How To Style A Straw Bag or Straw Purse

Straw bags and straw purses are the epitome of summer style. Whether it’s the middle of summer, or you are planning a warm winter getaway, a straw bag is a travel essential. I am a huge fan of straw bags for their ease and versatility. They’re one of the easiest ways to make summer outfits feel a little more textured and pulled together.

Straw bags have always been popular beach bags. You can put all your beach needs into a large tote, and not have to worry about damaging the fabric. Straw bags now come in so many different styles that allow you to use them to places other than the beach. In today’s post, I am sharing different ways on how to style a straw bag to suit any occasion and fashion preference. Make note as a straw bag also makes a great gift for so many different occasions!

How To Style A Straw Bag

Nautical Inspired Outfit

Straw and stripes are always a summer favorite! Horizontal stripes brings me to summer’s spent by the shore. I always love a blue and white look, but there’s something about stripes that just screams summer. Think of days spent by the water whether it be boating, swimming, or gazing. A striped nautical look works for everyday style to summer parties.

This striped dress I’m wearing is so comfortable! It’s made from UV 50+ protected fabric! Not only does it keep your skin out of the sun’s harmful rays but it’s super light and breathable. Great for hot days! And it pairs especially nice with a top-handle straw or cane tote bag.

Pair It With A Shirt Dress

A large straw tote bag is perfect for carrying your sunscreen, towel, sunglasses, and a book. Whether you are headed to the beach, the pool, or the lake, straw beach bags keep your belongings safe and your style so chic. But totes are not only for the beach. I love a small tote as an everyday bag. Pair it with a shirt dress for a trip to the Farmer’s Market. It’s one of those combinations that always works in summer.

Pair a Straw Bag With Linen Pants

Pairing a straw bag with linen pants is an easy summer or vacation style. Two beautiful textures working together to make your outfit anything but ordinary. I love this look paired with heeled sandals, or with flats for strolling through town. My straw tote is from Pamela Munson. Each season you will find a different fabric for the straps. I love that.

I shared more ways to style linen pants here if you’re building easy summer outfits.

Special Occasion Outfit With a Straw Bag

One of my favorite straw bags is this one from the brand MME.Mink. It’s called the Lady Jane Petite bag. What I love most about this style is the top handle covered by your choice of ribbon color, and the detachable chain shoulder strap. Having two different options for how to style a straw bag makes wearing this so easy. Plus the added ribbon detail makes this ultra chic.

I left the shoulder strap on for added interest but am carrying this bag as a top-handle. I think a top handle bag is more appropriate for this midi length dress. The elegant vibe of the dress paired with heels suits a dressier occasion, and adding a straw bag adds just enough of a casual touch.

Here are a few of my favorite dressy straw bags and purses:

Pair a Straw Bag with Denim Shorts

Easy and relaxed, a pair of denim shorts and a straw bag is a perfect everyday warm weather combo. I like to keep the bag just as relaxed as the outfit. Try a raffia bucket bag or an unstructured tote to keep the look effortless. I also have this same bag in a smaller version that I love to take when sightseeing.

 

Wear With An Everyday Casual Dress

For casual occasions like a day of shopping and lunch, I love a straw shoulder bag. They are comfortable and hold a lot of stuff. I like to carry a bottle of water with me when I’m out. Plus the shoulder strap keeps your hands free for browsing through stores. Wear a shorter length dress for comfort and ease such as a wrap dress or a tie-waist dress.

Wear It With Denim

Denim is such a wardrobe staple. I think of it as a great neutral to wear to just about any occasion. The options are endless on how to style your jeans. Straw bags work especially well with denim because the texture softens the casual feel of jeans. Go all casual with a button-up shirt, or add a fun top for contrast. Either way, any straw bag looks great with jeans.

Style a Straw Bag with a Maxi Dress

Whether it’s the middle of summer or you are going on vacation, styling a straw bag with a maxi dress always feels relaxed but still put together. I love this look for casual days exploring the town. Even though it’s a maxi length, wear your flat sandals to keep this look casual. And the bigger the straw bag the better! It makes shopping for souvenirs much more efficient.

Take It To The Beach

Whether you carry your straw bag as a beach tote, or bring it to the bay for a day of boating, a straw bag is a casual way to carry your essentials. I bring a larger tote to the beach to store my sunscreen, books, and towels. And a smaller one when we go boating for just a few summer essentials like sunscreen, lip balm, and a hat!

Ease Into Spring Transition

To bridge the gap between winter and spring, add a straw bag to your spring coat. The temperatures may still be cooler, but you have spring fever. Transition easily into spring by adding a traditionally warm weather staple to your spring outfit. The added texture is beautiful against a wool coat. I’ve paired mine with this sweater dress for extra warmth and comfort.

Style a Straw Bag with a Square Neck Dress

I love a square neck dress for day to night dressing. Wear your large raffia tote for daytime looks, and switch to a small woven bag and heels for dinner.

How to Style Cane Bags

Cane bags are a playful twist on a traditional straw or raffia bag. The cane details are a great way to add interest to a minimal outfit or play with patterns. I love a cane bag with simple outfits because it adds texture and detail without overpowering the look.

Straw Bag FAQS

Can you wear a straw bag to a dressier occasion?

Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, a small straw purse is perfect for pairing with dressier outfits and special dinners. The natural texture keeps the outfit from feeling too formal and adds a more relaxed summer feel to the look.

Can you wear a straw bag beyond the beach?

Yes. Straw bags work just as well for everyday outfits as they do for the beach. I especially love them with denim, linen pants, shirt dresses, and simple summer dresses because they add texture without feeling overly casual.

What outfits look best with a straw bag?

Straw bags look especially good with relaxed summer fabrics and classic basics. I love them with linen pants, denim, midi dresses, shirt dresses, and simple vacation outfits because the natural texture makes everything feel a little more polished and complete.

I also rounded up my favorite straw bags and raffia purses for summer here.