Minimalism vs. Maximalism: Both Are Winning in 2026

I was scrolling through my feed when I spotted something unexpected. Zoë Kravitz, walking through London in a black jacket, crisp white button-down, and tailored trousers. Her outfit was sharp, monochrome, and undeniably city. But the bag she was carrying? A tan straw tote .

That's not a beach look. That's a city look. And it's a signal that something has shifted.

The Return of the Straw Bag

Straw handbags might feel like a buzzy new trend — appearing in the hands of front-row fashion week attendees and your favorite style influencers for the past few springs and summers. But they actually have a long, rich history .

As WWD's resident historian notes, straw bags "rose to prominence in the 1940s," with "leather-trimmed straw basket bags, lacy openwork styles, and oversize totes in natural tones becoming staples for fashionable vacation spots in California, Palm Beach, and the Hamptons" . Then Jane Birkin catapulted the accessory to new heights in the '70s, taking it from protests to parties. Suddenly, everyone had to own one, and fashion houses like Ralph Lauren and Fendi started putting their own spins on the silhouette .

In 2026, the straw bag is having another moment. And this time, it's not just for the beach.

What's Changing in 2026

It's moving from the beach to the city.

Zoë Kravitz's outfit is the perfect example. The Row's Estelle bag transformed her all-black ensemble by adding organic texture to a very classic monochrome look. The honey-toned hues of the weave lent a summery feel, balancing out the heaviness that all-black outfits can sometimes have . That's the power of a well-placed straw bag: it makes a tailored outfit feel lighter without losing the polish.

The unexpected pairing — tailored garments and a straw bag — is the key. "Taking the bag out of its traditional context may look wrong at first glance, but that's exactly what makes an outfit look cool in 2026" .

The silhouettes are more refined.

Designers are focusing on shape as much as material. According to Vogue Hong Kong, the 2026 straw bag is defined by its silhouette — and there are five distinct directions to watch: the boat shape, sharp square tote, soft slouchy silhouette, bucket bag, and round/curved profiles .

The soft, slouchy silhouette is particularly interesting. It brings a Bohemian, romantic feel — the kind of bag that doesn't try to be perfect. Its shape changes naturally as you move, creating a more personal, less "styled" look . This is the bag for people who want their accessories to feel lived-in, not just new.

It's being styled with everything.

The old rules about straw bags are gone. You no longer need to be on a beach or at a resort to carry one. Here's how the fashion set is wearing them in 2026:

Texture clash. The key is pairing your straw bag with something it shouldn't work with — a bit like the "wrong shoe theory." Think sequins, or smart suit trousers. The contrast of the basket weave with lace, or a structured woven tote with a fluid summer dress, creates visual tension that feels fresh .

Monochrome minimalism. A straw bag pairs beautifully with neutral tones — beige, white, and taupe. This is the look for people who love a minimalist aesthetic with a hint of natural texture . A sleek woven bucket bag with wide-leg linen pants and a tank top is the kind of outfit that looks like you thought about it without trying too hard.

Over-the-top color and pattern. In 2026, you can also find colorful and patterned raffia bags that add life to a basic outfit . If you're looking to add color and interest to your wardrobe, this is the year to go all in. The in-between is usually where you get caught in trends. Either go basic AF or go OTT .

What to Look For

If you're shopping for a straw bag that will last beyond one season, there are a few things to consider.

Consider the leather trim and hardware. If the bag has leather trim, make sure it's a color you wear often. The same goes for hardware — mixing metals might be stylish in 2026, but in the future, you may regret having a bag with silver hardware when you're a gold jewelry kind of person .

Think about how you'll carry it. Does it fit over your shoulder, even with a jacket on? Is it comfortable in your hand? Bags should be practical as well as stylish .

Store it right. Dust can get into the nooks and crannies of a straw bag and damage the textile. When it's out of season, store your straw and raffia bags in a dust bag or old pillowcase .

One Final Thing

The straw bag's resurgence isn't just about nostalgia. It's about texture, contrast, and the way a single accessory can shift the energy of an entire outfit. Zoë Kravitz's monochrome look works because the straw tote adds warmth and organic texture. The vintage-inspired trend continues because designers are finding new silhouettes and styling tricks that keep it feeling fresh .

In 2026, the straw bag is no longer just for the beach. It's for the city, the office, and the dinner table. It's the accessory that says you're paying attention — without needing to say anything at all. ☀️