Babe, wake up, it’s time to dig out your basket bag from the back of your wardrobe! Yep, it’s that time again. The sun is shining, the mercury is rising, and we’re ditching our heavy black leather totes and worn-out nylon crossbody in favour of lighter, more seasonally appropriate arm candy.
No summer holiday on the horizon? No problem! A basket bag is a summer essential for any and every occasion, far beyond the beach. In an effort to get more bang for our buck, we’re wearing ours with just about everything. With a blazer to the office? Très chic! Off-duty weekends with jeans and a tee? It totally works.
Trust us, it’s all about how you style it. Below, all the outfit inspo you need on how to wear your basket bag right now.
A tank top and jeans + a basket bag
Table of Contents
- A tank top and jeans + a basket bag
- Tailored separates + a basket bag
- Head-to-toe colour + a basket bag
- A white midi skirt and heeled flip flops + a basket bag
- All black + a basket bag
- A wedding guest dress + a basket bag
- A co-ord set + a basket bag
- A white blouse and ballet flats + a basket bag
- A denim vest and black mini skirt + a basket bag
- A blazer + a basket bag
- A slogan tee + a basket bag
Match the laid-back beach vibe of a basket bag with an equally casual ensemble like a white tank top and baggy fit jeans. Simply sub out your go-to Uniqlo sling bag in favour of a woven basket style (small, medium, or large – whatever size is your preference) for an instant summer update. Perfect if it’s a lazy, low-key weekend on the cards.
Tailored separates + a basket bag
Add your basket bag to your summer workwear rotation! We love how the structured design of this picnic hamper-esque mini tote complements the sharp tailoring of a sleek duster coat and collared shirt.
Head-to-toe colour + a basket bag
Want to try out the monochrome trend and dress in one colour head-to-toe, but you don’t have a bag in the same shade as the rest of your attire? Worry not, a basket bag in a neutral hue is the answer. Softer than a black or white accessory, the natural fibres also work in favour to create a polished and seriously chic final look.
A white midi skirt and heeled flip flops + a basket bag
A midi and flip flops may be typical beach wear, but opting for a spotless white skirt and heeled sandals instantly transports this look to the city streets – bringing your basket bag seamlessly with it.
All black + a basket bag
Sure, wearing an entirely black outfit is the oldest trick in the book for looking chic AF. But in the summer, the muted hue can feel a tad depressing. If you don’t want to step out of your comfort zone for fear of cosplaying as Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat, try introducing a raffia basket bag to your look to transport your black ‘fit into the right season.
A wedding guest dress + a basket bag
Best dressed wedding guest, incoming! No more juggling clutches and canapes – if you have a basket bag on the smaller side, try knotting a silk scarf around the handles to dress it up. Voilà, the perfect finishing touch to your wedding guest dress this summer.
A co-ord set + a basket bag
An easy breezy linen co-ord is the only option for beating the heat in the peak of summer. Sling a basket bag over your shoulder, roomy enough to hold a water bottle, SPF and a portable fan (all must-haves, IMO), and there’s no chance of being mistaken for wearing your pyjamas.
A white blouse and ballet flats + a basket bag
This is basically a cheat code for instantly achieving French girl chic. A pretty white blouse (bonus points for broderie anglaise detailing), dark wash denim, bright ballet flats and a basket bag. It oozes that ‘je ne sais quoi.’
A denim vest and black mini skirt + a basket bag
Toughen up frilly and floaty summer dresses and skirts by layering on a sleeveless denim vest. Lean into the boho vibes by adding a basket bag and maybe even some espadrille wedge sandalstoo? Sienna Miller, eat your heart out.
A blazer + a basket bag
Basket bags were *made* for the office, we’re convinced. Able to hold all your necessities – laptop, notebook, phone, lunch tupperware, Kindle, and the rest – we love the contrast of a sharp blazer with an overstuffed raffia design.
A slogan tee + a basket bag
Move over bum bags, we’re toting our basket bag to a festival this summer. Chunky gold jewellery, a slogan tee and camouflage shorts are instantly softened with the natural textures of the woven raffia.
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Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there’s nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she’s passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!
Okay, here’s a transcript of a discussion based on the provided article, between the Time.news editor adn a fashion expert, focusing on the basket bag trend and its versatility.
Characters:
Sarah: Editor at Time.news, focused on current trends and reader engagement.
David: Fashion expert, author, and stylist with extensive knowledge of accessory trends.
Setting:
A virtual meeting room.
(Scene opens with Sarah and David appearing on screen.)
Sarah: David, thanks for joining me today. We’re looking at this piece about basket bags, and while it seems straightforward – “basket bags are back!” – I’m curious about your take. Is this just a fleeting seasonal trend, or is there something more to it?
David: Thanks for having me, Sarah. I think it’s more than just a flash in the pan. Basket bags have a certain inherent charm and timelessness. They evoke feelings of summer, of ease, of natural textures… but their real strength this season lies in their adaptability.
Sarah: Adaptability is key. The article mentions pairing them with everything from tank tops and jeans to tailored workwear. Is that really viable? Can a basket bag truly work in a professional setting?
David: Absolutely, with the right execution. The key is to consider the bag’s style and the overall outfit. Think about structured basket totes, not overly rustic picnic hampers. Clean lines, perhaps in a darker weave, paired with a blazer and sharp separates give a very chic contrast. It breaks up the expected formality. The juxtaposition is what makes it work.
Sarah: So, it’s the intentional contrast that elevates it beyond beachwear. What are some of the biggest mistakes people make when trying to incorporate a basket bag into non-beach outfits?
David: I think over-accessorizing is one pitfall. You want the basket bag to be a statement piece, not overwhelmed by competing elements. Also, consider the occasion. A very casual, floppy basket bag might not be appropriate for a seriously corporate meeting, even with tailored clothing.
Sarah: Good point. The article also highlights the head-to-toe color trend, using a neutral basket bag as an anchor. is that a styling tactic you’d recommend?
David: Definitely! A neutral basket bag – think natural raffia or a subtly toned weave – creates a softness and warmth that prevents a monochrome outfit from looking too stark or severe. It adds texture and depth. It’s a very sophisticated approach.
Sarah: Speaking of sophistication, the article even suggests a basket bag with a wedding guest dress! That feels like a bold move.
David: It is, but it can work beautifully! Think smaller, more refined basket bags, perhaps embellished with beads or featuring decorative handles and adding a silk scarf gives it an elegant twist. It’s about adding a touch of personality and unexpectedness to a formal occasion. It shows confidence and style.
Sarah: So, it’s all about thoughtfully selecting the details. What makes this resurgence of the basket bag different from previous trends? Is there anything unique driving its popularity right now?
David: I think there’s a broader cultural shift towards sustainability and natural materials.People are increasingly drawn to items that feel authentic and eco-conscious. Basket bags fit perfectly into that narrative.Plus, after years of very structured, often logo-heavy bags, there’s a desire for something more relaxed and individualistic.
Sarah: That makes a lot of sense.Any final thoughts for our readers who are considering adding a basket bag to their wardrobe this season?
David: Embrace the versatility! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles and outfits. Consider investing in a high-quality basket bag that will last for years. And most importantly, have fun with it! Fashion should be enjoyable.
Sarah: Excellent advice, David. Thank you so much for sharing your insights. This has been incredibly helpful.
David: My pleasure, Sarah!
(Scene ends.)
