Hands up if you've got a summer alter-ego who, despite only being on holiday for a fortnight every July, gravitates towards the kind of wardrobe suited to a walk-on part in Mamma Mia? Here’s the thing. At the risk of sounding like a seasonal killjoy, how much wear are you actually going to get out of that embroidered cheesecloth blouse? Because while it might be great for taking selfies beside the Aegean Sea, its real-life shelf-life probably isn’t much longer than your suntan’s. Ahem - welcome to our guide to the best straw bags.
There is, however, a way to lean into the side of your personality that wants to wear a turquoise ring, gladiator sandals and denim cut-offs without throwing money down the drain. It’s an outfit plus-one tailormade for a holiday, while still being appropriate for the commute: the straw bag (otherwise known, this summer, as the work-to-beach bag).
For summer 2024, the kind of tote you’d usually carry to your nearest sunlounger has smartened up its act. The message? It might be made of straw but it’s 100% appropriate for the city. DeMellier’s structured raffia bag has more than enough room for your beach towel, flip-flops, paperback and a family pack of Lays, but, crucially, it could also accommodate your laptop when you’re back on dry land. All Saints’ Allington is a dark peat brown, meaning it resembles woven leather instead of straw, and has an interior lined with cotton twill, making it a sleek option for your summer work bag that can double as a carry-on when you’re OOO.
Also serving top-notch work-to-beach bags are Marni, M&S and COS, whose supersized tote with a curvaceous leather handle, as well as a detachable strap that can be looped over your shoulder, will up the chic factor of any summer outfit, whether you’re wearing it with a bikini or office-bound Bermudas.
Shop: The Best Straw Bags
www.net-a-porter.com
This woven bag from Dragon Diffusion is the ultimate beach-to-bar bag, handcrafted from contrasting strips of leather.
www.guess.eu
This Guess Raffia bag comes in three core colours, black, brown and white and has a zip compartment on the inside, as well as the outside. It's the ultimate straw bag if you're looking to fit anything and everything for a balmy day out.
www.cos.com
A classic straw shopper from COS will fit everything and more, especially since it's oversized. Pair with chunky strap sandals or a go-to pair of Mango heels for a chic evening ensemble.
www.marksandspencer.com
M&S know how to design a bag that looks upmarket without the expensive price tag. Its Jute shopper, ideal for a trip to the beach, comes with knotted shoulder straps and leather trims.
www.selfridges.com
This tote bag from Marni Marcel combines embroidered raffia material and leather trim for a stylishly modern take on a bohemian-inspired bag.
www.allsaints.com
Ideal for those who wish to be eco-conscious - the AllSaints Allington Straw Tote bag in an earthy peat brown shade is the ultimate straw tote bag.
www.ganni.com
Ganni's Bou Medium Raffia Tote redefines statement bag. Crafted from black raffia with sleek leather accents, this versatile bag will be the straw accessory you'll take anywhere and everywhere.
www.jcrew.com
With its artisanal craftsmanship and spacious design, this J.Crew Como tote is perfect for sunny escapades and day trips out. Comes in four different designs.
www.toa.st
Handwoven in brown and ecru, this versatile Gingham bag from Toast is ideal as a summer accessory and could be taken into autumn thanks to its earth-toned shade.
demellierlondon.com
Look to this DeMiller tote bag for a chic raffia accessory, accented by elegant leather detailing.
www.jigsaw-online.com
Get 50% off on this Jigsaw Raffia tote bag right now. Pair with espadrilles or strapped sandals for a holiday outfit everyone will be envious of.
www.toryburch.com
Fringe tote bags are the epitome of stylishness in 2024. Take this one from Tory Burch out when running errands or use it as a beach bag - the choice is entirely yours.
www.thewhitecompany.com
This functional and sculptural straw basket bag is casual enough for the beach and chic enough to use as an evening bag.
www.arket.com
Snap up this fringe straw tote from Arket, that is perfect for casual days out while the weather remains balmy.
www.zara.com
Love floral details? This tote bag from Zara blends botanical charm with beach accessories, making it the perfect statement piece for a capsule wardrobe.
Natalie Hammond is Grazia’s Senior Fashion News Editor. She loves winter, hates summer and can often be found writing about the weather (and what on earth to wear).