20 Timeless Designer Tote Bags That Belong in Every Wardrobe
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
Of all the handbags styles out there, a tote is by far a style that you'll get the most use out of. They're functional and practical thanks to their spacious interior, plus they're extremely versatile and can be used for just about any occasion in your day-to-day life. So, if you're looking to add a new one to your collection, we'd recommend splurging on a designer tote bag. While they do tend to fall on the pricier side of things, luxury options are worth the investment because they're durable, thoughtfully designed with quality materials, and most importantly, made to last.
These days, there are a variety of tote bags available on the market, so narrowing down your pick can be overwhelming. Fortunately, we made the work easy for you with our all-time favorite styles that are guaranteed to last you life a time. From leather to canvas to raffia, here are the best designer tote bags you won't regret splurging on.
Soft Margaux 17 Bag in Suede
IYKYK: The Row's Margaux is so popular, some are evening dubbing it as the new Birken. And frankly, it's not hard to see why. Featuring a softly structured silhouette with belted gusseted side panels, the minimalist style boasts a timeless design (no in-your-face logos) that can go from brunch to boardroom to date night to airport to... you get the point. Consider yourself lucky if you're able to get your hands on it.
Material: Seude
Dimensions: 17" W x 12" L x 10" D
Sizes Available: 10", 15", 17"
Colors: Variety
Andiamo Medium Leather Tote
Bottega's bags are anything but boring. The classic woven details add interest to an otherwise understated purse, while the golden hardware makes the style pop. Wear it to work, wear it to a dinner party, wear it wherever your heart pleases.
Material: Leather
Dimensions: 12.2" W x 9.4" H x 4.7" D
Sizes Available: Clutch, East-West, Small, Medium, Large
Colors: Variety
Large Galleria Saffiano Leather Bag
While the Galleria is less than 20 years old, it is perhaps one of Prada's most recognizable totes. Boxy and structured, the bag is made of the house's iconic Saffiano, a patented leather that's water- and scratch-resist and defined by its crosshatch texture. Inside, you'll find three multi-functional comportments that's makes organizing your belongings a breeze.
Material: Leather
Dimensions: 12.5'' W x 9.4'' H x 5.3'' L
Sizes Available: Small, Medium, Large
Colors: Variety
Classic Easy Tote
A roomy interior? Check. A relaxed silhouette? Check. A lightweight feel? Check. You get it all with my all-time favorite: Cuyana's minimalist tote bag. Great for work and play, the carrier is available in three sizes, a variety of goes-with-everything colors, and the option to buy with or without a zipper. Plus, the brand offers a range of accompanying accessories, such as laptop inserts and zipper pouches, for extra organized types. And if that's not enough to convince, at least three T&C staffers carry the tote.
Material: Leather
Dimensions: 12.3" H x 21.6" W x 5.1" D
Sizes Available: Classic, Tall, Small
Colors: 10
The New York
One of the greatest compliments I can receive is when a stranger stops me on the street or subway to comment on this tote. At this rate, I've lost how many times that's happened. But it's clear to me why the aptly-named New York tote is such a conversation starter: the spacious, trapezoidal shape is unique and different from your run-of-the-mill black tote, while the embossed croc details combined with the minimalist gold hardware ups the elegant factor.
Material: Leather
Dimensions: 22.1" W x 10.7" H x 5.5" D
Sizes Available: Midi, Large
Colors: 8
THE MEDIUM LOTUS TOTE
Neverfull MM
Lee Radziwill Leather Double Bag
According to T&C's Lauren Hubbard, this elegant purse inspired by Jackie Kennedy's younger sister, Lee Radziwill, is the "perfect combination of soft and structured to make it a do-it-all for day and night." She loves how it's "dressy enough to carry out in the evening, with its sleek lock and key hardware, polished for the office thanks to a minimalist design, yet still gives off a sense of breezy, casual cool that ensures it won't look overdone or out of place tucked into a cubby at my yoga studio."
Size Range: Petite, Small, Large
Dimensions: 12 1/2"W x 11 1/2"H x 6"D
Colors Available: Cream, Black, Camel
East-West tote bag (L)
Gucci Diana small tote bag
Everyday Soft Tote
It's all in the name. Mansur Gavriel's minimal leather tote is designed to hold everything you need in your day-to-day life, whether you're running errands, heading to the farmers market, or meeting the girls for lunch. It's especially convenient for work since it's big enough to hold a 16-inch laptop and whatever else you can't do without.
Size Range: One Size
Dimensions: 11.8in H x 21.5in W x 9in D
Colors Available: Black, Cherry, Green, Caramel, Sand
East West Calfskin Shopping Tote Bag
No handbag collection is complete without a classic black tote—and for that you turn to the OG carrier: YSL's East West shopping bag. Constructed from buttery calfskin leather, the aptly-named piece has an absurdly spacious interior that can hold all your daily essentials with some room to spare. It also has an accompanying pouch for your smaller tchotchkes, and a classic structured look that will never go out of style.
Size Range: Large
Dimensions: 11"H x 14.6"W x 5"D
Colors Available: Black, Blue, Green, Camel, Red, Gray
Reversible Leather Medium Bellport Tote
Ai Medium Bicolor Raffia Tote Bag
Large Dior Book Tote
Large Le Pliage Tote
The epitome of the perfect everyday tote bag. Constructed from durable nylon with sleek leather straps, Longchamp's Le Pliage was designed to be long-lasting, lightweight, and versatile. It can fit so much, and no matter how much you stuff inside, you'll never have to deal with achy shoulders. Take it from me: I've had mine for over 10 years and it still looks as good as new.
Size Range: Small, Medium, Large
Dimensions: 12 ¼"W x 11 ¾"H x 7 ½"D
Colors Available: Black, Navy, Red, and more
Basket Bag in Palm Leaf and Calfskin
Summer is just around the corner, which means now is prime time to invest in a stylish straw bag for the beach, pool, and beyond. With it's bucket-shaped silhouette, signature straw weave, and sleek leather details, Loewe's woven tote is the quintessential style for summer. Wear it over your shoulder or in the crook of your arms—it'll look chic either way.
Size Range: Mini, Small, Medium, Large
Dimensions: 15.75"W x 10.5"H x 6.25"D
Colors Available: Natural, Yellow, Light Blue
NAGHEDI Medium St. Barths Tote in Olive at Nordstrom
Cyme Tote
MZ Wallace Deluxe Large Metro Tote in Medium Gray at Nordstrom
You Might Also Like