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Call them the white T-shirt of accessories, a designer tote bag is a desirable piece of arm candy that ticks off all the boxes of what a designer handbag should be. This enduring style is a classic with its skillful blend of polish and practicality. A designer tote bag can last forever, become a valuable heirloom, and never feel like a regretful purchase. This trusty bag will safely house all your everyday essentials — more than a crossbody bag can — and provide a stylish accent to your wardrobe basics. Bottom line: Every woman should have at least one solid tote bag in her arsenal.
In the 1940s, cosmopolitan city dwellers began to embrace tote bags for their functionality, durability, and versatility. As other bag trends came and went, the tote remained. Over 80 years later, the iconic bag silhouette stays as a core style with designers reinterpreting it in innovative and modern ways.
Understated, streamlined, and roomy, totes make a faultless addition to any outfit. You can pair them with oversized tailoring and jeans for a stylish shopping trip or with joggers and a hoodie for casual moments on foot. The usefulness of the silhouette is unparalleled. It can accommodate a towel when you want to take your bag to the beach, a laptop for work, a water bottle or change of clothes for the gym, and even designer shoes and a toiletry bag when traveling.
Scroll on to see our guide to the best designer tote bags for work, weekends, travel, and more, from durable luxury leather styles to lightweight woven raffia options. Plus, fashion experts share the top designer tote bag trends for 2023, along with helpful tips of what to consider when buying a designer tote.
Top Designer Tote Bags of 2023
- Best Affordable Bag: Bembien Le Tote Woven Leather Tote Bag
- Best Minimalist Bag: Yuzefi Mochi Large Tote
- Best Classic Bag: Bottega Veneta Arco Tote Bag
- Best Gym Bag: Adidas by Stella McCartney Tote Bag
- Best Vacation Bag: Sensi Studio El Viajero Tote Bag
- Best Colored Tote Bag: Marni Museo Colorblock Tote Bag
- Best Travel Bag: Cuyana Triple Zipper Weekender
- Best Pillow-Like Bag: Marc Jacobs The Crinkle Leather Mini Tote Bag
- Best Unisex Bag: Coach Leather Field Tote Bag
- Best Evening Bag: JW Anderson Sequined Jersey Tote
- Best Canvas Bag: Jil Sander Square Canvas Tote Bag
- Best Bag for Work: Goyard Saint Louis Tote Bag
- Best Shearling Bag: St. Agni Harper Shearling Tote Bag
- Best Oversized Bag: Dior Large Book Tote Bag
- Best Straw Bag: Saint Laurent Panier Crochet Straw Tote Bag
- Best Sustainable Bag: Ganni Contrast-Stitch Tote Bag
- Best Logomania Bag: Gucci Ophidia Medium Tote Bag
- Best Mini Bag: Ree Projects Mini Helen Tote Bag
- Best Suede Bag: Isabel Marant Yanky Suede Tote Bag
- Best Splurge: Celine Small Cabas Phantom Tote Bag
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WWD Designer Tote Bag Inspiration: A model shows off the Gucci vintage web leather tote bag with signature horseshoe embellishment from the House of Gucci spring 1974 handbag collection. (Photo by Pierre Schermann/WWD/Penske Media via Getty Images)
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Designer Tote Bag Trends for 2023
This year, “micro mini bags are being traded for more practical oversized styles,” Noelle Sciacca, Senior Fashion Lead at The Real Real, says. “That’s because as people spend more time out and about, they need large tote bags that can carry their day-to-day necessities.” Fashion-forward brands have taken notice of the shifting landscape and are now offering bags that rethink proportions for a more elevated and practical look and feel. Citing Louis Vuitton’s Onthego carryall and Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato tote as recent examples, Sciacca tells WWD. We also see the infamous Saint Laurent ICARE tote make its rounds on A-listers like Zoe Kravitz and Rosie Huntington-Whitley.
Unlike the traditional totes of the past, these newer iterations are centered on surprising details like geometric shapes, luxe materials, and vibrant hues packed into extra-large profiles. “However, this doesn’t mean you should discredit mini totes altogether,” Sciacca adds. “We normally see a lift in demand for them come the holiday season.”
Another prominent trend is the movement with sustainable tote bags. As the season progresses, more designers are using innovative and eco-conscious materials. “We are going to see increased interest in leather-alternative handbags that have a reduced environmental impact,” Marta Gramaccioni, Head of Buying at Luisaviaroma, says. Additionally, “Shoppers are looking to pre-owned vintage tote bags to make smart investments.” Sciacca says. “Classic styles like the Hermès Birkin or Kelly have the highest resale values of any bags on the secondhand market; both are great examples of luxury handbags that regularly sell for or above current retail prices. Adding, “Louis Vuitton’s Neverfull tote continues to be a bestselling, volume-driving style from the brand, reselling for over 80% of its original retail price, on average.”
Bembien Le Tote Woven Leather Tote Bag
Best Affordable Designer Tote Bag
- Colorways: Caramel
- Materials: 100% Cow Leather
- Designer background: Bembien is an accessories brand based in New York inspired by the effortless elegance of coastal France. Each product is handmade by artisans around the world.
Scoring a high-end tote doesn’t mean paying a hefty price for it. Meet Bembien’s budget-friendly bag that gives luxury designer vibes without the price tag. At under $300, this Le Tote bag has a navigable cost. Its woven detail in a rich beige hue and braided handles wield a timeless feel. In short, this one is for the easy, breezy dresser. Style it with boho pieces like casual baggy jeans, relaxed button-downs, and cowboy boots.
Yuzefi Mochi Large Tote
Best Minimalist Designer Tote Bag
- Colorways: Off White, Black
- Materials: Leather
- Designer background: London-based brand Yuzefi is known for its Instagram-famous statement bags that take inspiration from the founder’s experience in ready-to-wear and passion for interior design. Its designs have been worn by celebrities such as Priyanka Chopra and Lucy Hale.
It’s no secret that Yuzefi’s handbags have captured the hearts of the fashion set — first with its vegan fringe bag and now with its Mochi tote. This minimalist-friendly design is sleek, slender, classic, and already topping our shopping list. Plus, the spacious interior stores all of your essentials for work or the weekend. While this bag is offered in black, we recommend opting for the white hue as it works in the summer with all your summer dresses and in the winter to complete a winter white outfit.
Bottega Veneta Arco Tote Bag
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Best Classic Designer Tote Bag
- Colorways: Black
- Materials: Calfskin leather
- Designer background: Bottega Veneta is an Italian luxury fashion house known for its intrecciato woven design. Its creative director, Matthieu Blazy, has a deep, pragmatic understanding of the market and an interest in ambitious art thanks to his extensive resume, which includes roles at Raf Simmons, Celine, and Maison Martin Margiela.
Bottega Veneta’s Arco bag is a favorite of Gramaccioni’s because it consists of the “three characteristics that make a quality tote: capacity, wear and tear resistance, and luxury,” she says. It features supple calfskin leather, durable straps, and an open interior, allowing you to quickly reach for essentials. A drawstring closure keeps your cards, keys, and phone secure, so you never have to worry about losing them. It’s a never-fail option that you’ll keep in your closet for years.
Adidas by Stella McCartney Tote Bag
Best Designer Tote Bag for the Gym
- Colorways: Black
- Materials: 100% recycled nylon plain weave
- Designer background: Adidas by Stella McCartney is a line that blends fashion and sportswear for various activities. Every piece from the brand is made using sustainable materials, including recycled polyester and recycled nylon, combined with Adidas’ targeted technologies.
What Reviewers Say: “Super spacious and made of quality material. I have packed it to the brim, and the bag fits it all in. I’ve recommended it to family and friends.”
This Adidas by Stella McCartney tote is a lightweight collapsable gym bag that makes lugging your essentials to your workout a no-brainer. It features resilient nylon, a handy adjustable shoulder strap detailed with classic branding, interior patch and zip pockets, and logo lettering. You can pack it to the brim with everything from a tennis racquet and tennis balls to ankle weights and a portable speaker, and you’ll still have extra room. Plus, its sporty and sophisticated style makes it suitable to bring into the office if you’re coming from an early morning exercise class.
Sensi Studio El Viajero Tote Bag
Best Designer Tote Bag for Vacation
- Colorways: Natural
- Materials: 100% Toquilla Straw
- Designer background: Established in 2010 by Stephany Sensi, Sensi Studios is an eponymous brand that delivers covetable woven totes, pouches, and baskets handmade by local artisans in Ecuador.
Whether you’re looking for a summer tote or a beach bag for your winter vacation, look no further than Sensi Studio’s El Viajero Tote Bag. It’s handmade in Equador with soft Toquilla straw and white leather straps. Its spacious shape and flexible design make it easy to pack in your suitcase or throw in your weekend bag. Pair with a swimsuit and linen dress for a beach-to-bar ensemble.
Marni Museo Colorblock Tote Bag
Best Colored Designer Tote Bag
- Colorways: Orchid
- Materials: Calf Leather
- Designer background: Founded in 1994, Marni has defined itself as an iconic brand through its avant-garde and artful approach to fashion. The brand’s quirky and eclectic aesthetic embodies twenty-first-century style and rejects established codes.
What Reviewers Say: “I’ve always wanted a Marni tote and am attracted by this particular color block combo and the size/shape.”
In a sea of canvas totes and muted colors, the Marni Museo Colorblock Tote will stand out with its pink, green, and tan colorway and add some flare to your tried-and-true black uniform. It’s made from calf leather with a magnetic closure, flat top handles, and a detachable shoulder strap in case you want to wear it across your body or shoulder. Its minimal logo detailing exudes playful and understated energy that will make you more than ready to tackle your day.
Cuyana Triple Zipper Weekender Tote Bag
Best Designer Tote Bag for Travel
- Colorways: Black/Black, Sand/Chestnut, Soft Grey/Natural
- Materials: Cotton canvas, Italian leather
- Designer background: Cuyana is a women-built, heritage-led company offering fewer, better collections that embody timeless design, luxury quality, and sustainability to ensure each piece in our collection will serve a purpose in your wardrobe for years to come.
Made with a sturdy cotton canvas and luxe Italian trim, it’s easy to see why the Cuyana Triple Zipper Weekender is a go-to for those constantly moving. When not in use, it can be folded into a small rectangle and thrown into a suitcase for later usage. It features three zippered compartments for maximum packing organization, with one compartment featuring three large slip pockets perfect for shoes. The detachable leather crossbody strap allows you to carry on-hand, over-the-shoulder, or crossbody, while the luggage handle sleeve slides easily into most suitcases for convenience. It’s big enough to hold a laptop, other work essentials, or everything you need for an overnight trip.
Marc Jacobs The Crinkle Leather Mini Tote Bag
Best Pillow-Like Tote Bag
- Colorways: Black, Khaki
- Materials: Lamb leather
- Designer background: Marc Jacobs is an American brand constantly challenges convention and creates a spark. It has been pioneering bags that are both playful and functional and is beloved by Ashley Tisdal, Hilary Duff, and Beyonce — to name a few.
What Reviewers Say: “Love this bag! It is cute and easy to carry. Love the shine, and it goes from every day to out to dinner in a blink! Fashionable and versatility make this bag a win.”
Pillow bags are having a moment so embrace the style with Marc Jacobs’ The Crinkle Leather Mini Tote bag. This structured bag is made with crinkled and shiny lamb leather with the logo in the front, a removable and adjustable crossbody strap, and a zipper closure that opens to one main compartment with a separate zippered back. It looks and feels cozy yet will add delight to any fall and winter look.
Coach Leather Field Tote Bag
Best Unisex Designer Tote Bag
- Colorways: Dark Saddle
- Materials: Calf leather
- Designer background: In 1941, Coach began with a dream to hand-craft leather into beautiful, clever, practical things, and 81 years later, it has continued to do so. All through, the brand offers the best quality leather at affordable price points.
You may be familiar with Coach’s trendy Pillow Tabby bag, but the heritage brand also has some of the most timeless bags on the market. Its Field Tote Bag is exceptionally lightweight, sleek, spacious, and minimal, and best of all, it’s designed with everyone in mind. It has a rich brown leather composition with the logo crowned in the center, a spacious interior, and a detachable webbing strap for versatile wear. It pairs well with flared jeans and a camisole, a little black dress, or a suit for a modern edge.
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JW Anderson Sequined Jersey Tote Bag
Best Evening Designer Tote Bag
- Colorways: Silver, Black
- Materials: Calf leather, Sequins
- Designer background: JW Anderson is a celebrity-loved ready-to-wear label celebrated for its androgynous aesthetic. Since launching its eponymous menswear collection in 2008 and womenswear in 2010, the brand has continued to explore the relationship between males and females, all while challenging the fashion industry.
JW Anderson’s Sequined Jersey bag proves that totes don’t have to be large and in charge to make a stylish statement. This slouchy design features glossy sequins, leather ties that can be fastened into a bow, and the brand’s signature anchor keyring. While it may be smaller than your typical day bag, it still has ample room for everything from your five favorite lipsticks to your designer wallet and backup phone charger. This bag is best for evenings dancing under neon lights and a disco ball.
Jil Sander Square Canvas Tote Bag
Best Canvas Designer Tote Bag
- Colorways: Natural
- Materials: Canvas
- Designer background: Jil Sander is noted for its luxurious, understated clothing and influence on minimalist style. The contemporary designs express the belief that less is more with neutral colors, clean cuts, cashmere, and full-bodied materials. Celebrities like Victoria Beckham, Olivia Culpo, and Jessica Alba continue wearing the label between their garments and accessories.
Jil Sander Square Canvas tote is the ideal tote bag for designer bag lovers who pride themselves on their pared-back style. It’s crafted from durable canvas with sturdy leather handles, logo lettering, and an interior wall pocket with two card slots. It sits comfortably in your hand and will round out any outfit.
Goyard Saint Louis Tote Bag
Best Designer Tote Bag for Work
- Colorways: Black/Natural
- Materials: Canvas, Calfskin
- Designer background: Goyard is the oldest leather goods maker still in business. It’s most recognizable for its monogram print, symbolizing the Goyard family history. Its influential clients and collectors include Rihanna, Bella Hadid, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Dua Lipa, Hailey Bieber, Kerry Washington, and Gwyneth Paltrow.
If you’re looking for a logomania tote that stands out, consider the Saint Louis bag — one of the most popular styles from Goyard. This bag is worthy of its price tag because it is “consistently in demand and retains strong resale value,” says Sciacca. It’s made of canvas with the signature chevron print handpainted in a three-dimensional pattern and is lightweight and reversible. It also features a detachable pochette for all your must-have essentials, which could double as a clutch. It works seamlessly between travel, meetings, and the gym.
St. Agni Harper Shearling Tote Bag
Best Shearling Designer Tote Bag
- Colorways: Black/White
- Materials: Sheep Skin/Shearling, Leather
- Designer background: Australian label St. Agni is dedicated o creating multifunctional, exquisite, and high-quality products that speak to the saying, “less is more.” Kendall Jenner is one of the many stars to re-affirm their love for the brand.
Furry accessories are returning, and we’re not talking about fuzzy loafers or Uggs. This season it’s all about cozy and cute shearling bags. This new Harper tote is beautifully made in Byron Bay from soft shearling and trimmed with black leather. Its rectangular silhouette is large enough to stow all of your belongings — it can even be used as a laptop tote bag. We suggest wearing yours with a matching cashmere set and loafers for an elevated take on loungewear.
Dior Large Book Tote Bag
Best Oversized Designer Tote Bag
- Colorways: Blue
- Materials: Canvas
- Designer background: Dior is a french luxury fashion house known for its feminine, timeless and opulent designs. These collections have been worn by film stars and royalty alike and continue operating at the fashion industry’s forefront.
One of the key trends we’ve seen on recent runways and streets are extra large tote bags, roomy enough to carry all of your essentials. “People are seeking the functional bag, which has been stimulated greatly by the return to normal rhythms and back to work life,” says Gramaccioni. Fashion-forward brands like Dior are adapting to this shifting lifestyle by rethinking proportions for a more elevated and practical look. Its fan-favorite Book Tote, “which was first introduced in 2018, has quickly become a classic style,” Sciacca says. “Since last year, demand for this bag is up 36%.” It may be simplistic, but the overall design and impeccable craftsmanship encompass everything Dior stands for. The sporty lines create the perfect accessory for athleisure and formal looks alike. It’s also a popular bag choice for A-list celebrities and influencers like Bella Hadid and Negin Mirsalehi.
Saint Laurent Panier Crochet Tote Bag
Best Straw Designer Tote Bag
- Colorways: Nero/Brick
- Materials: Straw, Leather
- Designer background: Saint Laurent is a french luxury fashion house specializing in haute couture, ready-to-wear, leather accessories, and footwear. Stars such as Kate moss, Zoë Kravitz, Hailey Bieber, and Indya Moore are just a few of the faces of the label’s past campaigns.
What Reviewers Say: “I bought this bag for an upcoming vacation trip to the Bahamas. I received it today, and it’s just beautiful. Perfect size, perfect for summer. Highly recommend it.”
Saint Laurent, known for its timeless sense of style, has hopped on the raffia trend and put its spin on it. Whether you’re on vacation, headed to drinks at the hotel, or sightseeing in town, the Panier lightweight tote bag allows for ease and versatility. Its cool, triangular shape, trimmed tonal leather details, iconic YSL-logo hardware, and overall lightweight design allows you to carry your farmer’s market finds or your park reading material without weighing you down and causing arm discomfort.
Ganni Contrast-Stitch Tote Bag
Best Sustainable Designer Tote Bag
- Colorways: Brown, Tigers Eye Brown
- Materials: Recycled leather, recycled cotton
- Designer background: Scandinavian brand Ganni creates eclectic designs for everyday wear. It constantly strives toward being a conscious fashion brand, collaborating with the likes of New Balance, Levis, Juicy Couture, and more.
This western-inspired carryall is undoubtedly one of the best sustainable designer tote bags to debut recently. It’s smaller than your standard carryall but large enough to house whatever you may need to take with you. It features contrast stitching, an embossed logo, buttery recycled leather, an internal zip-fastening pocket, and an adjustable, detachable shoulder strap. It’s the perfect way to combine city sleekness with a wanderlust sensibility.
Gucci Ophidia Medium Tote Bag
Best Logomania Designer Tote Bag
- Colorways: Black and ivory, beige and ebony, blue and ivory, black, camel and ebony, beige and blue, light brown, black, pink, brown, green
- Materials: Jacquard, Leather
- Designer background: Gucci is a renowned name in the world of luxury leather goods, fashion, watches, and jewelry. Its products’ dynamism, creativity, artistic aesthetic, and detailing represent the pinnacle of craftsmanship.
Gucci Ophidia Medium Tote is the ideal designer tote bag for logo lovers with an affinity for heritage style. It combines three of Gucci’s recognized signatures — the interlocking G’s, the Supreme motif, and the striped webbing. It’s crafted from durable canvas with sturdy leather trims and a single zipped pocket. Style it with a cashmere sweater, straight-leg jeans, and chunky lug-sole boots for a weekend look.
Ree Projects Mini Helen Tote Bag
Best Mini Designer Tote Bag
- Colorways: Black
- Materials: Leather
- Designer background: Ree Projects is a black-owned sustainable handbag brand. While the label is from Amsterdam, all pieces are handcrafted in Italy and made in all our favorite purse styles—including baguette satchels, totes, phone pouches, and highly-structured handbags.
What Reviewers Say: “This bag is beautiful, just the right size for my stuff, the leather is soft, and it’s a bag like no other. What I paid for it was worth it.”
Ree Project’s effortlessly cool aesthetic shines with this mini tote bag. The sculptural design, smooth Italian leather, contrasted hued interior, and subtle logo print delivers a high fashion vibe to any look. The magnetic closure, adjustable shoulder strap, and interior smartphone pocket are a few of the other details that make this piece worth your time and money. If you want a fashionable and practical way to upgrade your catchall situation when heading to a casual dinner with friends, this is the one for you.
Isabel Marant Yanky Suede Tote Bag
Best Suede Designer Tote Bag
- Colorways: Black, Khaki
- Materials: Suede, Calf Leather
- Designer background: Isabel Marant is a french fashion designer with creations that are the sartorial interpretation of the coveted Parisian style. Season after season, each collection nails the balance between sophisticated and casual at the same time, intrigues and inspires women worldwide.
Move over leather tote bags because Isabel Marant’s Yanky bag is the one for you this fall and winter. This suede number has a slouchy silhouette, expansive interior, a zipped pocket, leather handles, and a stitched logo. It’s a tote bag that suits any occasion. Style it with tailored separates and designer sneakers.
Celine Small Cabas Phantom Tote Bag
Best Splurge Designer Tote Bag
- Colorways: Grey, Taupe, Black
- Materials: Calfskin Leather
- Designer background: Since 1945, Celine has established itself as a French ready-to-wear and leather luxury goods brand synonymous with understated elegance and timeless glamour. The brand is worn by countless A-listers each day, proving that its designs never go out of style.
If you’re ready to invest in a tote bag, make it a classic one that can last through many wears, tears, and seasons. Celine’s Cabas Phantom bag is designed with soft-grained calfskin that is perfect for long days and business meetings and highly durable — it holds more weight than you think. It’s available in grey, taupe, and black, but we recommend the grey since it’s simple and neutral but strays away from the traditional noir hue.
What to Look for In the Best Designer Tote Bags
- Size: “When searching for your ideal designer tote, first identify what you will use it for,” Sciacca says. That’s because tote bags are available in different sizes, so depending on the purpose, you’ll have to think about what you’ll need to fit inside. “Are you hoping this will carry your laptop back and forth between the office and home? If so, check the listed dimensions to ensure they will fit your devices. Will this tote double as a luxe gym bag? If the answer is yes, look for a style with extra pockets to separate pre-workout and post-workout clothes, sneakers, socks, etc.,” Sciacca adds. If you’re traveling, a more oversized tote will be necessary to pack in-flight essentials and maybe even clothes for the weekend getaway.
- Material: When it comes to handbags, the materials are fundamental. Even the most beautiful totes will fall short if crafted with the wrong textures like polyester. Instead, look for sturdy, durable, soft to the touch, and easy-to-style materials like leather, Gramaccioni tells WWD. Leather stands the test of time and “holds up to everyday wear and tear,” Gramaccioni adds. Canvas is also a long-lasting and flexible fabric that can be the right choice for those who see heavy daily use.
- Color: Have you ever made an impulsive purchase because the bag you were interested in came in a color you loved, only to get home and realize it doesn’t go with your clothes? That’s why considering the color of your tote bag — especially if it’s an investment — is essential. First, take the time to go through your wardrobe and identify the colors you wear the most. “If you want this closet staple to blend in with your existing wardrobe seamlessly, opt for a neutral color that will pair well with everything like a black patent Bottega tote,” Sciacca says. “If you’re planning for your carryall to be your go-to statement piece, search for bolder colors and prints like a bright blue Balenciaga A4 tote or the Fendi Vertigo bag.”
Meet the Author
- Nikki Chwatt is the Style Commerce Editor for WWD and Footwear News, where she both writes and edits stories on the latest clothing, accessory, and shoe must-haves. As a city dweller, she’s garnered a love for handbags, especially designer tote bags, because they can carry all her essentials when running uptown, downtown, or cross-town. In her spare time, Chwatt keeps up with street style to understand which accessories are highly coveted by the style set.
Meet the Experts
- Marta Gramaccioni is Head of Buying at Luisaviaroma. She has extensive knowledge in the luxury fashion space and is always keeping up with what well-established, and emerging designers are creating for the seasons ahead so that she can offer timeless and fashion-forward pieces, including outwear, bottoms, footwear, and more, to all types of Luisaviaroma shoppers.
- Noelle Sciacca is the Senior Fashion Lead at The Real Real. Previously she’s held positions at Mashable and Hearst, reporting on fashion and its latest accessories, including jewelry and designer handbags, and contributing to celebrity editorial photoshoots.