Forget the Wrong Shoe Theory—I'm Backing the Wrong *Bag* Theory All Summer Long

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

Emmanuelle wears a scarf around her hair, a black strapless dress, and a loewe straw tote.

(Image credit: @emmanuelle_k)

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.

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Blouse + Wide-Leg Jeans + Flip-Flops + Straw Tote

Jen wears a white button down, jeans, flip flops, and a straw tote bag.

(Image credit: @jen_wonders)

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.

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Printed Blouse + Cropped Jeans + Ballet Flats + Straw Bucket Bag

Makenna wears a plaid top, gray jeans, green flats, and a straw bucket bag.

(Image credit: @makenna_alyse)

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.

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Sweater + Trousers + Flip-Flops + Straw Tote

Monikh wears a green sweater, white pants, flip-flops, and a straw tote bag.

(Image credit: @monikh)

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.

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Trench Coat + Hat + Sandals + Straw Tote

Marilyn wears a black hat, black trench coat, black flats, and a straw tote bag.

(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

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.

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Colorful Blouse + Cropped Trousers + Flats + Straw Top-Handle Bag

Lucy wears a red blouse, white pants, black sadnals, and a straw bag.

(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

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.

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Associate Fashion Editor

Nikki Chwatt is an associate fashion editor based in New York City. She joinedBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing in 2024 after writing fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content for WWD, Well+Good, Editorialist, and more. With a passion for personal style and the creativity that comes with it, one of Chwatt's goals is to help others understand that there is no such thing as a “good” or “bad” style; it’s just about putting an outfit together that makes you feel confident in yourself. When she's not writing, you can find her taking a Pilates class, reading a powerful romance novel, or exploring a new wellness spot in Manhattan.