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.

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.

Thanks Pak for taking these shots!