How to Tote a Straw Bag (Without Looking Like Little Red Riding Hood)

Once upon a time, straw’s potential to make a fashion statement was overlooked and it was instead just reserved for holding your goods at the front of your bike, or your food for a picnic. Now, however, straw bags been popping up on the runway (such as in the Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2012 Collection above) and adorning the arms of some of the most trendy celebs (hello, Rachel Bilson, Eva Mendes, and Alexa Chung). What gives?

Well, first of all, straw screams (or at the very least, whispers) summer. Carrying a straw bag can transform a plain, ambiguous outfit into one that looks effortlessly and distinctly fresh for spring or summer. 
An added bonus: it turns out that straw bags and clutches are more versatile than you’d think. While they work most obviously at the beach or on a casual summer day, the right style can function as a perfect bag for work or class, or a night out- as long as you wear it the right way. We’re not really down with the outrageously oversized, solely straw versions, so we’re spotlighting a few better options for all these different occasions so that you can tote straw without looking like you’re headed to skip through the forest to grandmother’s house. 

For The Beach

Straw bags are great for the beach because they’re—duh—made of straw, a material that can handle the heat, sand, and water it’ll encounter. When looking for a straw beach bag, seek out one with a less structured, more flexible frame so it hangs more casually by your side while still fitting in all your beach essentials. Fun, bright colors are also a plus because they’ll help your bag stand out in the sand. 

Gotta Have ‘Em: 

1. Banana Republic Hanneli Straw Beach Tote, $80
2. Magid Multi Stripe Paper Straw Cross Body Bag, $33
3. O’Neill Evita Straw Bag, $48
4. Roxy Out to Sea Purse, $48 

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For Class Or Work

Unlike for the beach, when it comes to wearing a straw bag for class or work, you’re going to want one with a more structured frame. This will not only ensure that it comfortably holds your heavier items like books or a laptop, but it also gives the bag a more tailored, sophisticated look so that it won’t clash with your blazer. Bold colors, patterns, and accents such as leather or gold details will all keep you from looking like Lil’ Red. 

Gotta Have ‘Em: 

1. Rivet Straw Tote Bag, $53
2. Day Bag by Straw Studios, $49
3. O’Neill Agave Straw Bag, $44
4. Taupe Taffy Straw Tote, $60 

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For A Night Out 

The best way to incorporate straw into your evening, besides using one to slurp that fruity drink, is to go for a clutch. A straw clutch, especially if its black or mixes straw with other materials and colors, has just enough straw to make a statement without detracting from the dressiness of the rest of your outfit. Silver chains or clasps work particularly well. 

Gotta Have ‘Em: 

1. Poppie Jones Sequin Straw Clutch, $15
2. Poppie Jones Zig Zag Straw Double Clutch, $22
3. Magid Dark Trim Top Tote, $42.50
4. Magid Solid Paper Straw Mini Chain Tote, $27.50
5. French Connection Straw Clutch Bag, $50

What do you think of the straw bag trend- yay nor nay? What’s your favorite way to rock straw? Chime in below!