Somewhere between the functional mom bag and fashionable mini bag lies a classic style that effortlessly delivers on both fronts: the tote. Defined by two over-the-shoulder handles and a deep rectangular structure crafted from durable materials, totes have become much more than utilitarian carryalls. Today, the bags are powerful accessories representing mindful sustainability and style-savvy. (Speaking of style there’s even an Instagram account dedicated to the revival of L.L. Bean’s iconic Boat and Tote bags.) That’s why we’ve rounded up the best tote bags designed to suit you effortlessly for work, travel, school, and everything in between.
From L.L.Bean‘s OG canvas style to a trendy puffy mini tote from Urban Outfitters, the totes are worth adding to your bag rotations. There’s a color, print, fabric, and size for everyone. Find the one that matches your style. Each of our picks is approved for all occasions — aka ready to carry you and your stuff from crowded work commutes to grocery runs, gym trips, all-day shopping excursions, and nights out on the town.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
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Free People Roma Suede Tote Bag
Introducing a stylish suede tote bag with a touch of carefree slouchiness. It will become your staple for those busy days when you don’t have time to play organizational Tetris and instead need to just toss your essentials in and go. Perfectly oversized while still looking polished, it’s also good for shopping trips and farmer’s market visits.
Free People Roma Suede Tote Bag, $, available at Free People
& Other Stories Vertical Mini Tote Bag
We’re ready to take this chic radiant orange tote to weekend brunches and weddings for many seasons to come.
& Other Stories Vertical Mini Tote Bag, $, available at & Other Stories
Urban Outfitters Millie Puffy Mini Tote Bag
Pair your favorite puffer with a coordinating puffer tote bag for a trendy ensemble that also looks crazy cozy. The adorable mini is a best-seller from Urban Outfitters.
Urban Outfitters Millie Puffy Mini Tote Bag, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Marc Jacobs The Jacquard Medium Tote Bag
What could be more iconic than a tote bag with the words THE TOTE BAG sprawled across it? Marc Jacobs’ effortless designer tote bag is a must-have piece for its laid-back aesthetic.
Marc Jacobs The Jacquard Medium Tote Bag, $, available at Marc Jacobs
Isabel Marant Yenky Tote
Parisian designer Isabel Marant designs attire and accessories for busy women who are consistently on the go. This denim tote bag follows under that bracket with its clean-cut design that matches any ‘fit and occasion. Plus, its canvas lining protects from any spillage.
Isabel Marant Yenky Tote, $, available at Revolve
Everlane The Luxe Italian Leather Tote
Everlane fans assembly: The brand recently launched its latest tote bag, the Luxe Italian Leather Tote, and it’s oh-so chic. The handbag is sleek and spacious, has a leather-coved metal snap button closure, and features two over-the-shoulder straps for more support when you’re on the go. It’s a good work bag since it has ample space for office essentials with a polished silhouette.
Everlane The Luxe Italian Leather Tote, $, available at Everlane
Béis The Everyday Pet Tote Bag
For pet parents who can’t bear to leave their fur babies behind, Béis created the multi-wear tote bag. The laptop-friendly accessory has multiple slip pockets, a key leash, shoulder straps, and a leash with removable sherpa landing pad for your pet. Now you can take your work and pet with you everywhere.
Béis The Everyday Pet Tote, $, available at Béis
Ralph Lauren Corduroy Tote Bag
Not all totes are made from cotton canvas materials — peep this corduroy style that looks like a throwback from our grade-school days. One thing is for sure, Ralph Lauren knows how to make a timeless piece.
Ralph Lauren Corduroy Tote, $, available at Ralph Lauren
Amazon Women’s Corduroy Cow Print Tote Bag
This quirky cow print tote bag made of corduroy adds a bit of patterned fun while still being neutral enough to go with any outfit.
LHMTQVK Women’s Reusable Corduroy Tote Bag, $, available at Amazon
WARP Hexella Large Tote Emerald
Get ready to look your best with Hexella’s 100% goat skin leather tote bag. The geometric-looking handbag has a luxe appeal with plated hardware and included dustbag and storage box.
WARP Hexella Large Tote Emerald, $, available at WARP
Mlouye Sera Tall Mini Tote Bag
Consider adding this striking multicolor statement tote bag to your handbag collection. It costs a fraction of the price of a luxury handbag while still looking luxe. Plus, the drawstring top securely holds your items, so nothing gets lost during transit.
Mlouye Mlouye Sera Tall Mini Tote, $, available at Shopbop
Find Me Now Ruffle Shoulder Bag
Find Me Now created the airy beach bag you need for all your weekend vacays.
FIND ME NOW Ruffle Shoulder Bag, $, available at Find Me Now
Lululemon Side-Cinch Shopper Bag
Stormy weather is no match for your commute or an activity-packed weekend trip with this bag. Lululemon’s trusty lightweight tote is created from water-repellent material, so there’s no fear of spills or splashes. Plus, it features adjustable side details for you to customize the look. Functional and cute.
Lululemon Side-Cinch Shopper Bag 18L, $, available at Lululemon
Baggu Duck Bag
It’s never too early to begin honing in on the spring vibes. A spring tote embroidered with flowers will bring a bit of sunshine to your everyday.
Baggu Duck Bag, $, available at Baggu
Mansur Gavriel Everyday Soft Tote
You might recognize Mansur Gavriel by its iconic bucket bags. However, the brand also has a list of stylish handbags like the Everyday Soft Tote for you to carry around your belongings fashionably.
Mansur Gavriel Everyday Soft Tote, $, available at Mansur Gavriel
L.L.Bean Hunter’s Open-Top Tote Bag
For a more modern take on the OG tote, try L.L.Bean’s sturdy polyester version in a statement camo print — this timeless workhouse carryall is available in three size tiers, suits just about any style, and holds a boatload of stuff.
L.L. Bean Hunter’s Tote Bag, Open-Top, $, available at L.L. Bean
Rebecca Minkoff Suede Tote
If you’re an avid Rebecca Minkoff fan, you’ll notice the signature buckle clasp and tassel. Unlike many totes, it also features a magnetic snap closure. No need to zip your bag (or let it all hang open) when you’re on the go.
Madewell The Medium Transport Tote
One tote that will never fail you: Madewell’s Transport Tote. It’s a cult favorite with 4.4 stars and over 1,000 reviews.
Madewell The Medium Transport Tote, $, available at Madewell
Slouchy Tote
This bright neon number is set to be a statement bag star — pair it with everything from your favorite leather jackets to dresses and carry it everywhere from the office to a park picnic.
By Anthropologie Slouchy Tote, $, available at Anthropologie
Etsy LinenFox Large Tote Bag
We love the relaxed, elegant vibe and all-encompassing size of this handmade tote crafted from 100% organic Baltic linen.
Linenfox Large Linen Tote Bag, $, available at Etsy
J.Crew Weekender Montauk Tote In Leather
Invest in this timeless leather tote bag and be amazed at how many years go by using it. The Montauk Tote is one of the best tote bags for travel with its roominess and elevated appearance. It’ll be your new staple for weekend trips and everything in between.
Gophra Corduroy Tote Bag
Gophra Corduroy Tote Bag, $, available at Amazon
Tarte Sugar Rush Holographic Tote
Plastic bags may be out, but holographic totes made from non-toxic, luminous-jelly materials aren’t.
Sugar Rush Holographic Tote Bag, $, available at Tarte
Etsy Thank You Shopping Bag Tote
Give a cheeky nod to New York’s plastic bag ban with this takeout-style tote crafted from a durable, double-layer canvas.
ChubbyMishoStore Thank You T-Shirt Reusable Shopping Bag, $, available at Etsy
Rothy’s The Essential Tote
The comfy-chic shoe brand’s sustainable handbag launch brought us this sleek stripe tote crafted from 100% recycled marine plastic materials.
Rothy’s The Essential Tote, $, available at Rothy’s
Baggu Standard Baggu
It’s tough to pick just one of Baggu’s classic reusable bags to include in our tote hit list — but this multi-metallic style ranks high as a must-have, disco-vibe essential.
H&M Straw Bag
Straw bags don’t always have to be the stereotypical brown hue. This playful one has rainbow sherbet vibes, but don’t let the sweet look fool you. At 15 inches tall, there’s enough room to stuff plenty of beach supplies.
H&M Straw Bag, $, available at H&M
WorldLyda Canvas Crossbody Tote
This delightfully rainbow-striped and durable canvas style wields a bonus crossbody strap for extra secure toting.
Worldlyda Canvas Crossbody Tote, $, available at Amazon
Mango Leather Shopper Bag
Envision a chic businesswoman with this suede tote. The chain double handle is an elevated touch to the usual canvas versions.
Etsy Granny Crochet Tote
Exude covetable granny style with this handmade crochet bag.
KNITANDCROCHETWORLD Granny Crochet Tote Bag, $, available at Etsy
Everlane The Italian Leather Studio Bag
Everlane’s elevated version of the tote bag is crafted from buttery-smooth Italian leather that radiates effortless polish. The roomy shape makes it perfect for work, school, or as a daily tote.
Everlane The Italian Leather Studio Bag, $, available at Everlane
Free People Cloud Commuter Tote
Meet your beloved quilted puffer coat in its slouchy tote form. It has a zippered interior with a padded laptop sleeve, so your daily essentials will be safe and cushy.
Free People Cloud Commuter Tote, $, available at Free People
Girlfriend Collective Provence Please Recycle Tote Bag
This recyclable tote was created for organization lovers. You can store all your little knick-knacks with the five pockets of various sizes.
Sondra Roberts Wove EW Tote Bag
Channel your best summer style with this warm-weather essential tote crafted from woven jute braided with fabric fragments.
Sondra Roberts Wove EW Tote Bag, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
Urban Outfitters Tie-Dye Washed Canvas Tote
Finally, a tie-dye tote (crafted from durable cotton canvas) to complete your head-to-toe tie-dye ‘fits in 2020.
Urban Outfitters Washed Canvas Tote Bag, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Opening Ceremony Super Large Tote
We said EVERY occasion…
Opening Ceremony Super Large Tote, $, available at Opening Ceremony
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