Nothing marks the start of the spring and summer styling season quite like straw accessories taking over the high street the second the clocks go forward. These must-have fashion favourites are a timeless trend that circles back year after year, and if you haven’t invested in a raffia bag yet, now is your chance before they inevitably sell out.
Straw bags are a staple of summer wardrobes, offering a relaxed and casual vibe perfect for the beach, city breaks, picnics and more. And due to their neutral colour palette, they’re one of those pieces that go with everything, be it your summer dresses, or jeans and tee combos.
Over the years, raffia bags have been rolled out time and time again with classic and contemporary styles, including totes, crossbody bags and clutches - each being as effortlessly chic as the next. As a fashion journalist, I’ve been keeping a close eye on the soon-to-be sellouts, celebrity favourites and designer alternatives, including Frankie Bridge’s go-to River Island clutch, to Marks and Spencer’s Loewe-looking accessory.
Here are some of The Mirror’s top picks you can buy now, and wear for at least the next five summers.
Marks and Spencer Straw Tote Bag - £45
Marks and Spencer has brought back its popular £45 straw tote bag for spring and it’s already being snapped up by fans who missed out last time. Made from a light straw material with tan details, the affordable accessory is the perfect addition to your spring wardrobe.
Not to mention the fact it has a similar vibe to Loewe's Basket Bag (£450) - an accessory that fashion lovers have been coveting year after year. The oversized M&S tote has tan faux leather handles and an external pocket. It's also made from a woven straw material and has a 100 per cent cotton lining, making it light to carry around and ideal for running errands.
The bag has a drawstring closure which secures the top and an internal zipped pocket to keep your stuff safe and in place. There's also an outside slip pocket which is great for items you need easy access to. You can shop the M&S Straw Tote Bag for £45 here - but we recommend moving fast because it’s bound to sell out again.
New Look Brown Raffia Boxy Crossbody Bag - £24.99
For an effortlessly cool, affordable but still elevated style, New Look has your back - well, your shoulder.
Priced at £24.99, their Brown Raffia Boxy Crossbody combines a raffia finish with a classic leather-look trim, complete with luxe-looking gold-tone hardware and an adjustable crossbody strap so it can be worn multiple ways. What’s more, is that it includes an internal zip pocket, perfect for keeping essentials secure, with a convenient popper fastening.
It’s brand new for this season, so while it’s not racked up a great deal of reviews from shoppers, each one so far has been a glowing five stars - and everyone is raving about how it ‘goes with everything’.
And they’re so right - I can’t think of anything this bag won’t look amazing with this SS24. The New Look website has it styled with a camel blazer, blue poplin shirt and jeans - but your go-to summer dresses will be equally as dreamy with the roomy bag.
River Island Beige Raffia Clutch Bag - £40
For a celeb-approved pick, you won’t find much more chic than this River Island clutch. Frankie Bridge took this high street number on her recent trip to the Maldives and praised it for being ‘so much easier’ for having a black wooden grab handle.
The bag is made from 100% rattan and has gold RI branded hardware for a luxe look, and the handle has a magnetic fastening making it ideal for evenings out. She paired it with black linen trousers and a cream bandeau top, finishing the outfit with gold jewellery and sandals.
Uniqlo Round Mini Crochet Bag - £24.90
If, like us, you're a fan of the viral Uniqlo crossbody, then this is a playful take on the popular accessory. The Round Mini Crochet Bag takes the iconic and roomy design of the original and updates it with a paper fabric for a lightweight and spacious design.
Available in two colours, the cute and compact bag allows for hands-free wearing, making it ideal for holiday adventures, brunch dates and summer dog walks. Much like its OG predecessor, it also offers an adjustable strap so you can find the most comfortable fit, and at less than £25, it’s quite the bargain, too.
Strathberry Basket Bag - £275
For those who love a designer brand, the Strathberry Basket Small Raffia Leather bag is our high-end pick. This accessory boasts luxurious detailing and a vanilla hue alongside the brand’s signature music bar and leather handles.
Perfect for sunny days, the ethically-crafted statement piece also features an interior compartment with a zip, keeping your holiday essentials safe. There’s also a large version of this bag available for £345, which also comes in tan.
Accessorize Straw Bow Shoulder Bag - £50
We love the subtle burst of colour in this Accessorize option, bringing bow detailing into the summer months in style. Available from M&S, this bag has all the warm weather vibes with its slouchy silhouette and adjustable tie strap.
At £50, it’s more expensive than some of the other options, but if you wear it every year for the next five years, that’s only £10 a year - girl math wins again.
ASOS design straw drawstring bucket crossbody - £26
Buckets aren’t just for building sandcastles this summer, as this ASOS number proves. With its drawstring closure and tan hue, this bag is stylish and practical, perfect for days spent exploring on holiday.
The bag can be worn on the shoulder or across the body and has been favourited by shoppers more than 3,000 times, proving its popularity with fashion fans. Straw bags are something you can spend as little or as much money as you like on.
They never date or go out of style, and will see you through at least five summers before you might want to upgrade or update your wardrobe. Whether you prefer a classic tote or a trendy crossbody, there's something for everyone on this list, and we’ll be keeping a close watch on the latest launches as we snap them up for ourselves this summer.