If you don’t have this timeless and elevated fashion accessory in your spring and summer wardrobe, I recommend you purchase one today. I rarely make such bold recommendations, but truly, I believe every woman needs a classic straw bag or wicker bag in her wardrobe this year. Not only will you enjoy pulling this unique, seasonal handbag out each spring (and loathe putting it away each fall!), but this year these classic bags look especially current and on trend. Not convinced? Spend just a few more minutes with me…
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That straw bag with rich cognac leather trim and silver details you see above? Yeah, that’s not available this year. In fact, it wasn’t available shortly after I purchased one for me and one for my mother five years ago. That’s how long my mom and I have been enjoying our classic straw lady bags. And that’s how long women have been asking me to share a link to it…because they want one, too. I get it. But these seasonal bags sell out fast because brands tend to stock smaller inventories.
I share that bag above simply to let you know that I’m not just blowing smoke here. I know from experience that a straw or wicker woven bag is not just another summer accessory, but the exquisite punctuation mark to an elevated, warm-weather wardrobe. And don’t worry. If the bag above, which isn’t even available, isn’t to your liking…I’ve found dozens of others that might work beautifully for you.
Here’s why every woman needs a classic straw or wicker bag in her accessory collection this spring and summer…
The “Third Piece” of Summer Styling
We often talk about the “third piece” rule—that extra layer like a blazer or a cardigan that completes an outfit. In the heat of the summer, when layers are out of the question, a high-quality wicker or straw bag becomes your functional third piece. Whether you are wearing a simple linen dress or your favorite denim and a white tee, the organic texture of a beautifully crafted bag adds immediate visual interest and a “finished” look that a standard leather bag simply can’t achieve in July.
Natural Textures: The Secret to an Elevated Aesthetic
There is something inherently “high-class” about natural fibers. Much like the silk and linen we love to wear, wicker, straw, and raffia signal a sophisticated, breezy lifestyle. A structured wicker bag feels architectural and “vintage-chic,” reminiscent of mid-century style icons, while a soft raffia tote feels like “quiet luxury” for a beach vacation or a trip to the farmer’s market. These textures soften your overall look and add a touch of warmth and approachable elegance that is perfect for the mature woman’s wardrobe.
From Casual Coffee to Cocktail Hour: One Bag, Many Days
One of the best reasons to invest in a premium straw or wicker bag is its incredible versatility. These aren’t just for the beach! A structured straw clutch or a top-handle wicker satchel transitions seamlessly from a casual morning at the coffee shop to a high-end outdoor wedding or a sunset cocktail party. Because the colors are neutral and the materials are timeless, they pair beautifully with every color in your closet, making them the hardest-working accessory in your seasonal rotation.
The “Early Bird” Strategy: Why the Best Bags Disappear by May
If you wait until the first 90-degree day to shop for your summer bag, you’ve likely waited too long. The most exquisite, well-made wicker and straw pieces—the ones with the perfect proportions and quality hardware—are often produced in smaller batches and sell out before spring even officially ends. By securing your “hero” bag now, you ensure you get the silhouette you actually want, rather than settling for what’s left over in July.
Purchasing your timeless straw or wicker bag in mid-April means you get a full five months of wear this year alone, significantly lowering the “cost per wear” compared to a late-June purchase. I carry straw and wicker bags almost exclusively this time of year because they’re truly versatile and so special. Trust me, this is an investment that will shrink in price but grow in value as you use it.
A Legacy Piece for Your Wardrobe
A high-quality wicker or straw bag is not a “one-season wonder.” It is a classic investment that you will look forward to pulling out of your dust bag every single April for years to come. Unlike trendy “it-bags” that feel dated by next year, natural textures are a permanent fixture of summer style. Think of this purchase as a long-term addition to your collection—one that will hold its shape, its style, and its charm through many summers of memories.
Below I’ve created a shopping boutique with so many beautiful straw and wicker bag options for spring and summer. While you’ll certainly be drawn in my many of them, I suggest you consider your real lifestyle and how you’ll use the bag most often, especially if this will be your one and only straw or wicker bag for the season. But if you’re looking for a second seasonal bag, now might be a good time to choose one that is a little more elevated. And if you know you enjoy these natural material bags, you may want to invest in one of the designer bags that you’ll carry for years and then pass on to a daughter or daughter-in-law.
TIP: This collection is quite large, so you may need to use the toggle on the right to scroll down to see all of the selections. Also, remember that many of these come in other colors. I have bags in all price points from under $200 to well above. But for a bag that you can use year after year, you probably won’t spend less than $100.
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Blessed for My Day
Feeling especially old and spent today? I get it! Some days my bones ache and other days I tire easily. Occasionally I look in the mirror and wonder, “who is that old lady?” Ha! If you’re having one of those days, don’t look to God for consolation. He calls old age like it is…old. Check out what He said to His faithful and obedient servant, Joshua, below. LOL!
Here’s the truth. As we get older, our bodies do indeed begin to wear out. That’s the nature of the “curse,” which is a result of the first sin. But that doesn’t mean that God is through with us. Like Joshua and his fellow mighty man, Caleb, who both entered the promised land late in life, fighting all the way, we still have a calling if we are here. And we can trust that God will give us the strength and resources to do what He has called us to do. It’s okay to have the occasional wake-up call and realize that we feel a little older than we did just yesterday. But let’s not allow those aches and pains to daunt us. God is at work…even in our aging bodies and minds.
Now Joshua was old and advanced in years when the Lord said to him, “You are old and advanced in years, and very much of the land remains to be possessed. ~ Joshua 13:1
I found a lovely summer bag at Cracker Barrel for well under 100.00 ! If u look around a bit, you can find some that are much more affordable for those of us that don’t want to spend that much on one item.
I’ve always loved the look of a straw or wicker handbag, but few of them zip closed, which for me is a wrinkle. I’ve been on the look for one for a while now, may actually settle for a handwoven leather bag or tote in a lighter color as a similar concept. But as of today, yes this is a gap in my accessory wardrobe. 🙂
So you inspired me. When I got home from work, I searched around online for a straw or wicker bag. I may have found a suitable choice at Rack. It’s the Kate Spade Leila straw triple compartment shoulder bag. It’s off white pebbled leather with straw inserts. The center compartment zips which ticks that box for me. And the bag has structure, which is also a must for me in a handbag. So I ordered it to see if it’s as good in person as it looks online. I totally agree with you, accessories like a handbag really do serve as a “third piece” in the summer when blazers, sweaters, coats and jackets don’t work. Here’s fingers crossed. 🙂
I need one of these. The one I have isn’t easy to carry but only to church. Just a handle and no strap. I’m so use to being hands free it’s hard to do anything else. Do you find straw bags snag your blouses? I’ve had this happen so hesitate to carry all the time. Great options here.
I don’t think I’ve ever had a problem with snagging, but I can definitely see how that could happen.
I look forward to and know it’s Spring/Summer when I pull out my Brighton Southampton raffia bag. I usually carry it as a lady purse by the handle but also comes with a crossbody strap perfect size, length for 5’4” me. Just spray it once before using with Meltonian Suede Bag/shoe protector to keep it clean and dry all season.
Lovely! Have you pulled it out yet? I’ve been using these two new ones, but I actually haven’t pulled out my Brighton bag yet.