This Unassuming Striped Tote Will Go With Literally Everything In Your Summer Wardrobe

To me, there's something incredibly nostalgic about a striped market tote. Maybe it's the playful ice lolly-hued stripes that evoke beachside trips, or the memory of my gran's weekly shop staple stuffed with boiled sweets. But this summer, the humble tote bag once reserved for groceries and weekend markets has quietly become the season's most unexpectedly chic accessory.

Of course, the tote's fashion glow-up is hardly new. In fact, Demna sent it down the catwalk for his Balenciaga debut back in 2016. Back then, his supersized take on Thai grocery bags felt obviously ironic. Now, however, striped market tote bags have become a bona fide essential. In the last month alone, I've spotted versions of market totes slung over the shoulders of fashion editors, perched on picnic blankets on Primrose Hill, and brimming with organic fruits and baguettes on social media. Suddenly, these colourful bags are everywhere, and for good reason. They're oversized (read: practical and roomy), punchy, and most importantly, brilliantly fuss-free.

All of which to say, in a sea of micro bags and logo-heavy totes, the return of a relaxed carryall is all but inevitable, and somehow, feels cooler than ever. Prada put the humble accessory on its spring/summer 2025 runways with a sturdy metal handle for carrying that deceptively heavy organic produce, while The Row's sherbet-coloured stripes have been a popular pick amongst stylish celebs including Kendall Jenner and Zoë Kravitz.

There's also plenty of designs on the high street that promise a similarly vibrant look at much less. To wit, COS' striped market tote bag, with its roomy silhouette and classic summer stripes, has proven so popular this month that it's already mostly sold out. Happily, Damson Madder offers a preppy red and blue striped canvas tote that's just as chic and versatile.

Shop: Damson Madder's Canvas Tote Bag

If it's a slouchier style you're after, look to Zara's fabric iteration or Free People's Okasana Oversized Tote. For alternate fabrications, Dragon Diffusion's woven designs are brilliantly fashion-forward while Arket offer jute classics. Whether you're toting your beach day essentials in a striped bag or switching out your stuffy leather bag for the office with a dopamine boosting alternative, striped market totes add a fun slant to any summer outfit. You could also add some bag charms or a fun scarf to the handle to really personalise your summer arm candy.

Shop: The Best Striped Market Tote Bags For Summer 2025

Main image credits: ©Instagram/@kyliejenner @sofiagrainge

Hitanshi Kamdar is a senior commerce writer for Grazia. Hitanshi is always on the hunt for the latest trends, emerging designers and the internet’s most bizarre style discourse. When not writing, she can be found IDing outfits during Netflix binges and shopping for the latest It-girl shoe trends.