A woven bag in all of its carefree artisanal glory is the sort of accessory that can transform the overarching aesthetic of an outfit. Simple sweater and jeans? Toss a straw lunch pail in the mix and you're suddenly a chic nod to Jane Birkin. Floral dress and sneakers? Swing a shoulder basket bag on and a countryside picnic somehow feels within arm's reach. You get the point — the woven bag trend is a game-changer and thankfully it's gearing up to be a must-have for the impending style season.
Established and up-and-coming designers alike included woven bags in their Spring/Summer 2019 collections, many of which are available to shop and carry as of now. "The beauty of a classic woven bag is that it really is a versatile wardrobe staple you can wear year-round, whether you’re sipping margaritas in Mexico or dodging icy puddles running around New York City," Golden Edit Co-founder Florencia Cavallo and says. "During the cooler months, we love pairing a great basket with a chunky sweater, feminine cardigan or warm leather trench. It brings beautiful texture to any look, as well as memories from sunnier days— what’s better than that?"
There's also a handcrafted quality to woven bags that elicits an artistic mood. Cesta Collective, a recently-launched bag brand founded by Courtney Fasciano and Erin Ryder that partners with female artisans in Rwanda, is inspired by "color theory, texture interplay and a mutual love of stripes," Co-founder Courtney Fasciano says. "Our bags have a seasonless joie de vivre that works with nearly any outfit."
Each Cesta Collective basket takes the artisans between three to seven days to hand finish and thanks to raw materials they source — Italian leathers, organic canvas — it means "the materiality of the bags feel more trans-seasonal than your traditional wicker and raffia baskets," Fasciano adds. She recommends styling it with chunky knits, shearlings, and vintage denim throughout the fall and winter months.
Ahead, shop the most gorgeous woven bags on the market at the moment and remember that you mustn't wait until spring to begin carrying this timeless trend.
Modernize a woven tote bag with a few strategic accessories, like yellow-tinted lenses, shell-embellished jewelry, and a pair of elegant block-heel pumps.
Has there ever been a simultaneously stylish and effortless pairing than a full-skirted dress and straw bag? For winter, swap out the sandals and sub in a pair of patent-leather loafers and ankle socks for a slightly collegiate take on the trend.
Jeanne Damas illustrates how a straw bucket bag can translate to a wintery wardrobe as well as it does during the year's warmer months. Style yours with your favorite overcoat, cashmere jumper, blue jeans, and ankle boots—voila!
If you're heading on a vacation in the near future or simply live somewhere warm (lucky you) then bookmark this pared-down look. The baseball cap's sporty aesthetic teamed with a funky scrunchie and woven basket all mix together seamlessly.
