It’s officially summer, well nearly, but holiday shopping is at the forefront of our minds, and although we’re only halfway through the year, we’ve already uncovered some season-defining fashion trends for summer 2023. From cult-favourite sandals to statement sunglasses, this summer is already shaping up to be a stylish one, but if you are an accessory-minded shopper like me, there’s one trend that you’ll have found impossible to ignore over the last few months–raffia.
From Alberta Ferretti to Jacquemus, raffia has been big on the runway for the last couple of years, and some of this season’s most coveted buys have been the raffia bags and shoes that infuse cool, directional design with low-key beach mentality. Think kicking back on the beach with an oversized sun-hat or treading through the sand in an espadrille. Sound good? Thought so.
As soon as Prada’s tote bags were introduced last year they were almost impossible to buy because they instantly sold out. (Don’t worry, they’re back this season in fresh new colourways, but still in equally high demand). And more recently, Sofia Richie Grainge was spotted with one on her honeymoon, and if that doesn’t reaffirm a trend I don’t know what does. Designers like Loewe, Khaite, and Bottega Veneta have also introduced raffia pieces that are selling out everywhere, but thankfully, you can snap up equally great finds at accessible price points too, so don’t rule out COS, H&M and Zara quite yet. If you’re packing your suitcase or just gearing up for summer in the city, keep scrolling for the best raffia pieces to add to your cart, and some inspiration in how to style them.
Style Notes: Leave it to Alberta Ferretti to come up with a look that includes raffia, crochet, shells and sandals. A strong contender for the ultimate beach outfit.
Style Notes: It’s impossible to discuss reinvented raffia without mentioning Jacquemus. If it wasn’t for that hat that kickstarted his career, we wouldn’t the 2023 update. But more on that later.
Style Notes: Playing up raffia’s artisanal charm, Dior’s full look makes the most of its texture and versatility. Raffia isn’t just about bags, after all.
Style Notes: Turns out you can make raffia evening appropriate. All you need is gauzy layers of sheer mesh, sandals, and some very statement jewellery.
Style Notes: A basket bag like this is always beach ready, especially when paired with a woven cover up.
Style Notes: A bikini and linen trousers is always a solid, summer outfit, but Emily Ratajkowski takes it to new levels with Jaquemus’ unforgettable supersized hat.
Style Notes: Further proof that you can dress up raffia, these woven rope sandals are the perfect accompaniment to Christopher Esber’s sculptural dress.
Style Notes: It’s not all tan straw, Loewe are specialists in woven bags including this new influencer favourite, the Font tote. We love the green colourway, but there’s also brown, black and striped versions too.
If you’re looking for a designer raffia bag, Loewe is one of the best places you can start.
How good is this sunshine yellow?
Not a fan of bucket bags? There are elegant shoulder bags too.
A surprisingly roomy basket.
Call off the search, I think I just found my dream summer shoe.
Espadrilles are an enduring classic for a very good reason.
These look far more expensive than their price tag.
Celine’s Lympia sandals are on the pricey side, but that instantly recognisable logo means you’ll wear these for years to come and still get compliments.
Simple, stylish, chic.
A fun pop of colour to wear on the beach.
There’s something alluring about sophisticated black raffia.
