Beauty...
By Rachel LeWinter
Summer trends are fleeting, but there’s one steadfast style that continues to remain a popular pick year after year. The straw bag is a quintessential warm-weather favorite, and for good reason. Loved for its natural textures, these neutral totes exclude an effortlessly chic aesthetic. You can count on these classic carriers to be the perfect summer companion for any outfit, at the beach and beyond.
Whether it’s wicker, rattan, raffia, or bamboo, a woven carryall is a timeless purchase that won’t ever go out of style.
It’s the ideal addition for your next much-needed vacation, whether you’re going on an exotic tropical getaway, or just a day trip to the park. To complete your summer wardrobe, we rounded up our favorite straw designs in the best silhouettes and sizes.
Just take a cue from perennial fashion icon Jane Birkin: Before her name became synonymous with Hermès’ most covetable (and expensive) handbag, her carryall of choice was a nondescript wicker basket, which she found in a fishing village in Portugal. In the late ‘60s and ‘70s, she carried it absolutely everywhere—from street markets to seaside dinners to black-tie galas, proving this picnic-shaped tote truly can be worn with anything.
When packing for a vacation, you want to bring versatile pieces you can mix and match, which is why a khaki-colored purse is the perfect accessory. You can conveniently wear it with jeans and comfy flats during the day, then dress it up with a breezy floral frock and heels at night.
In addition to being easy to pair with any look, straw totes are favored for their lightweight and durable construction. Choose a large design to accommodate your essentials—no matter the activity. It’s no sweat to schlep them on a plane, and they can withstand the wear and tear of travel days. As a beach bag, they’ll successfully stand up to the elements of the sea and sand. A spacious interior can hold towels, sunscreen, flip-flops, and all your other ocean-related accessories.
High-end designers like Loewe and Jacquemus offer splurge-worthy straw options, but you don’t have to drop a ton of dough to get the look. Try a flashier take on the trend with versions adorned with tassels, pom-poms, and fringe—available at all price points. For anyone who favors statement accessories, or if you have a penchant for color, these amped-up options are for you.
Don’t confuse straw with simple. If you prefer pieces that are bold, experiment with unique silhouettes to take this trend to the next level. Round designs will elevate any ensemble, while out-of-the-box shapes offer up a cool vintage vibe. Whichever form you choose, you can easily style it with any vacay threads—from a bikini and cover-up at the shore, to a romper and sneakers for sightseeing.