Ask any junkie, straw bags were hotter than hot last summer and are still going strong this season

When is the appropriate time to use straw bags? Is spring too early or should I wait for summer? (Montgomery Village, MD)

>> SHOP: Best Bags

Straw, like any other obvious warm weather detail, is best kept for warm weather days. Whether or not these days fall within the proper range of the summer calendar or simply when the weather is appropriate is totally up to how much of a stickler you are for following the “rules.”

If you’re old fashioned, you’ll keep your whites and straws at bay until Memorial Day and then pack them away after Labor Day. If you’re trendier, you’ll go with the style wave of the moment!

A modern approach is to dress appropriately for the temperature with keeping the season in mind. In other words, if you are still wearing a tweed coat, hold off on the straw tote and espadrilles!

–May 18, 2002