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The Designer Tote Bags That Are Actually Worth Investing In
18 options that are ludicrously capacious, stylish and practical to boot.
There’s a lot of stuff out there, and not all fashion pieces are created equal. Luckily, the ELLE editors know their way around a shopping rail, and when it comes to helping you find those niche brands worth knowing to high-street hits of quality, and a few vintage treasures too, our ELLE Edits showcase the very best of the season.
It’s no secret that ELLE editors love a good designer handbag – and even more so when it's a tote. It only makes sense: we’re working women who do it all, so 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, et cetera,' she says. 'Our tote bags are constantly in motion, so it’s important that the one you’re using can endure your day-to-day comings and goings.'
That said, what you choose will depend on your lifestyle. 'Compartments and zipper pockets are also qualities I’m always looking for, though they 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 summer 2024 bag trends, size, and additional features – we have curated a list of the 18 best designer tote bags to carry through summer and beyond. See (and shop) them all below:
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
Colours: Six options
Dimensions: Height: 12 inches; width: 14.5 inches; depth: 5.5 inches
A Bottega Veneta bag is always a good idea – but the brand's large tote bag makes for a particularly practical investment. It’s spacious, features Bottega's signature woven leather, and comes in two of the must-have colours of the moment. What more could you ask for?
Material: Calfskin
Colours: Tapioca, bordeaux
Dimensions: Height: 20.1 inches; width: 12.8 inches; depth: 7.3 inches
If you don’t want to go the leather route, Stella McCartney has the answer. This classic bag is made from an apple waste leather alternative, and features a cool whipstitch detail along the side for extra style points.
Material: UPPEAL™️ vegan alternative to animal leather, sourced from apple waste
Colours: Midnight black, tan brown
Dimensions: Height: 12.6 inches; width: 11.8 inches; depth: 6.5 inches
No bag feels quite as quintessential for the warmest days of the year as a straw or raffia bag. Leave it to Cult Gaia to make one that’ll hold everything and more. Perfect for a summer picnic or beach day.
Material: Polyethylene, cow leather trim
Colours: N/A
Dimensions: Height: 13.46 inches; width: 23.62; depth: 7.17 inches
Of course 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. Trust us: this timeless style will be in your wardrobe forever.
Materials: Calfskin leather
Colours: Four options
Dimensions: Height: 11.5 inches; width: 19 inches; depth: 10 inches
There’s just something so refreshing about a leather tote bag that comes in a variety of colours – some classic, like this blush pink, and others a little more edgy and unexpected ('desert/limone' colourway, we're looking at you). Whichever you choose, this bag has the power to elevate even the simplest of summer ensembles.
Materials: Italian tumbled calfskin
Colours: Six options
Dimensions: Height: 11.8 inches; width: 21.5 inches; depth: 9 inches
We've been spotting Polène's chic designs all over Instagram of late. Made by leather goods artisans in Ubrique, Spain, this sturdy tote feels sculptural thanks to its artful folds, and comes in an impressive eight different colours to ensure there's one to suit all tastes.
Materials: Calf leather
Colours: Eight options
Dimensions: Height: 12.5 inches; width: 14.9 inches; depth: 6.7 inches
The Longchamp Le Pliage was a staple of our teenage years, and it's still very much in style today. Opt for the more grown-up version that features black leather trims, silver hardware, two inside pockets and recycled polyamide lining. This dark khaki shade is particularly chic.
Material: Recycled polyamide, cowhide leather
Colours: Five options
Dimensions: Height: 11.8 inches; width: 12.2 inches; depth: 7.5 inches
Remember: it’s the season of raffia. Anyone looking for a luxury take on the woven look that feels fresh for 2024 will love this leather-trimmed option from Tod’s.
Material: Raffia, leather
Colours: N/A
Dimensions: Height: 11.4 inches; width: 18.5 inches; depth: 5.5 inches
When in doubt, you can never go wrong with a bag from Khaite, and this quilt-style panelled one will take you from season to season. Just think about that cost per wear.
Material: Suede, calf leather, and kid leather
Colours: Four options
Dimensions: Height: 15.3 inches; width: 12.6 inches; depth: 5.5 inches
Saint Laurent’s classic brushed top-handle black leather tote is one of those bags that you'll be delighted to reach for every single day. It’s unassuming but impeccably crafted, and it will only get better with age.
Material: Leather
Colours: Seven options
Dimensions: Height: 11 inches; width: 14 inches; depth: 5 inches
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 trim
Colours: Four options
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? We think not.
Material: Raffia-effect yarn
Colours: Six options
Dimensions: Height: 14.96 inches; width: 14.17 inches; depth: 1.18 inches
In case you haven’t heard, hobo bags are back in a major way this season. On that note, so is the boho-chic aesthetic – due, in large part, to Chloé! Give your ensembles a casual-cool edge with help from this slouchy tote.
Material: Calfskin
Colours: Four options
Dimensions: Height: 11.4 inches; width: 14.2 inches; depth: 3.9 inches
There’s something about this shade of creamy yellow that feels so luxurious – and it doesn't hurt that there's 40% off this particular style right now, either.
Material: Calf leather
Colours: Hazel, dark brown, black
Dimensions: Height: 11.5 inches; width: 9 inches; depth: 5 inches
This might just be the ultimate work tote. Crafted in soft leather, featuring the recognisable Triomphe logo and in a versatile pebble-grey shade, this bag is as smart as they come.
Material: Calfskin
Colours: Four options
Dimensions: Height: 12 inches; width: 21 inches; depth: 6 inches
Name a more iconic print than Louis Vuitton's monogram. We'll wait. It's safe to say this classic designer tote will always be a chic option, no matter where you’re headed.
Material: Coated canvas, leather trim
Colours: Cherry, rose beige
Dimensions: Height: 11 inches; width: 12.2 inches; depth: 5.5 inches
Clementina Jackson is Acting Site Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, working across news and features, trends, e-commerce and SEO. She was previously Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan and Women’s Health, and Acting Digital Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, where she was named as a PPA 30 Under 30 award winner for her work on size inclusivity. An experienced fashion, travel and luxury lifestyle journalist, Clementina has also written for Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, Condé Nast Traveller, Tatler, Red and Italy Segreta.
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