Forget the Wrong Shoe Theory—I'm Supporting the Wrong *Bag* Theory Throughout the Entire Summer.

Forget the Wrong Shoe Theory—I'm Supporting the Wrong *Bag* Theory Throughout the Entire Summer.

      In 2023, stylist Allison Bornstein unveiled the now-famous "wrong shoe theory," which rapidly captivated the fashion industry. The concept is straightforward yet influential: select shoes that deliberately clash with the rest of your ensemble. Bornstein explains that this surprising contrast provides fashion enthusiasts with a laid-back, attention-grabbing appearance. While the wrong shoe theory continues to thrive among the style community, a new trend is emerging—what I call the "wrong bag theory." This concept specifically focuses on raffia bags. Similar to the wrong shoe theory, it involves taking an item out of its usual setting. Once exclusively used for beach, pool, or boat outings, straw bags are now being styled for everyday events—from brunches to casual dinners. The outcome is a look that appears intentional, refreshing, and ahead of the curve. To further illustrate, rather than pairing these summery bags with swimsuits and cover-ups, savvy shoppers are now combining them with jeans and blouses or linen trousers and cozy sweaters. Curious to see the wrong bag theory in practice? Keep scrolling as we’ve gathered various outfit examples from around the internet.

      How to Apply the Wrong Bag Theory:

      Strapless Maxi Dress + Headscarf + Straw Tote

      Style Notes: Loewe's Anagram tote has become a favored designer raffia bag among fashion aficionados. Previously, it was used for carrying sunscreen, a book, and sunglasses to the beach, but the style set now adopts it as a daytime bag for city exploration and shopping. We admire how Parisian creator Emmanuelle Koffi styled hers with a drop-waist, strapless maxi dress and a silk headscarf. The bag provides an unexpected finishing touch to an elegant outfit, making it feel more current than if paired 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: The next time you find yourself in a style slump and reach for your classic white button-down and wide-leg jeans, skip the usual leather work bag or suede shoulder bag and opt for a straw tote instead. Whether you’re dropping the kids off at school, heading to work, or meeting a friend for coffee, this 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: Discard any notion that raffia bags are only suitable for summer. These adaptable accessories easily transition into fall and spring, providing a natural, tactile texture that enhances any outfit—even gray jeans and a draped plaid blouse. If you're uncertain about how to style a classic straw tote, take inspiration from content creator Makenna Alyse McReynolds and try 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: Pairing cotton or linen trousers with a straw bag is a popular outfit formula this season. However, here’s a new angle: Substitute the typical blouse with a chunky sweater, as demonstrated here. The result? A chic, cozy look that's both simple and sophisticated.

      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 anticipate that an oversized raffia tote would pair well with a waterproof trench coat and sandals—but surprisingly, it does. The bag lends a breezy, summer-ready touch that balances the practicality of the trench with the lightness of the hat, making the outfit ideal for those transitional days when unexpected showers occur. The sandals complement the look, maintaining its warm-weather appeal while keeping it 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 encompasses more than just raffia totes; structured picnic-style bags also fit within this approach. You can pair them with a plaid blouse, white trousers, and sandals as shown, or create a more unexpected ensemble with a miniskirt set.

      Shop the Look:

      MORE TO COME: Kyla Short Set

      Open Edit: Wide Leg Linen Blend Pants

      Anthropologie: Bali Woven Wicker

Forget the Wrong Shoe Theory—I'm Supporting the Wrong *Bag* Theory Throughout the Entire Summer. Forget the Wrong Shoe Theory—I'm Supporting the Wrong *Bag* Theory Throughout the Entire Summer. Forget the Wrong Shoe Theory—I'm Supporting the Wrong *Bag* Theory Throughout the Entire Summer. Forget the Wrong Shoe Theory—I'm Supporting the Wrong *Bag* Theory Throughout the Entire Summer. Forget the Wrong Shoe Theory—I'm Supporting the Wrong *Bag* Theory Throughout the Entire Summer. Forget the Wrong Shoe Theory—I'm Supporting the Wrong *Bag* Theory Throughout the Entire Summer. Forget the Wrong Shoe Theory—I'm Supporting the Wrong *Bag* Theory Throughout the Entire Summer. Forget the Wrong Shoe Theory—I'm Supporting the Wrong *Bag* Theory Throughout the Entire Summer. Forget the Wrong Shoe Theory—I'm Supporting the Wrong *Bag* Theory Throughout the Entire Summer. Forget the Wrong Shoe Theory—I'm Supporting the Wrong *Bag* Theory Throughout the Entire Summer. Forget the Wrong Shoe Theory—I'm Supporting the Wrong *Bag* Theory Throughout the Entire Summer. Forget the Wrong Shoe Theory—I'm Supporting the Wrong *Bag* Theory Throughout the Entire Summer. Forget the Wrong Shoe Theory—I'm Supporting the Wrong *Bag* Theory Throughout the Entire Summer. Forget the Wrong Shoe Theory—I'm Supporting the Wrong *Bag* Theory Throughout the Entire Summer. Forget the Wrong Shoe Theory—I'm Supporting the Wrong *Bag* Theory Throughout the Entire Summer. Forget the Wrong Shoe Theory—I'm Supporting the Wrong *Bag* Theory Throughout the Entire Summer. Forget the Wrong Shoe Theory—I'm Supporting the Wrong *Bag* Theory Throughout the Entire Summer. Forget the Wrong Shoe Theory—I'm Supporting the Wrong *Bag* Theory Throughout the Entire Summer. Forget the Wrong Shoe Theory—I'm Supporting the Wrong *Bag* Theory Throughout the Entire Summer. Forget the Wrong Shoe Theory—I'm Supporting the Wrong *Bag* Theory Throughout the Entire Summer. Forget the Wrong Shoe Theory—I'm Supporting the Wrong *Bag* Theory Throughout the Entire Summer. Forget the Wrong Shoe Theory—I'm Supporting the Wrong *Bag* Theory Throughout the Entire Summer. Forget the Wrong Shoe Theory—I'm Supporting the Wrong *Bag* Theory Throughout the Entire Summer. Forget the Wrong Shoe Theory—I'm Supporting the Wrong *Bag* Theory Throughout the Entire Summer. Forget the Wrong Shoe Theory—I'm Supporting the Wrong *Bag* Theory Throughout the Entire Summer. Forget the Wrong Shoe Theory—I'm Supporting the Wrong *Bag* Theory Throughout the Entire Summer. Forget the Wrong Shoe Theory—I'm Supporting the Wrong *Bag* Theory Throughout the Entire Summer. Forget the Wrong Shoe Theory—I'm Supporting the Wrong *Bag* Theory Throughout the Entire Summer. Forget the Wrong Shoe Theory—I'm Supporting the Wrong *Bag* Theory Throughout the Entire Summer.

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