Raffia tote bags have been a hallmark of the quintessential warm-weather wardrobe for decades. From Brigitte Bardot to Jane Birkin and Kate Moss; over the years, many stylish women have chosen a basket bag for beach days, park picnics and beyond.
As a result, the low-key carryall has long held a reputation for being particularly chic and effortless. In recent years, however, raffia and straw bags have levelled-up to become quite the coveted designer piece, all thanks to Spanish luxury brand Loewe. Ever since the label’s clever Creative Director, JW Anderson, emblazoned Loewe’s iconic anagram logo onto the side of a classic French market basket in 2019—and an army of fashion lovers succumbed to its appeal—a luxury straw bag has become the accessory of the summer. This particular tote carried so much sway that now basically every brand out there—luxury and high street—has followed suit with woven styles in their spring/summer bag offering.
Style Notes: Trust Monikh to make us want to wear this bag with top-to-toe green.
The fact remains, though, that Loewe’s iteration will always be the original luxury style to own, and four years on it is as coveted as ever. The bag may have had a particularly buzzy moment in the heat of 2020, but as the years have passed its appeal hasn’t dampened one bit. To the extent that I would argue Loewe’s raffia tote bag has not only become a classic, but—thanks to the influence it has had on fashion—an icon in its own right.
The key lies in the bag’s simplicity, which also makes it such a smart timeless investment. It’s a piece that you can (and will) pull out for many, many years to come, and one that will remain chic and luxurious forever. The original bag comes in three sizes, and features an adjustable tan leather handle with the brand’s recognisable insignia on a tan leather plaque on the side. Now, the bag also comes in different colourways, with shades from earthy green to fresh white and bold red available to suit exactly your style and taste.
Style Notes: Take tips from Lorna and wear it with denim Bermuda shorts and a simple white shirt for spring.
While the basket bag used to be relegated to beach days and summer holidays only, Loewe’s style looks just as good with your favourite jeans and blazer outfits in the city, too. And if you needed another reason for the bag’s success, you only need to look to its price point. Yes, it’s still a designer purchase that requires an investment, but in the grand scheme of luxury handbags, Loewe’s raffia tote sits at the more affordable end of the scale, with small styles starting at £375.
Unsurprisingly, the label has capitalised on the success of its original tote, and has since made woven summer bags its signature, somewhat. There’s now multiple different Loewe basket bag iterations available, with new styles being added each year to surprise and delight us basket-loving fashion folk. The original will always be the most iconic, though, and you can shop the tote and the newer versions for 2023 below, along with some outfit inspiration to go with it. Keep scrolling to pick your favourite…
Style Notes: Karina styles her classic basket bag with a simple black maxi dress.
Style Notes: Delivering all the holiday vibes, we love this effortless on-vacay ensemble.
Style Notes: Francesca shows off the small version of Loewe’s famous basket tote.
Style Notes: It’s the everyday bag you’ll team with literally any look, jeans and a cardi included.
Style Notes: The carry-everything bag will be your plus-one to any outdoor adventure.
Style Notes: Practical and stylish, the Loewe classic in a bigger size pairs perfectly with pretty, floaty dresses.
Style Notes: We love the white colourway even more now that we’ve seen it with matchy-matchy jeans on Felicia.
Style Notes: Monikh loves her Loewe basket bags so much that she has this updated style, too.
The large size makes a great beach and travel bag.
This is the medium, most popular size.
The small is super cute, though, and perfect for summer evenings.
The baby blue is a new colour that feels particularly right for spring.
The white is almost as classic as the original brown.
Add a pop of colour to your neutrals with this yellow version.
This earthy green mini version is a favourite of the Who What Wear team, and it works particularly well in autumn, too.
This tightly woven bag has more structure than the original, which makes it a little better suited for city life.
If you’re a crossbody fan, you’ll love this straw hands-free version.
This slouchy style is another influencer favourite.
The anagram basket bag is the latest update on the original woven style. This also comes in a number of sizes, and has longer and shorter straps for added versatility.
Brand new for S/S 23, the standard tote forgoes the subtle anagram logo for the more obvious brand name woven into it. It doesn’t stop it being incredibly chic, though.
Personally, I love the mini version of this which makes a really cute crossbody (it comes with a longer strap as well as the top handles).
This stiff, shell-shaped basket has been incredibly popular among the fashion crowd.
The large anagram basket is extremely roomy.
Another new version for 2023, this shopper looks like it will be really hard-wearing. Great for running errands with or for long-haul travel.
If you prefer adding colour to your wardrobe through your accessories in summer, opt for this pretty lilac- coloured version.
This is one for the animal-lovers out there. How cute?!
The stripes are calling to me for spring.
Next up, Spring/Summer 2023 Fashion Trends: 21 Expert-Approved Looks You Need to See
