
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).

