Being on trend has made the Straw Bag much more versatile. There is a much larger assortment of silhouettes available, making many interesting juxtapositions possible when they are added to outfits. They don’t all look like the unstructured, extremely casual and rustic beach or farmer’s market totes that we usually associate with straw bags. They can be structured like baskets or small suitcases, varnished with shine, and embellished with glitzy hardware, all of which give them a dressier integrity.

The outfit formula here is simply to throw in the straw bag instead of a regular satchel, tote, crossbody or clutch with a Spring or Summer outfit. The effect is playful and textural. Here are four looks to get you started. The first two are Summer-y and casual. The second two are dressier and transitional.

1. Casual Shorts & Blouse

We expect to see a straw tote with a casual denim shorts outfit, so this one isn’t a stretch. I like the boho-lite blouse, which looks prettier and more interesting than a simple tee. The slides are a trendy addition, and the pattern on the bag works well with the lace trim of the blouse.

2. Casual Jeans & Blouse

Try cropped straight or flared jeans if shorts aren’t your thing. Throw in a casual blouse, knitted top or shirt, and flat sandals or mules. Finish off the look with just about any style of straw bag. A denim skirt or dress works equally well.

3. Dressy Frock & Heels

Create an interesting juxtaposition by combining a fairly dressy dress with dainty heels and a Structured Straw Bag. You can swap out the dress for a dressy skirt and top if that’s more your vibe, and throw in some dressy flats. The straw bag takes the place of a clutch.

4. Black Leather, Pink & Booties

Here’s a transitional look with a harder edge. The soft and flouncy pink skirt adds a gorgeous Spring softness to the tough black leather jacket and chunky boots. A black moto and black pumps or loafers could work too. The structured straw bag with gold hardware is an unexpected touch, and to my eye does not look seasonally confused.

I can put together the second and third combinations with my mini straw bag. How about you?