Never underestimate the power of a good bag to lift your look. I first wrote about the woven leather bag two summers ago, and I’ve watched as its popularity has soared. It is absolutely the handbag of this season, but my continued love for mine marks it out as a timelessly stylish buy. I acquired my chocolate woven tote bag from Loeffler Randal in 2023 and carefully packed it away the last two winters. Retrieving it from its slumber at the first sign of sun marks the start of my shift to spring dressing, and it really is the perfect piece for the occasion.

My love for woven leather accessories stems in part from luxury accessories house Bottega Veneta. Who hasn’t coveted the brand’s woven knot detail Jodie bag? But, with prices starting at £1,170, it’s not something that’s accessible for all.

Fortunately, there are many alternatives. Look to high street pieces, like those from M&S and Dune London, for an instant style update. Or, for something even more elevated, Dragon Diffusion is an absolute go-to for this style. The label, as worn by influencer Monikh Dale and stocked at Selfridges and Net-a-Porter, produces bags that you know are going to be in your wardrobe forever.

As soon as the weather turns, my priority is to lighten my look. While the sun is shining now, it’s very much still cashmere jumper and jeans weather. So, to get this look ready for the new season, add a khaki trench in place of your winter coat and a woven basket bag instead of your heavy leather tote to give an instant lift to your day-to-day look. 

With the arrival of proper summer, I dress exclusively in breezy cottons and linens. These simple lightweight looks are just crying out for accessories with a softer structure and a warmer hue to complement them. Obviously, straw basket bags are an option and have been a huge trend for the past few years, inspired in part by Jane Birkin and the timeless handmade versions that epitomise French-girl chic. Now every fashion house from Jacquemus to Loewe has its own version. But the woven leather tote is the modern city alternative: the basket bag 2.0, if you like.

It is smart enough for work – worn with wide-leg trousers – yet relaxed enough for weekend dressing – with a cool track top, denim and suede Birkenstocks. I’ve even paired mine with a silk dress, charm necklace and delicate flat sandals for an al fresco evening out.

I’ve rounded up the three best styles to invest in for instant summer cool. Buy now and you’ll be wearing this piece on repeat until October and, if you’re anything like me, pulling it out joyfully next spring. 

Add To Basket is a franchise from Stylist, headed up by our fashion director, Lucy Reber. Every two weeks, she’ll zone in on the piece you should be buying and why it’s going to elevate your wardrobe in an instant. Follow her for more style advice @le_reber.

Images: courtesy of brands