Shop Summer 2024's Trending Sheer Mesh Bags

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It looks like sheer mesh bags are set to be the hottest accessory of the season.

There’s a lot of stuff out there, and not all fashion pieces are created equal. Luckily, the ELLE editors know their way around a shopping rail, and when it comes to helping you find those perfect wardrobe building blocks, they’re up to the task. From the new and niche brands worth knowing to high-street hits of quality, and a few vintage treasures too, our ELLE Edits showcase the very best of the season.

The sheer trend has already come for our clothes, underwear and shoes in recent months, so it was only a matter of time before it came for the rest of our wardrobes, too. The latest piece to get the see-through treatment? None other than the humble handbag.

Springing up everywhere from the high-street to high-end designer labels, sheer mesh bags are fast becoming the must-have accessory of the season. 'They're an inevitable extension of our love for mesh shoes, and make a playful addition to a carefully curated capsule wardrobe,' says Libby Page, market director at Net-A-Porter, who points to a 143% increase in searches for 'mesh bags' on the site over the past three months as proof of the style's growing popularity. Lyst has also noted a surge in searches for the term of late with customers showing a particular interest in designs by Longchamp and Alaïa.

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Speaking of Alaïa, it seems we have the Parisian Maison to thank for this new naked trend, too. Following the success of its cult fishnet flats, the brand had the genius idea of designing matching shoulder bags – and they almost instantly made their way onto the arms of Dua Lipa, Sydney Sweeney, and half the street style crowd. Jennifer Lawrence, meanwhile, seems to favour Proenza Schouler's tulle take on the trend that's a little more low-key and delicate, but equally as revealing.

Indeed, it's the sheer mesh bag's fundamentally exposing nature that is its main appeal; it's no longer just the bag that's making a statement, but its contents too. 'I recently bought a silly little diamanté mesh bag that I absolutely love, partly because of the casual exhibitionism that packing it involves,' says Jessica Burrell, a lifestyle journalist and recent adopter of the trend. 'I usually keep the contents minimal with my phone, keys, a lip gloss, maybe a cute patterned lighter (even if I have no intention of using it). The mesh also discourages the random bag detritus that accumulates in my other bags – you don’t want old receipts or gum wrappers clogging up the aesthetic.' That said, if Brat Girl Summer is what you're going for, no accessory is capable of showing off your mess better than a mesh bag.

The curated contents of your mesh bag, visible to all, has the power to say more about your personal style and vibe than most any other accessory – and that's exactly the point. 'There’s something irresistibly voyeuristic about looking into other people’s mesh too,' says Burrell. 'It's like a chic version of checking out someone else’s shopping basket in the supermarket.' What could possibly be more tempting?

These are the best sheer mesh bags to shop now:

If you're going to try the trend, why not go straight for the piece that started it in the first place? Alaïa's bold, tomato red mesh bag is a cult item in the making, and even comes with a little patent pouch to ensure small items don't slip out.

This Prada tote offers a more grown-up, sophisticated approach to the mesh bag trend. Wear with a white oversized shirt and chic tailoring for a playful take on classic workwear.

If you can't get enough of all those bedazzled mesh flats, Reformation's crystal-covered sheer bucket bag will make the perfect addition to your wardrobe. This would make the perfect party piece, but also looks cool contrasted with casual clothes.

Phillip Lim's ultra-feminine take on the mesh bag is giving Parisian ballerina in all the best ways. The pale pink salmon shade is seriously chic, but this design also comes in bright yellow for those who prefer a bolder look.

Pack with your fanciest SPFs, a colourful towel and the latest issue of ELLE to instantly turn this into the ultimate summer 2024 beach bag.

Nail the trend for (much, much) less with Mango's mesh shopper in a classic black shade that will go with absolutely everything.

Follow in Jennifer Lawrence's footsteps by styling this brightly coloured beauty with breezy trousers and an oversized shirt in pared-back neutrals for the perfect 'quiet luxury' look.

Alaïa's tiny half-moon mesh bag will literally only fit a phone, wallet, keys and lip gloss, so you don't have to worry about curating the contents too much. For a more 'messy girl' aesthetic, decorate with keyrings and charms.

Those who prefer their bags capacious should look no further than Khaite's Augusta design. It's crafted in Italy and completely unlined for maximum show, while still fitting a laptop, water bottle and whatever else you might need for a day on the go.

You really can't go wrong with H&M's mesh shopper, that would work just as well as a beach bag as it would for a commute in the city. There's a zipped inner compartment to hide away valuables, too.

According to Lyst, this mini Longchamp bag is set to be one of the most popular of the season, and given it's less than £100 too, I'd say adding this your collection is a veritable no-brainer.

Thom Browne has well and truly put his stamp on the mesh bag trend, adding his signature tricolor handles and paper label-inspired branding on the front.

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