This Classic Leather Tote Might Be the Most Useful Item You'll Ever Buy
As a stylist and fashion editor here at Who What Wear UK, it’s not unusual for me to be barraged by my friends and family asking where to find the *best* wardrobe items. This can range from big-ticket buys like wedding dresses, down to everyday basics like the perfect pair of blue jeans or the ultimate white t-shirt. When I inevitably start listing off brands and products that I’ve tried, tested or heard about that I would recommend, I usually get a wondrous reply along the lines of, "Your brain is like some kind of a fashion encyclopaedia.” I like to take it as a compliment, and pride myself on the wealth of knowledge that comes pretty naturally after spending the last 10 years of my life scouring the high street and analysing designer collections.
One of the most common questions I get asked time and time again, though, is which bag should I invest in if I’m looking for a chic-but-roomy leather tote bag? A timeless, one-off buy that’s practical enough to fit a laptop in and smart enough to take to work, but that I can also throw childrens' toys into or carry with me as a hand luggage? And to this, I always have the same answer: Saint Laurent’s Shopping Tote.
Okay, I admit Saint Laurent bags in general are never far from my mind when I’m asked for advice on the very best designer bags—from crossbodies to evening bags, I stand by my opinion that they always make great investments. But the luxury label’s Shopping Tote is the most versatile of them all. Compared to their other styles, the identifiable logo is more subtle here—with just the brand name in small gold lettering and the iconic metal YSL encased inside a detachable charm—there to show off or hide as you prefer.
So, the Shopping Tote is undoubtedly a ‘quiet luxury’ bag but this makes it all the more timeless and elevated. It’s spacious but not too oversized that it feels bulky, with an internal zipped pouch attachment which makes it easy to dig for those essentials (and doubles up as an evening clutch); and the straps fit perfectly over your shoulder no matter how stuffed full the bag might be. Of course, sitting around the £115 mark it’s an investment you’ll want to think wisely about—but whether you’re treating yourself, or a lucky someone else, I can assure you this classic style isn’t a bag people often regret.
Keep scrolling to see and shop the different versions of the Saint Laurent Shopping Tote, and I’ve also included my long-list below of more practical, luxury tote bags that I regularly recommend.
Shop Saint Laurent's Shopping Tote:
A light beige style will look so chic with a white dress or knitwear look.
Cream might not be the most practical of shades, but it is definitely the chicest.
Shop more luxury tote bags:
Emily Dawes is the very definition of a fashion multi hyphenate. An editor, stylist and writer with over eleven years’ worth of experience in the industry, Emily is known for her impeccable taste, elegant outfit choices and being able to spot the next big thing in fashion from a mile off. Our readers loyally trust her advice and shopping suggestions; so much so she began her own column documenting the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street, which has become a top-performing piece of content for the Who What Wear brand.
Emily has worked for Who What Wear UK since 2020 in a myriad as roles, spanning from contributing editor and branded content editor. Now, she holds the position of affiliate editor and is responsible for the brand’s overall affiliate strategy, ideation and content execution. Working closely with Who What Wear UK’s affiliate manager, Emily has been instrumental in securing and nourishing brand partnerships, surpassing her goals as standard. Leading the team in tentpole shopping moments including Black Friday and Peak Trading, with Emily’s guidance and leadership, team Who What Wear is in a stronger affiliate position than ever before.
Prior to joining the Who What Wear team, Emily served as YOU Magazine’s acting fashion editor where she managed the fashion team and oversaw all fashion content output for the fast-paced weekly title. Emily is a stylist in her own right, having worked with a slew of VIP clients including writer and television personality, Elizabeth Day, as well as styling and art directing several celebrity cover shoots for glossy print publication, Grazia. Her adept fashion knowledge means brands regularly sought out to work with her as a consultant: previously she has developed marketing and content plans for brands for Cocoon and Edge of Ember. Before entering the industry, Emily obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies with International Study from Nottingham University. Fun fact: Emily spent a year studying in America which saw her join a sorority during her time there.
When she’s not working or tracking down the chicest, new-in items to share with our audience, you’ll find Emily bestowing her East London home with her stylish flair, reading everything from the classics to cowboy romance novels and escaping to the country with husband, baby boy and dog, Roo, whenever she can.
Emily is currently on maternity leave.
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