Noam Morgan, 30, sports a sling bag as she shops Sunday at a Canbridge Star Market on her way home from the gym.

Summer’s longer days and more sun has called for lighter wardrobes. For those who want to bring just what they need and leave the rest behind, sling bags are having a quietly triumphant moment. Picture a compact crossbody in bold fabric or clear vinyl perfect for farmers’ market runs, dog-park hangs or evening strolls. It’s utility and minimalism puts everything at your fingertips without the bulk of a tote or the weight of a backpack. Beyond being functional, sling bags offer a nostalgic wink to ’90s fanny-pack streetwear or museum curators on the move – practical meets cool. With adjustable straps, they shift from shoulder slung to chest carry. When errands and events blur, sling bags are a pocket-sized power move. Buying locally, look at Garment District (200 Broadway, The Port, Cambridge); Mint Julep (43 Brattle St., Harvard Square, Cambridge); or The Gap (15 Brattle St., Harvard Square, Cambridge).

A stronger

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