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20 Designer Tote Bags Worth Your Investment

The results are in: These are our favorites.

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best designer tote bags
Eli Schmidt

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

It’s no secret that ELLE editors love a good designer tote bag. It only makes sense: We’re working women who do it all and attempt to do so stylishly—we need bags that can keep up. And why not invest in something you’ll carry every day?

Blake Geffen, CEO and co-founder of Vivrelle, confirms that a designer tote is a great option for anyone looking to start—or expand—a high-end collection. As for what to look for, durability is key. “Both designer and non-designer bags should always be judged by the quality—from fabrics and construction to the stitching and zippers, buckles, etc.,” she says. And judge by the quality, we did.

That said, the right bag for you depends on your lifestyle. “Compartments and zipper pockets are also qualities I’m always looking for, though may be less important to others. Depending on the setting, shoppers may also want to consider fabrics and strap styles...While the trend cycle shifts quickly, nothing is more fashionable than owning your own unique sense of style.”

At ELLE, we’re all about honing your personal style. So, taking Geffen’s insights into consideration—along with the must-know fall 2024 bag trends, editor input, and additional features—we curated a list of the 20 best designer tote bags to carry through the rest of 2024 and beyond, just for you. See them all below.

The Bottega Babe

Bottega Veneta Cabat

Cabat

“Practicality doesn’t have to mean boring,” says Alexis Wolfe, fashion and market accessories director, who calls this bag “luxury and whimsy woven together.” And it doesn’t just look good. “This tote can hold all of my mobile work devices—laptops, chargers, and phones—and look chic at my office desk, and even more chic when filled with magazines, books, and sunblock sitting poolside,” Wolfe says.

Material: Calfskin

Colors: Poppy/Mist

Dimensions: Height: 13.9 inches; width: 13.3 inches; depth: 6.2 inches

The Lifetime Investment

The Row Park Three Tote Bag

Park Three Tote Bag

For obvious reasons, a tote from The Row had to be on this list. With a reputation for designing beautiful, high-quality bags (and the accolades to back them up), the Olsen twins never seem to miss when it comes to a good, investment-worthy bag.

Material: Calfskin leather

Colors: Dark Olive

Dimensions: Height: 20 inches; width: 11.5 inches; depth: 7 inches

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Paneled to Perfection

Khaite Lotus Tote

Lotus Tote

When in doubt, you can never go wrong with a bag from Khaite—and this dual-toned one will take you from season to season. Just think about that cost per wear.

Material: Canvas, leather

Colors: 10 options

Dimensions: Height: 15.5 inches; width: 22 inches; depth: 8.5 inches

The Classic Black

Ferragamo Tote Bag

Tote Bag

Here’s a tote that seamlessly blends the line between work tote and handbag.

Material: Calfskin

Colors: Black, Oxblood

Dimensions: Height: 10.2 inches; width: 14.9 inches; depth: 6.6 inches

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The Tried-and-True Classic

Saint Laurent Bold Bag

Bold Bag

Saint Laurent’s leather tote is one of those bags that will always be a top-notch option. It’s unassuming, but well-made—and it will only get better the more you carry it. Digital director Claire Stern Milch considers it a personal favorite, too.

Material: Leather

Colors: Black

Dimensions: Height: 15.5 inches; width: 15.5 inches; depth: 5.5 inches

The Head-Turner

Alaïa Patent-Leather Trimmed Mesh Shoulder Bag

Patent-Leather Trimmed Mesh Shoulder Bag

It doesn’t get more Alaïa than this mesh tote bag. Without a doubt, this will be the hero of any look you wear it with.

Material: Mesh, patent leather

Colors: Red, Black

Dimensions: Height: 11.8 inches; width: 13.8 inches

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The Denim Number

Miu Miu Ivy Denim Bag

Ivy Denim Bag

Hello, denim for autumn! The dark indigo hue and warm brown leather trim make this a top contender for It bag of the season.

Material: Denim, leather

Colors: Blue/Brandy

Dimensions: Height: 15.7 inches; width: 13.7 inches

The Textured Statement

Michael Kors Nolita Shearling Leather Hobo Shoulder Bag

Nolita Shearling Leather Hobo Shoulder Bag

Fuzzy, feathered, and furry textures on accessories are having a moment this fall, and this Michael Kors pick is unmissable.

Material: Shearling, leather

Colors: Black

Dimensions: Height: 17.25 inches; width: 15.75 inches; depth: 3.5 inches

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A luxury bag is an investment for your forever wardrobe in and of itself, but one from Loewe—like this geometric Puzzle Fold Tote—has a modern look that feels effortlessly timeless. In other words, you’ll truly never tire of it.

Material: Calfskin

Colors: 6 options

Dimensions: Height: 12.4 inches; width: 10 inches; depth: 5.7 inches

The Sustainable Option

Stella McCartney Frayme Whipstitch Tote Bag

Frayme Whipstitch Tote Bag

If you don’t want to go the genuine leather route, Stella McCartney has the bag for you. This classic bag (which features a cool whipstitch detail along the side) is made from an apple waste leather alternative. How cool is that?!

Material: UPPEAL™️ vegan alternative to animal leather, sourced from apple waste

Colors: Midnight Black, Tan Brown

Dimensions: Height: 12.6 inches; width: 11.8 inches; depth: 6.5 inches

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For the woman with nothing to hide.

Material: Nylon, pebbled leather

Colors: Cuoio, Verde, Warm Sand, Prismatic T Monogram

Dimensions: Height: 7.5 inches; width: 9.8 inches; depth: 3.9 inches

The Relaxed Classic

Mansur Gavriel Everyday Soft Tote

Everyday Soft Tote

There’s just something so refreshing about a leather tote bag that comes in an unexpected color. Even if you’re the type of person with a neutral closet, this is the perfect way to brighten up an ensemble.

Material: Italian tumbled calfskin

Colors: Seaglass, Desert, Black/Flamma, Dolly, Avorio

Dimensions: Height: 11.8 inches; width: 21.5 inches; depth: 9 inches

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The Effortless Raffia

Tod’s T Timeless Shopping Bag

T Timeless Shopping Bag

Remember: It’s the season of raffia. Anyone looking for a luxury take on the woven look that feels fresh will love this leather-trimmed option from Tod’s.

Material: Raffia, leather

Colors: N/A

Dimensions: Height: 11.4 inches; width: 18.5 inches; depth: 5.5 inches

The Everyday Tote

Marc Jacobs The Jacquard Tote Bag

On Sale
The Jacquard Tote Bag

Sure, you could have a standard canvas tote bag, but why do that when you can have this woven jacquard-style from Marc Jacobs? After all, it really does send the message: This is the tote bag.

Material: Woven Jacquard

Colors: 14 options

Dimensions: Height: 10.63 inches; width: 13.19 inches; depth: 5.91 inches

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The Logo Carry

Gucci Original GG Tote Bag

Original GG Tote Bag

This medium-sized tote is perfect for the longer days, when you need to carry a bit more than just the essentials—be it a book, mini fan, or headphones.

Material: Canvas, leather

Colors: Beige and Blue

Dimensions: Height: 11 inches; width: 11.8 inches; depth: 10.2 inches

Is there be anything chicer than a crochet Prada tote on the beach? I think not.

Material: Raffia-effect yarn

Colors: Aqua, Petal Pink, White, Black

Dimensions: Height: 14.96 inches; width: 14.17 inches; depth: 1.18 inches

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In case you haven’t heard, hobo bags are back in a major way. On that note, so is the boho-chic aesthetic—due, in part, to Chloé! Give your ensembles a casual-cool edge, with the help from this slouchy tote.

Material: Calfskin

Colors: Dark Nut, Misty Ivory, Motty Grey, Dark Khaki, Black

Dimensions: Height: 11.4 inches; width: 14.2 inches; depth: 3.9 inches

The Canvas Cutie

Givenchy Voyou Large E/W Canvas Tote Bag

Voyou Large E/W Canvas Tote Bag

Canvas tote bags are the ultimate workhorse, providing all the functionality of a leather option without having to worry about the upkeep. This style from Givenchy is the perfect way to keep your outfits looking casual, but still effortlessly polished.

Material: Canvas

Colors: Neutral

Dimensions: Height: 16.93 inches; width: 15.75 inches; depth: 5.12 inches

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The Go-To Work Tote

Celine Cabas Anaïs Cuir Triomphe

Cabas Anaïs Cuir Triomphe

This makes a great work tote. With the Celine Triomphe logo and unique pebble gray color, it just exudes power—in a fashion-forward way, of course.

Material: Calfskin

Colors: Pebble

Dimensions: Height: 12 inches; width: 21 inches; depth: 6 inches

The Iconic Print

Louis Vuitton Neverfull

Neverfull

Few things feel as iconic as Louis Vuitton checker print. This classic designer tote will always be a chic option—no matter where you’re headed.

Material: Damier Ebene

Colors: Cherry, Rose Ballerine

Dimensions: Height: 11 inches; width: 12.2 inches; depth: 5.5 inches

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