The Quintessential Summer Accessory: A Straw Bag

You can pretend you’re spending the summer in Provence with this jaunty striped tote from Hat Attack. $60, us.asos.com.

Mais oui to the embroidered message on this tote. Handcrafted from straw with leather handles, it’s roomy enough for sunscreen, towel and other beach necessities. $175, modaoperandi.com.

Clutches never go out of style. Here’s a festive one with fringe and pompoms! It’s $55 from H&M’s big sister, & Other Stories, stories.com/us.

Montreal-based Indigo & Lavender’s round, retro-feeling shoulder bag is handwoven in Marrakesh of palm leaves. $60, madewell.com.

From Calypso St. Barth, this raffia handbag with contrasting trim and tassel can be worn over the shoulder or as a hands-free cross-body bag. $150, calypsostbarth.com.

Nannacay boxy straw tote with friendly greeting and geometric pattern. Braided double top handles. $230, saksfifthavenue.com.

Pixie Market’s Little Straw Bag for when you don’t have much to carry on carefree summer outings. $82, shopspring.com.

Frances Valentine straw basket tote with colorful front slip pocket (also available in hot pink and tan) and handles and fun zebra lining. $295, francesvalentine.com.

Handsome combo of black handle and dark brown straw. Reduced from $95 to $47.99 at needsupply.com.

Woven by Colombian artisans, this light beige and brown straw Adorada bag is treated to a trim of pink and orange pompoms. Add a contemporary twist to a romantic summer dress. $206, at MatchesFashion.com.

WHAT DID AUDREY Hepburn, Diane Keaton (in “Annie Hall”), Jane Birkin (before Hermès) and Brigitte Bardot have in common? They all mastered the art of casual chic with a straw or raffia bag on their arm. We hadn’t even thought about this summer classic until the Wall Street Journal brought it to our attention last week. Thank you, WSJ, for the timely reminder. It got us thinking we could also find some swell examples (see above) for you before the season’s over. Updates on the plain-Jane basket style include flirty fringe, pompoms, embroidered messages, curvy round shapes, stripes and splashes of color. Carried as a clutch, as a tote for beach gear or worn over the shoulder, this accessory is an instant pick-me-up, and one that doesn’t cost a fortune. Moreover, it goes with just about anything you already have in your closet. Woo-hoo.

—Janet Kelly