Just what is up with us lately? Not only are we into florals for spring, ruffles and gigantic statement earrings over subtle, minimal ones, we’re suddenly inexplicably drawn to the basket bag. Raffia, straw, bamboo, wicker – give it here! You know what, we’re just going to blame the sudden magnetic pull to all things summer and spring on our recent work trip to the Maldives. Maybe our subconscious mind is still on Halaveli Island and this new attraction is a way to drag that island high just a little bit longer. Maldives, you got us good.

Basket bags scream island living, but the wonderful, wonderful thing about these woven bags is their neutral base colour. That light-to-dark brown beige that is impossible to hate. Plus, the idea of a basket bag alone evokes that carefree, frolicking-into-the-sunset ease. Neutral plus ease? We’ve got ourselves a multi-tasker. Wear it with your linen dresses and straw hats when the sun’s out, or switch to a sweater and high-cut jeans when you’re feeling particularly French. If Jane Birkin approves, that’s all the validation you need. But, just in case the full-on basket bag is still a little too summery for you and you’re not ready for the plunge, we’ve thrown in a couple of unique part-leather ones into our shopping edit below.

Eugenia Kim Grosgrain-Trimmed Straw Tote

Fendi Micro Baguette Raffia Cross-Body Bag

Loewe Barcelona Raffia & Leather Bag

Loewe Hammock Leather & Raffia Tote

Mark Cross Benchley Leather-Trimmed Rattan Shoulder Bag

Nannacay Baby Roge Pom-Pom Embellished Woven Raffia Tote

Nannacay Maldives Baby Pompom-Embellished Woven Raffia Tote

Prada Midollino Leather-Trimmed Canvas & Wicker Tote

Saint Laurent Monogram Small Raffia Cross-Body Bag

Sensi Studio Frayed Polka-Dot Woven Toquilla Straw Tote

Truss Plaid Woven Raffia-Effect Tote

Vanessa Seward Painted Straw Tote

Main Photo: Style Du Monde