I usually don’t carry a handbag – My license, health insurance card and credit card fit in my cell phone case in my pocket. I put cash and lip balm in my other pocket (the balm goes in the coin pocket if I have one). However, I have a black microfiber bag, similar to what @gailcalled describes, that has an iPad pocket for if I’m ever going somewhere that I might need to sit and wait a while. I also have a wristlet and small clutch for more formal outings, but those are black, too.
I would like to have a spring-summer bag for those occasions when I need one, but I have yet to find a good one despite years of searching. I’m picky that way. I had a nice woven beige one, but it started to fall apart, and I’ve yet to find a replacement.
I’m not too far from where you are, @jca, and I start using lighter-colored accessories to match the lighter colors in my wardrobe beginning around April through the end of September. Admittedly, I am oblivious to fashion rules, and I dress for the weather on that particular day, not for the date on the calendar; so the lighter clothing in my wardrobe gets used over 5 months or more, depending on the warmth of weather.