The Tuesday Edit: Summer Straw & Woven Bags
The best straw and woven bags for women over 50 balance natural texture with structure — a tightly woven straw tote, a raffia crossbody, or a wicker basket bag with clean lines reads polished rather than beachy. Top picks this summer include J.Crew’s Como Woven Tote and packable straw tote, Talbots’ raffia crossbody and wicker hobo, and the Eric Javits Squishee tote for a true investment piece. The key is choosing a structured shape with leather trim so the bag works from errands to dinner, not just the sand.
What You’ll Find In This Post:
The Raffia Trend Is Evolving — Here’s What’s Worth Buying Now
A few months back, I wrote about the raffia accessories trend taking over spring, and that post sparked so many fun DMs on my Instagram. Clearly I wasn’t the only one who fell for woven bags, shoes, and hats all at once!
Now that we’re deeper into summer, it felt like the right time to take inventory of how that trend is evolving. The straw bags worth buying right now are less beachy and more structured — clean weaves, leather trim, shapes that work for errands and dinner, not just a day at the pool. If you already own a raffia hat from that post, these bags are the natural next step.
Here are the woven bags I’m seeing readers reach for again and again, organized by how you’ll actually use them.
The Edit
6 Straw & Woven Bags Worth Shopping
1. Como Woven Straw Tote — J.Crew
Why it works: A flared, structured straw tote with slim leather straps and a leather lining — readers describe it as polished enough for everyday use, not just vacation. It holds its shape rather than slouching, which is what separates a refined woven bag from a beachy one.
How I would style it: A simple linen shirtdress and flat sandals for a farmers market morning, or trousers and a blouse for a more polished daytime look. This bag does the texture work so your outfit can stay simple.
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2. Large Handknotted Packable Tote Bag — J.Crew
Why it works: A trapezoid-shaped raffia tote with leather straps that folds flat for travel — readers have used it as a beach bag, a carry-on, and an everyday tote interchangeably. The handknotted texture reads more elevated than a typical straw weave, and the packable construction makes it the obvious choice for a trip.
How I would style it: Over a shoulder with white jeans and a striped tee for travel days, or layered with a swimsuit and cover-up for the beach. One bag, several jobs.
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3. Straw Crossbody Bag — Talbots
Why it works: A compact straw crossbody that swaps in for your everyday shoulder bag during warm-weather months. The hands-free strap and smaller silhouette make it the practical choice for errands, travel days, or anytime you want texture without bulk.
How I would style it: Wear it crossbody with a sundress for a day of sightseeing, or with white jeans and a blouse for lunch. The compact size keeps it from feeling like a beach bag.
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4. Wicker Basket Bag — Talbots
Why it works: A square wicker basket bag with a precious shape — this is the trend’s most basket-leaning silhouette, but the clean construction and neutral tone keep it from veering costume-y. It’s the bag that adds the most personality to a simple outfit.
How I would style it: A flowy maxi dress and flat sandals for vacation, or denim and a tucked blouse for a weekend look. Let the basket shape be the statement and keep everything else simple.
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5. Rectangular Raffia Clutch — Talbots
Why it works: A structured rectangular clutch in raffia — proof that the woven trend works for evening, too. The clean, boxy shape feels more considered than a soft straw bag, and it’s sized to actually carry your essentials rather than just a phone and lipstick.
How I would style it: Dinner out in a linen jumpsuit or a simple sundress, with the clutch as the only accessory you need. Pair with gold jewelry to keep the look polished rather than beachy.
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6. Squishee® Tote II — Eric Javits
Why it works: This is the investment piece of the bunch — a packable, water-resistant woven tote in Eric Javits’ signature Squishee material, which holds its structure without the stiffness of traditional straw. It’s the bag readers say they’ve owned for years and still reach for every summer, which makes the higher price easier to justify.
How I would style it: A tailored linen dress for a resort lunch, or trousers and a crisp white shirt for travel days. This is the bag you buy once and carry for a decade.
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How to Choose a Straw Bag That Won’t Look Dated
Not every woven bag earns its place in your closet long-term. A few things to look for before you buy:
- Tighter weave over loose weave — a tighter, more structured weave reads more refined and holds its shape longer
- Leather trim or straps — adds polish and durability, and keeps the bag from looking like a beach-only accessory
- A lined interior — protects your belongings and makes the bag feel finished rather than purely decorative
- Neutral color if you want longevity — beige, natural, or black will outlast any trend color
- A shape that fits your real life — a structured tote works harder than an oversized beach bag if you’re not actually going to the beach
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a raffia bag and a straw bag?
Raffia is made from palm leaf fibers and tends to be softer, lighter, and more flexible. Straw is typically made from dried grain stalks or paper fiber and has a slightly more structured, polished finish. Both fall under the umbrella of woven bags, and many retailers use the terms interchangeably.
Can you wear a straw bag with a dressier outfit?
Yes — a structured straw or raffia bag with clean lines and leather trim, like a boxy clutch or a refined tote, works well with tailored pieces. The key is choosing a tighter weave and a polished shape rather than an oversized, loosely woven beach tote.
How do I keep a straw bag from looking dated season after season?
Stick to a neutral color like natural, beige, or black, choose a structured silhouette over a slouchy one, and avoid visible logos unless it’s a true designer piece. A well-made woven bag in a classic shape can last for many summers.
Closing Thoughts
I wasn’t expecting the raffia post to resonate the way it did, but it makes sense — there’s something about a woven bag that signals the season is changing, even before the weather fully cooperates. It’s a small style decision that makes a big difference in how put-together an outfit feels.
What I love about this season’s crop is that it’s grown up a little. These aren’t just beach bags anymore. A structured tote, a clean crossbody, one good clutch — these are pieces that earn their place in your closet for more than just a vacation.
If you picked up a raffia piece from the spring post, I’d love to know how you’ve been styling it. And if you’re just getting started, tell me in the comments which bag from this edit you’re most drawn to.
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