The Row TR609 canvas tote bag

A leader in the accessories game, NYC-based brand The Row excels in understated luxury and this soft Italian canvas tote is no exception. Minimal and versatile, its slouchy, relaxed shape is ideal for throwing all of your essentials in as you run to catch your flight, and its leather strap is long enough that it can be worn over the shoulder or as a crossbody.

The Row TR609 canvas tote bag, £2,030, matchesfashion.com

Read more: Out of office: what to pack for your summer holiday