The best basket bags to shove ciders and Pimms in
One nice thing I’ve noticed is that people have (responsibly) kept the British summer spirit going during COVID-19. Socially distanced hang outs in the park have become the norm with picnics, awkward Tinder dates and any reason to escape their home’s four walls taking centre stage in London’s green spaces. If you’re anything like me, these outings become my chance to dress as nicely or be as extra as I can with my outfits.
While 2018 was undoubtedly the basket bag boom - i.e. when I originally wrote this post - these cute accessories have proved year after year to be an indisputable a summer fashion staple. Whether you’re rocking a tiny on-trend baguette bag version or a classic raffia monster to squeeze your blanket and Pimms in (spoilers), adding them to your outfit is basically a summer shorthand.
I haven't been totally immune to their charms either, as you can tell from the above gifted madebywave bag, or the neon green basket bag backpack my mum found in the depths of a Filipino department store.
outfit details.
madebywave Mexico City Beach Bag
Marks & Spencer Shirred Top Dress,
LAMB Lace Up Leather Laser-Cut Shoes
Pom Pom Earrings, gifted
Miniso Cat Eye Sunglasses
Get me a rattan basket bag, a straw basket bag, a raffia basket bag, a bamboo basket bag - I'm here for all of it (though I'm probably going to slow my roll at the two I currently have.)
Here's eight of my favourites on the market below, from high street basket bags through to the quintessential Loewe investment. A GIRL CAN DREAM.
Best Basket Bags
8 of the best basket bags around, from £10+.
Mexico City Beach Bag Mini
Priced at £105, available at madebywave
My big hulking bag has sadly gone from the site now, but this adorable tiny version is still available. They also have a daisy print one which would be ideal for spring too.
AAKS Baw Pot Natural
Priced at £120, available at AAKS
This gorgeous Black-owned brand specialises in raffia bags and honestly, I had to resist the urge to throw all of their bags in this roundup. The unusual silhouette on this makes it a winner.
& Other Stories Straw Baguette Bag
Priced at £65, available at ASOS
I know I’m waxing lyrical about forever bags, but I couldn’t resist this & Other Stories piece. You might have seen baguette bags are EVERYWHERE and & Other Stories answered the call with this raffia and pukka shell strap beauty.
Betsy & Floss Paphos Basket Bag
Priced at £40, available at Wolf & Badger
Something about this just screams holiday to me and even if air travel’s a nightmare right now, you can at least play pretend with this. It’s also big enough to fit a wine bottle, another wine bottle, several dictionaries-
Inne Sia Shopper Tote
Priced at £166, available at Inne
This is a more sophisticated take on the basket bag by Inne and one of their more popular styles. The leather border really steps things up here and it comes in a variety of colours if brown isn’t your bag - the black one is really sleek too. (Also all their basket bags are amazing.)
Pull & Bear Beige Raffia Crossbody Bag
Priced at £15.99, available at Pull & Bear
Is this perhaps a rip off of Simon Miller’s classic designer bag? Absolutely. Is it still super cute and a fraction of the price? Yes. I love that there’s a very subtle rainbow on the circle handles.
Oliver Bonas Cherry Round Bag
Priced at £36, available at Oliver Bonas
Had to get a round bag in here somewhere. Cherries come back year after year as a popular summer pattern and this one is very sweet.
Serpui Straw Clutch Bag
Priced at £460, available at Farfetch
If you are the kind of person who has money to drop on a £400 quirky bag, please let it be this one. Let me live vicariously through you.
Thanks Pak for taking these shots!
I bought that infamous £200 Topshop polka dot dress. (I regret it.) A.K.A. My conspiracy theory about why some clothes go cult and others don't.