The Classic, Chic and Practical Tote Bags I'd Never Kick Out of My Wardrobe
Picture an It bag and what comes to mind? A sleek baguette bag, or perhaps a chain-strap cross-body, both of which likely boast an iconic logo in premium metal hardware. Although they are usually versatile—you'll be hard-pressed to find an outfit a quilted Chanel won't go with, after all—bags with status are often more formal-looking. That, however, is not necessarily the case when it comes to 2024's need-to-know arm candy.
Like the rest of our wardrobes, designer handbags are taking a practical and effortless turn this season. In place of fancy clutches or minuscule styles that hold your debit card but very little else, it's clear that roomy and relaxed totes are dominating the premium handbag scene for the months ahead, and there's already plenty to choose from.
While Loewe's baskets and Dior's canvas style have become something of a status symbol, it's not all about straw and canvas. Large leather totes are on the up, and they're particularly well-suited for transitional dressing. Dragon Diffusion and Bottega Veneta's woven iterations have proven popular in fashion circles, but the options truly are extensive, from classic Gucci and Saint Laurent styles to irresistibly chic minimalist designs by the likes of Khaite and Toteme. So there is a designer tote bag to suit you, whatever your aesthetic may be.
Their appeal is simple: They're roomy enough to hold just about everything you could need (your phone, purse, laptop, keys, snack stash, water bottle, and probably the items you pick up on the way home for dinner) but present a chic way to do so. This is the sort of bag you can grab and go, confident in the knowledge it'll look the part with a myriad of autumn-ready looks. Keep scrolling to discover the designer tote bags we love right now. Trust us—you'll be tempted never to use another bag again.
SHOP THE BEST DESIGNER TOTE BAGS:
The Row is fast becoming one of our forever favourite handbag brands.
There's something so chic about a white tote bag, don't you think?
Loewe's iconic puzzle style has been reimagined in this handy tote silhouette.
This gorgeous tote has such a cool shape.
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.
Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.
Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.
- Avalon AfriyieFreelance Fashion Editor
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