The weather may not be cooperating yet but it is officially spring. Which can only mean one thing . . . Summer is next. And it’s never too early to start thinking about the handbags that will accompany us to graduation parties, barbecues, festivals, boat rides . . . as well as beach and garden-side wedding events.

Top of the list for any summer are bags featuring natural fibers. Not limited to hats and outdoor furniture, materials like straw, raffia, jute, and wicker provide a perfect warm weather vibe to your sunny ensembles.

Summer Must Haves: The Best Raffia and Straw Bags for 2023

Below, we explore some of the best bag options for summer 2023, at virtually all price points.

The GOAT – Hermès

Of course, the ultimate holy grail in this category comes from Hermès. Whether you prefer the more traditional Picnic Kelly or the newer Picnic Birkin, fashionistas will clamor for a better look when either of these is in your hand. Combining Hermès heritage leathers with woven (and specially treated) wicker, provides feminine style for days. Lucky for 2023, Hermès showed a white Picnic Birkin on its Spring Summer runway.

Image courtesy: @baghag

Hermès Mini Kelly Picnic Bag. Image Credit: sothebys

Both versions have size and color options, but really, most of us would take whatever we can get. The mini Kelly version sells for €10,200 in Paris.

What alternatives are there to the elusive Hermès Picnic?

Okay, so reality hits (and bites), and neither the Picnic Kelly nor Birkin is in the cards (or your budget). No worries, there are options with a similar vibe and are just as fashionable.

Prada Wicker and Canvas Tote Bag

Prada offers a wicker and canvas tote that retails for $2,700. Lightweight and two-handled it also includes an optional shoulder strap.

Prada Wicker & Canvas Tote Bag. Image Credit: @designeronrotation

Mini Lady Dior Bag Natural Wicker and Oblique

From Dior once again there is the Mini Lady Wicker. It takes the Classic Lady Dior bag and reimagines it in wicker with a blue Dior oblique jacquard design. Not inexpensive at $5,200, but it packs a lot of style into a small bag.

Mini Lady Dior Bag in Natural Wicker and Blue Dior Oblique. Image Credit: @dayles_addiction

Classic Summer Basket Bags

Open-top summer baskets practically scream summer. Whether toting veggies from the farmer’s market, sunscreen for the beach, or just everyday necessities around town, they’ve got an easy, practical je ne sais quoi.

Teen Triomphe Celine Classic Panier Bag

A new classic – the Celine Teen Triomphe Panier offers an understated yet trend-led design. Seen all over Paris last summer, no doubt it will reappear this season. This structured, open-top basket bag features the Celine Triomphe logo that we all know and love, and leather detailing. Priced at $750 for the teen size, the bag is also available in larger sizes for those summer holidays. Available in various colorways – from metallic gold to candy pink and classic black, there’s a Celine Panier for every wardrobe.

Teen Triomphe Celine Classic Panier Bag in Palm Leaves and Calfskin. Image Credit: @its.me.romy

Loewe Basket Bag In Palm Leaf and Calfskin

There is no question about it – the Loewe basket bag has become an iconic summer companion. Spotted on the arm of countless celebrities and influencers over the past few years. It’s hard not to fall for its simplistic design. Lightweight and crafted with calfskin handles, the embossed patch showcases Loewe’s logo. With prices starting at $590, it’s a great luxury beach bag.

Loewe Basket Bag in Palm Leaf and Calfskin. Image Credit: @heyitsromeca

Prada Woven Palm and Leather Tote

Crafted in seasonally appropriate straw with woven leather straps, the Prada Woven Palm and Leather Tote offers a luxurious everyday option. Priced on the higher end at $1,120, this Prada tote is ideal for city breaks in the sun.

Prada Woven Palm and Leather Tote. Image Credit: Prada

Chloé Sense Medium Basket Bag

Chloé has always encapsulated a carefree attitude – and that’s exactly what we’re channelling this summer. The Sense Medium Basket bag retails for $850. Designed as a catch-all, the bag features leather strap detailing and top handles. Currently it’s available in classic tan and black as well as vibrant green, for some summer fun.

Chloé Sense Medium Basket Bag. Image Credit: Chloè

Summer Ready: Alternatives to the Classic Wicker Bag

Perhaps you already have a handbag collection full of classic straw bags. Are you looking for something with a little edge? There are plenty of alternatives to the open-top summer baskets – from reimagined classics to trend-led designs, there’s an option for every wardrobe.

Medium Dior Book Tote in Natural Cannage Raffia

Dior has reimagined its iconic and much-loved Book Tote in eye-catching and summer-appropriate Raffia. Complete with the classic Cannage print, this top-handle bag is Cote d’Azur ready. It retails for $3,700.

Medium Dior Book Tote in Natural Cannage Raffia. Image Credit: Dior

Medium Lady Dior Bag in Natural Cannage Raffia

The Lady Dior strikes again – this time in Natural Cannage Raffia. This medium-sized Lady Dior features the classic silhouette, with leather trim, and comes with a handy crossbody strap. Available for $5,400 – it is a must-have for lovers of the Lady Dior line.

Medium Lady Dior Bag in Natural Cannage Raffia. Image Credit: @limitedluxserv

Chloé Small Woody Basket Bag

A popular choice from Chloé, the small Woody Basket bag has a certain laid-back appeal. Crafted in a tightly woven design, this classic bucket bag retails for $690. Complete with a top handle and leather crossbody strap, it’s perfect for days sightseeing and strolling around the city.

Chloé Small Woody Basket Bag. Image Credit: @summerleeloves

Prada Raffia Tote Bag

Prada offers pink candy stripes! This soft, relaxed raffia design is simplistic and features top handles for easy wear – currently, the large size retails for $2,400. It’s hard for this bag not to put a smile on your face, with its striped pattern – you’ll be in a summery mood in no time.

Prada Large Raffia Tote Bag. Image Credit: @georgia.mayyy

Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Supple Tote Bag in Raffia Crochet

Saint Laurent puts forward its own variation of the classic crochet shopping tote. Complete with iconic branding, the Rive Gauche Supple Tote Bag in Raffia Crochet, and retails for $1,990. This top handle bag is a bold yet relaxed option for YSL lovers.

Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Supple Tote Bag in raffia Crochet, Image Credit: Saint Laurent

Saint Laurent Niki Medium Chain Bag in raffia and Leather

A classic bag, re-imagined with summer appeal – the Saint Laurent Niki Medium Chain Bag in Raffia and Leather, retails for $3,100. The Saint Laurent Niki is available in the natural color-way for those looking for a classic look, and black for those seeking a more striking aesthetic.

Saint Laurent Niki Medium Chain Bag in Raffia and Leather. Image Credit: Saint Laurent

Fendi Mini Sunshine Shopper

Fendi’s warm weather offering comes in the form of the Mini Sunshine Shopper which retails for $1,850. The crochet mini-bag features the iconic FF logo that we all know and love – in eye-catching woven natural and black raffia. With its tortoiseshell-effect plexiglass top handles, and crossbody strap – what’s not to love?

Fendi Mini Sunshine Shopper. Image Credit: Fendi

Chanel Small Crochet Shopping Bag

Small but perfectly formed, from Chanel, there is the Small Shopping Bag. Constructed with an intricate design, the bag is crafted in crochet, with metallic and calfskin details, and classic gold-tone hardware. However, it comes as no surprise that the bag comes with a steep Chanel price tag – currently retailing at $6,900. While this may not be beach ready – it certainly would catch the eyes of passers-by in the city and beyond.

Chanel Small Shopping Bag in Crochet and Mixed Fibers. Image Credit: Chanel

Khaite Large Olivia Hobo in Natural Raffia

Khaite offers a sustainably harvested raffia Large Hobo bag, available for $2,100. The sculptural bag is both functional and lightweight and certainly is an eye-catching design. For those hoping to make more of a statement, the black variation with crystals definitely packs a punch!

Khaite Large Olivia Hobo Bag in Natural Raffia. Image Credit: Khaite

Staud Raffia Moon Bag

Architectural in design, Staud’s Raffia Moon Bag is a minimalist’s dream. This crescent moon-shape bag is crafted in seasonally appropriate raffia with a contrasting leather handle and detailing. Reasonably priced and readily available for $295, this is a perfect warm-weather companion.

Staud Raffia Moon Bag. Image Credit: net-a-porter

Bottega Veneta Cassette Tote Bag

Bottega Veneta has redesigned its iconic Cassette Tote Bag in a Natural Fondant variation. Priced at $3,700, and complete with the iconic intrecciato woven and leather trimming – this large top-handle tote offers an edgy alternative to a classic basket bag.