Fashion People Agree: This Is Summer's Chicest Accessory Trend

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. 

RAFFIA ON THE RUNWAY

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(Image credit: Alberta Ferretti S/S 2023; Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)

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. 

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(Image credit: @jacquemus)

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. 

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(Image credit: Christian Dior S/S 2023; Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)

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. 

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(Image credit: @jacquemus)

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.

HOW TO WEAR THE RAFFIA TREND

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(Image credit: @cassdimicco )

Style Notes: A basket bag like this is always beach ready, especially when paired with a woven cover up. 

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(Image credit: @emrata)

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. 

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(Image credit: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)

Style Notes: Further proof that you can dress up raffia, these woven rope sandals are the perfect accompaniment to Christopher Esber's sculptural dress.

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(Image credit: @monikh)

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. 

SHOP THE RAFFIA TREND 2023:

SHOP BAGS:

SHOP SHOES:

SHOP HATS:

Up Next, The Summer 2023 Shopping Guide: Where to Buy the Biggest Trends of the Season

Remy Farrell
Fashion Editor

Remy Farrell is a London-based shopping editor with nearly 10 years of editorial experience covering fashion, beauty and lifestyle. After graduating with a journalism degree and working on the editorial and fashion teams for titles such as Grazia, Elle, Cosmopolitan and British Vogue, she moved into the luxury e-commerce sector, working as fashion assistant at TheOutnet.com styling for the social media channels and helping to develop the collections for the in-house brand Iris & Ink. After expanding an assisting and styling portfolio that includes shooting talent such as Gigi Hadid, Victoria Beckham and Miquita Oliver, she also branched out into beauty, creating tried-and-tested reviews and diverse beauty content.In her role as shopping editor at Who What Wear, Remy is interested in discovering new and exciting brands to share with the Who What Wear readership and particularly loves uncovering hidden gems at affordable prices to make shopping accessible to everyone.Born and raised in Sheffield, Yorkshire, Remy moved to London in 2014 and lives in the Docklands with her partner and pug Billie.