In 2023, stylist Allison Bornstein introduced the now-viral concept of the “wrong shoe theory,” which quickly took the fashion world by storm. The idea is simple yet impactful: Choose shoes that intentionally clash with the rest of your outfit. Bornstein states this unexpected contrast gives fashion insiders an effortlessly cool, eye-catching look.
While the wrong shoe theory is still going strong among the style set, there’s a new idea gaining traction—what I’m calling the “wrong bag theory.”
Specifically, I’m talking about raffia bags. Much like the wrong shoe theory, this concept involves taking an item out of its traditional context. Once reserved for the beach, pool, or boat days, straw bags are now being styled for everyday occasions—from brunches to casual dinners. The result is a look that feels intentional, fresh, and fashion-forward.
To illustrate further, instead of pairing these summery bags with swimsuits and cover-ups, experienced shoppers are now wearing them with jeans and blouses or linen trousers and cozy sweaters. Want to see the wrong bag theory in action? Keep scrolling because we’ve gathered a range of outfit examples from across the internet.
How to Implement the Wrong Bag Theory
Strapless Maxi Dress + Headscarf + Straw Tote
Style Notes: Loewe’s Anagram tote is a popular designer raffia bag among fashion people. In the past, it was used to carry sunscreen, a book, and sunglasses to the beach, but today, the style set uses it as their daytime bag for exploring and shopping in town. We love how Parisian creator Emmanuelle Koffi paired hers with a drop-waist, strapless maxi dress and a silk headscarf. The bag adds an unexpected finishing touch to an elegant look, feeling fresher than if she had styled it with a leather tote.
Shop the Look
Open Edit
Curved Waist Strapless Maxi Dress
LOEWE
+ Paula’s Ibiza Anagram Small Leather-Trimmed Woven Raffia Tote
Blouse + Wide-Leg Jeans + Flip-Flops + Straw Tote
Style Notes: Next time you’re in a style rut and reach for your go-to white button-down and wide-leg jeans, skip the usual leather workbag or suede shoulder bag, and grab a straw tote instead. Whether you’re dropping the kids off at school, heading to the office, or meeting a friend for coffee, the bag adds an effortless touch of texture and warmth that instantly pulls your look together.
Shop the Look
Madewell
Shirred Button-Up Shirt
MANGO
High-Rise Wideleg Jeans
A.EMERY
Kinto Leather Flip Flops
Printed Blouse + Cropped Jeans + Ballet Flats + Straw Bucket Bag
Style Notes: Forget what you think you know about raffia bags being just for summer. These versatile accessories transition effortlessly into fall and spring, adding a natural, tactile texture that elevates any outfit—even gray jeans and a draped plaid blouse. If you’re unsure about styling a classic straw tote, take a cue from content creator Makenna Alyse McReynolds and opt for a leather-trimmed raffia bucket bag instead.
Shop the Look
A.L.C.
Lota Stripe Side Drape Sleeveless Top
Khaite
Charlotte Ballerina Flats
Sweater + Trousers + Flip-Flops + Straw Tote
Style Notes: Cotton or linen trousers paired with a straw bag is a go-to outfit formula we’ve seen on repeat this season. But here’s a fresh twist: Swap the expected blouse for a chunky sweater, as shown here. The result? An easy and elevated look that’s chic, cozy, and completely effortless.
Shop the Look
Abercrombie
The A&F Madeline Crew Sweater
COS
Cotton Tapered Drawstring Pants
Chan Luu
Corinne 18k Gold-Plated Sterling Silver Necklace
Tony Bianco
Kimba Sandals
Trench Coat + Hat + Sandals + Straw Tote
Style Notes: You might not expect an oversize raffia tote to pair well with a waterproof trench coat and sandals—but somehow, it works. The bag adds a breezy, summer-ready touch that balances the practicality of the trench and the lightness of the hat, making the outfit perfect for those in-between days marked by surprise showers. The sandals complete the look, reinforcing its warm-weather vibe while keeping things polished.
Shop the Look
Everlane
The Modern Trench Coat
DÔEN
Laure Slingback Sandals
Colorful Blouse + Cropped Trousers + Flats + Straw Top-Handle Bag
Style Notes: The wrong bag theory isn’t limited to raffia totes; structured picnic-style bags are also part of the style approach. You can match it with a plaid blouse, white trousers, and sandals as shown, or create a more unexpected look with a miniskirt set.
Shop the Look
MORE TO COME
Kyla Short Set
Open Edit
Wide Leg Linen Blend Pants
Anthropologie
Bali Woven Wicker Basket Bag
TKEES
Square Toe Lilu Sandals