Yes, I'm Judging Your Tote Bag
I've recently come to an important conclusion: I'm a tote hoarder. Look into my closet, under my desk, and even under the kitchen sink, and you'll find them. Living in New York, I find this simple bag to be indispensable. It's what I carry running errands on the weekend. It holds my gym clothes when I'm running from a Spin class to the office. But when I finally came to acknowledge my own obsession, I started to look around me and think about the totes women wear. Suddenly I realised that while they're so common, a simple canvas tote can say a lot about us.
From a handy Whole Foods grocery bag to a carryall from your favorite fashion line, the bags we choose give a bit of insight into who we are as individuals in this big wide world. Below, I decided to break it down; here's what your tote of choice says about you (it's all good things, I promise). This accessory may fly under the radar, but the reality is, it just might be the most important bag you own.
Check it out below, and then shop a few of our favorite totes right now.
The Tote: The Brand Swag Bag
What It Means: One added perk of shopping many of your favorite brands is that your purchase comes with a little something extra—a tote bag. Repping the brand you love proves you're on your fashion A-game.
The Tote: Cool and Creative
What It Means: Whether you've got a sketchbook tucked inside or not, this bag adds a bit of whimsy to even the simplest look. If you've got the option to show off the work of an artist you love, this is a handy way to do it.
Shop Tote Bags
New Yorker Tote (free with subscription)
Want to switch it up? Here are our favorite backpacks to shop now.

-
Cooler Winter Outfits Means Wearing This Pretty Bag Trend With Your Big CoatJust give me Jennifer Lawrence's wardrobe, please.
-
Fashionable People Would Like These Fall Trends From Shopbop's Surprise SaleSuede! Jeans! Sneakers!
-
This Is the Chic Bag Trend Fashion People Swear By Right NowBring on the compliments!
-
I'm a Senior Shopping Editor—These 25 Elevated and Rich-Looking Nordstrom Fall Sale Picks Have My AttentionChic and affordable? Yes, please.
-
Forget the Wrong-Shoe Theory—Zoë Kravitz Just Made the Wrong-Bag Theory a ThingThis was inevitable.
-
Fashionphile's Done the Research: These Are the It Bags of 2025The 2025 Resale Report is here.
-
Not Ready to Let Go of Sardine Summer? This Chic Bag Launch Will Help You Carry the Vibes Straight Through FallThe first drop sold out, so these won't be around for long.
-
28 Accessories That'll Make Every Fall Outfit Look ElegantThese are the add-ons you need.
