The Investment-Worthy Tote Bags That Actually Fit Your Life
Bag trends continue to oscillate between the most impractical mini bags to wildly spacious—and capacious—but I think the industry has finally reached a point where both can co-exist, so long as our wardrobe staples are there to rise to the occasion. And that's where the designer tote comes into play.
From woven leathers, supple suedes, animal prints, and more, there's truly a style for every person, place, and mood. Need another endorsement or two? ELLE's fashion editors have also given testimonies on their must-have picks. Shop our full list of the best luxury tote bags, below.
ELLE digital director, Claire Stern Milch, says, 'I took the plunge, and I don't regret it for a second. The leather is unmatched, and it fits literally everything I could possibly need.'
Dimensions: Height 14 inches; width: 16.5 inches; depth: 8.5 inches
Colors: Black, Dark Taupe, Ivory
Material: 100% calfskin leather
Is it origami, a work of art, or a stylish handbag? Consider it all of the above. Chic and perfectly designed for easy storage (it's designed to fold completely flat!), this will be a timeless option in your collection—absolutely genius.
Dimensions: Height 12.4 inches; width: 10 inches; depth: 5.7 inches
Colors: 6 options
To me, this bag screams, 'Girl on the go!' From work to Pilates to a friend's restaurant or gallery opening, you'll never know what she's carrying inside, but her effortless style speaks for itself.
Dimensions: Height 19.7 inches; width: 11 inches; depth: 7 inches
Colors: Blanc Vintage, Black, Light Musk, Marron Fonce
Material: 100% deerskin leather
She's structured, she's sturdy, and she means business. Crafted from nappa leather, Prada's leather tote is the best of both worlds with modern character and sophisticated charm.
Dimensions: Height 9.6 inches; width: 7 inches; depth: 15 inches
Colors: Briarwood, Caramel, Black
Material: 100% nappa leather
ELLE commerce writer, Madison Rexroat says, 'I'm obsessed with the zebra print trend, and I love seeing it everywhere this season, especially in this gorgeous Jacquemus tote (which I'm pretty sure Chloe—played by Charlotte Le Bon—carried at the resort in the latest season of The White Lotus). It's chic, it's pierced, and it holds a lot; what more could you want?'
Dimensions: Height 13.77 inches; width: 21.65 inches; depth: 8.66 inches
Colors: Black & White Zebra
Material: Synthetic Raffia, Leather Trim
In case you were wondering if an accessory can inspire a handbag, the answer is yes. This bag was designed to have a lightweight, scarf-like appeal featuring a sturdy base for ultimate stability. Unique, eye-catching, and available in plenty of colors and fabrications—what more could you ask for?
Dimensions: Height 15.5 inches; width: 22 inches; depth: 8.5 inches
Colors: Rouge Noir Suede, Midnight Suede, Black Suede, Mud Suede, Cedar Suede
Material: 100% calfskin
Inspired by its namesake, this luxury day bag can easily fit in the crook of your elbow, worn across the body, or held by the top handle for ultimate versatility.
Dimensions: Height 8.7 inches; width: 8.7 inches; depth: 5.9 inches
Colors: 7 options
Material: 100% cowhide leather
Whether you wear it as a top-handle or a shoulder bag, this timeless beauty features the iconic Intrecciato technique, and has a silhouette that will never go out of style. Maybe I'm biased, but this is 100 percent worth it.
Dimensions: Height 7.9 inches; width: 13 inches; depth: 6.5 inches
Colors: Sea Salt, Black, Beetroot, Nocciola
Material: 100% lambskin
As said by ELLE commerce writer, Laura Tarafa, 'I've always gravitated toward open-top totes, but recently I was on the hunt for something more practical—and then I came across this beauty. It's the perfect size for weekends when I need to carry all my essentials (and get some shopping done). I'm completely obsessed with the buttery-soft suede in this rich chocolate hue, and the braided handles add a unique, playful touch.'
Dimensions: Height 9.1 inches; width: 15.4 inches, depth: 6.7 inches
Colors: Chocolate
Material: Suede and calfskin leather
A recent acquisition of senior fashion commerce editor Dale Arden Chong, she notes this as 'a perfectly worn-in tote that can carry everything but the kitchen sink.' In this calfhair leopard print version (the silhouette also comes in ultra-soft smooth leather), it's bound to catch anyone's eye.
Dimensions: Height 10 inches; width: 17 inches; depth: 8 inches
Colors: Leopard
Material: Calfskin, suede
This sculptured piece can transform in the best of ways—as a basket with its sides open (and straps out) or as a flower-esque silhouette when closed. Why have one bag when you can get two?
Dimensions: Height 12.5 inches; width: 15 inches; depth: 6.7 inches
Colors: 8 options
Minimal and chic, Liffner's classic silhouette allows for everyday ease and a touch of casual cool that seamlessly anchors any look in the most understated, refined way.
Dimensions: Height 13.7 inches; width: 11.4 inches; depth: 9.8 inches
Colors: Dark Brown, Black, Rhum, Herb
Material: Cow Suede
In a world full of capsule collections and minimal aesthetics, can you think of a better way to make a statement this fall? As ELLE commerce content lead, Alexis Bennett Parker proclaims in her recent story, 'Gucci's viral new handbag is declaring the end of quiet luxury.' I'm sold.
Dimensions: Height 18.5 inches; width: 16.5 inches; depth: 6.3 inches
Colors: Blue and White GG Denim, Beige and Brown GG Canvas
Material: Denim; canvas
Sometimes, it's all in the name. This classic tote, though simple in design, provides a casual elegance with its clean lines and unexpected contrasting interior for an added pop of color.
Dimensions: Height 11.8 inches; width: 21.5 inches; depth: 9 inches
Colors: Black Flamma, Aubergine Cielo
From the work day to the weekend, this spacious bag—which perfectly fits every essential and then some—allows for easy access. Plus, you can adjust the strap to your preferred length.
Dimensions: Height 10.25 inches; width: 13.75 inches; depth: 7.75 inches
Colors: Warm Brown, Black, Maple, Honey Brown
Material: Suede
Every product featured on ELLE.com is independently researched, tested, or editor-approved. We only recommend products that we stand behind, and the merchandise featured on our site is always driven by editorial and product testing standards, not by affiliate deals or advertising relationships. Any content created in partnership with advertisers is marked as such.
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