Trust Me—These Basket Bags Will Look Good With Every Single Summer Outfit

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(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

In my homeland, Ghana, palm grows abundantly, which makes raffia one of the humble cornerstones of the bustling economy. It carries the loads of labourers with ample provisions and is also used to tote everyday essentials. Although the millennia-aged woven technique has gained popularity of late, the ancient material carries the pride and integrity of cultures, and it’s made to be lived in.

Made covetable by style icon Jane Birkin (who wore hard-shell wicker with effortless allure in the ’60s and ’70s), it’s evident that basket bags are an accessory that can truly withstand the test of time. There’s nothing that conjures the feeling of summer quite like swapping a leather tote for a jute, bamboo or palm weft bag at the first signs of sunshine. There’s an understated Parisian influence about these market bags. They’re practical and stylish and make the best accompaniment to off-duty jeans-and-T-shirt looks. They are as hardworking as they are hardwearing and can be worn for many outings, from farmers markets and bike rides to low-key business meetings.

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(Image credit: Jessicaskye)

It was only a matter of years ago when Loewe took the humble tote, worn by everyone everywhere from Spain to South Africa, and made it one of the most highly coveted fashion accessories I’ve seen to date. The understated designer accessory has the seal of approval from many fashion editors around the globe (including the Who What Wear team!). However, there’s an assortment of high-street basket bags and woven totes that look just as timeless as their designer counterparts.

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(Image credit: basicstouch)

This year, retailers are boasting some of the most varied selections I’ve seen, from woven leather styles to open crochet weaves, rope bags and structured rattan for beach days and beyond. No matter your style, there’s likely an option out there to suit your wants and needs. For example, a woven bag is great for travel, as it becomes suppler with use and is easier to pack. I’m a huge fan of Dragon Diffusion—a specialist retailer that celebrates local artisans and offers leather goods that develop a rich patina with age.

If you’re in the market for a summer basket bag, I have 20 of the best I’ve seen to share with you. Keep scrolling to see my edit.

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(Image credit: @monikh)

Basket and Woven Bags I Love

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(Image credit: bubblyaquarius)

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Freelance Fashion Editor

Avalon Afriyie is a freelance writer and storyteller based in London. She specialises in sustainable fashion, health and the narratives of marginalised communities. She has a background in fashion show production and styling, having previously worked on The Clothes Show and with the Lyst Group. Since graduating in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in English and contemporary media, she’s worked as a feature writer for an independent publication and a contributor for Quill’s creator network. She now marries her passion for words and style, writing for some of the most esteemed fashion and lifestyle publications, Who What Wear UK and Stylist. Avalon also provides copywriting services, creative consultancy, and visual media for independent businesses, including travel guides, interviews, press releases and blog posts. Her work has been featured on Lush, Contiki, Youswim and Ohne. She spends her days writing to her heart’s content for business and pleasure, shooting on film and dreaming of residing a stone’s throw away from the ocean with her love and a pup (clad in a sweeping frock, of course). She’s currently penning ideas for a book of personal essays and free verse poetry on love, life and the stages in between.