Summer fashion trends may come and go, but one piece that has been a mainstay of stylish women's warm-weather wardrobes every year without fail is the basket bag.
A longtime staple amongst the French crowd, a holiday essential, and an easy go-to for picnics, beach days and all manner of sunny escapades, basket bags are nothing short of the perfect accessory. They're practical, incredibly capacious, surprisingly sturdy, and pared-back and casual enough to add a touch of insouciance to any look—while also never detracting from a stellar outfit.
A basket bag is also generally on the more affordable end of the fashion must-have spectrum, given its typically woven straw, raffia or wicker construction—serving only to make it all the more appealing. You can easily pick one up in a Provençal, Moroccan or Ibizan market stall for less than €50, making it one of the few holiday souvenirs that will actually come in handy for years to come.
That said, a number of luxury designers have put their own high-fashion spin on the staple, too. Chief among them: Loewe, hands-down the purveyor of the chicest basket bags for almost a decade, and that releases a variety of covetable designs every year—from the hotly anticipated collaboration with Paula's Ibiza to playful, coloured versions of the classic raffia style.
This season, brands like Jacquemus, The Row and Saint Laurent have also released some seriously swoon-worthy takes on the trend that are perfect for those who prefer their bags bold, branded and indisputably luxurious. Given their timeless appeal, they'll prove to be well worth the investment. And if you don't have any European market trips on the horizon this summer, you can shop some great, affordable basket bags from high-street heroes such as COS, Massimo Dutti and Zara.
Keep scrolling for the best basket bags to shop now—and carry on countless sunny holidays still to come.
Shop The Best Basket Bags
The OG Loewe basket bag is still a summer must-have, almost a decade since it was first released.
Not a fan of beige? Opt for a woven tote in chic, chocolate-brown instead.
Jacquemus offers an elevated, elegant take on the classic basket bag, featuring contrast black leather trim and a metal embellishment.
At less than £80, this timeless Mango basket bag is an absolute steal.
Opt for Aussie brand Alémais' creative design if you're partial to a pop of colour.
The loose weave means you can display your market produce with pride.
From Loewe's latest collaboration collection with Paula's Ibiza, this basket bag is woven from palm fibres and subtly features the brand's signature leather logo anagram.
The Row's inconspicuous basket bag is the ultimate "if you know you know" purchase. It even comes with a leather pochette for easy access to essentials.
Massimo Dutti's tote has all the appeal of the classic basket bag, but in a novel shape that feels fresh.
Nothing screams "cool girl" like toting a zebra-print basket bag around on your travels.
Marks & Spencer has nailed it once again with this expensive-looking back, that's actually less than £50.
Those who won't settle for anything less than full-blown luxury will love Saint Laurent's logo-emblazoned basket-style tote.
Going for authentic French vibes, but with an upmarket twist? Look no further than Sézane.
This ocean-blue bag is just the right size to carry all your beach essentials, without being too cumbersome.
