20 Timeless Designer Tote Bags That Belong in Every Wardrobe

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Tote bags, oversized shoulder bags, ludicrously capacious bags—whatever you want to call them—are indispensable in our day-to-day lives. Not only are the functional and practical thanks to their spacious silhouettes, but they're extremely versatile and perfect for schlepping literally everywhere: to the office, to the farmers market, to the gym, to dinner... the list goes on. That's why, if you ask me and my fellow T&C colleagues, splurging on a designer tote is 100 percent worth every penny. Sure, they are an investment, but luxury options are thoughtfully designed and made to stand the test of time. Many labels even offer repair and maintenance services to ensure you're style stays in tip-top shape no matter how many times you carry it. How thoughtful is that?

As a serious purse collector myself, I know a thing or two about about the best designer tote bags to buy and the ones that are not totally worth the hype. From take-with-you-everywhere leather options to the chicest picks for the beach, here are the styles that are guaranteed to be a lifetime wardrobe workhorse.

Soft Margaux 17 Bag in Suede

IYKYK: The Row's Margaux is so popular, some are evening dubbing it as the new Birkin. And frankly, it's not hard to see why. Featuring a softly structured silhouette with belted gusseted side panels, the minimalist style boasts a timeless design (no in-your-face logos) that can go from brunch to boardroom to date night to airport to... you get the point. Consider yourself lucky if you're able to get your hands on it.

Material: Seude

Dimensions: 17" W x 12" L x 10" D

Sizes Available: 10", 15", 17"

Colors: Variety

Andiamo Medium Leather Tote

Bottega's bags are anything but boring. The classic woven details add interest to an otherwise understated purse, while the golden hardware makes the style pop. Wear it to work, wear it to a dinner party, wear it wherever your heart desires.

Material: Leather

Dimensions: 12.2" W x 9.4" H x 4.7" D

Sizes Available: Clutch, East-West, Small, Medium, Large

Colors: Variety

Large Galleria Saffiano Leather Bag

While the Galleria is less than 20 years old, it is perhaps one of Prada's most recognizable totes. Boxy and structured, the bag is made of the house's iconic Saffiano, a patented leather that's water- and scratch-resist and defined by its crosshatch texture. Inside, you'll find three multi-functional compartments that makes organizing your belongings a breeze.

Material: Leather

Dimensions: 12.5'' W x 9.4'' H x 5.3'' L

Sizes Available: Small, Medium, Large

Colors: Variety

Classic Easy Tote

A roomy interior? Check. A relaxed silhouette? Check. A lightweight feel? Check. You get it all with my all-time favorite: Cuyana's minimalist tote bag. Great for work and play, the carrier is available in three sizes, a variety of goes-with-everything colors, and the option to buy with or without a zipper. Plus, the brand offers a range of accompanying accessories, such as laptop inserts and zipper pouches, for extra organized types. And if that's not enough to convince you, at least three T&C staffers carry the tote.

Material: Leather

Dimensions: 12.3" H x 21.6" W x 5.1" D

Sizes Available: Classic, Tall, Small

Colors: 10

The New York

One of the greatest compliments I can receive is when a stranger stops me on the street or subway to comment on this tote. At this rate, I've lost how many times that's happened. But it's clear to me why the aptly-named New York tote is such a conversation starter: the spacious, trapezoidal shape is unique and different from your run-of-the-mill black tote, while the embossed croc details combined with the minimalist gold hardware ups the elegant factor.

Material: Leather

Dimensions: 22.1" W x 10.7" H x 5.5" D

Sizes Available: Midi, Large

Colors: 8

The Medium Lotus Tote

Go for an unexpected shape a la Khaite. Inspired by the fluidity of a scarf, the suede Lotus tote is sculptural but still functional, thanks to a roomy interior that can hold a ton without weighing a ton.

Material: Suede

Dimensions: 9.45" W x 15.75" D

Sizes Available: Mini, Medium

Colors: 10

Neverfull MM

Name a more iconic tote than the Neverfull. Impossible. Louis Vuitton's heritage style offers all the hallmarks of a classic everyday tote with a spacious interior, structured shape, and slim, comfortable straps that can be worn over your shoulder or in the crook of your arm. Buy it now, carry it forever.

Material: Monogram coated canvas & cowhide trim

Dimensions: 12.6" W x 11.4" H x 6.7" D

Sizes Available: MM, GM, PM, BB

Colors: Variety

Lee Radziwill Leather Double Bag

This elegant purse inspired by Jackie Kennedy's younger sister, Lee Radziwill, is the "perfect combination of soft and structured to make it a do-it-all for day and night," says T&C's Lauren Hubbard. It's "dressy enough to carry out in the evening, with its sleek lock and key hardware, polished for the office thanks to a minimalist design, yet still gives off a sense of breezy, casual cool that ensures it won't look overdone or out of place tucked into a cubby at my yoga studio."

Material: Leather

Dimensions: 12 1/2" W x 11 1/2" H x 6" D

Sizes Available: Petite, Small, Large

Colors: Variety

East-West Tote Bag (L)

Ferragamo says this tote is "perfect for a busy day in the city." The house isn't wrong. With extra long handles that stay put over your shoulder and a large front flap that flips open to reveal a spacious main compartment, the East-West is ideal for the woman on the go. Bonus: it's even got an ID holder attached to the front handle so you can enter and leave your office building with ease.

Material: Leather

Dimensions: 11.4" H x 19.6" W x 7.1"

Sizes Available: Small, Large

Colors: 4

Diana Small Tote Bag

If you're looking for a smaller tote, the Gucci Diana tote (inspired by the late Princess of Wales herself) is as classic as a tote gets. The structured style is crafted from high-quality leather and features sleek bamboo handles that add an elegant finishing touch. You can carry it in your hand, or it comes with a straps that can be worn over your shoulder.

Material: Leather

Dimensions: 11" W x 9.5" H x 4.3" D

Sizes Available: Mini, Small, Medium

Colors: 11

Everyday Soft Tote

It's all in the name. Mansur Gavriel's minimal leather tote is designed to hold everything you need in your day-to-day life, whether you're running errands, heading to the farmers market, or meeting the girls for lunch. It's especially convenient for work since it's big enough to hold a 16-inch laptop and whatever else you can't do without.

Material: Leather

Dimensions: 11.8" H x 21.5" W x 9" D

Colors: 5

East West Calfskin Shopping Tote Bag

Crafted from buttery calfskin leather, YSL's East West shopping bag is absurdly spacious and can hold all your daily essentials with some room to spare. It also has an accompanying pouch for your smaller tchotchkes, and a classic structured look that will never go out of style.

Material: Leather

Dimensions: 11" H x 14.6" W x 5" D

Colors: Variety

Reversible Leather Medium Bellport Tote

While a black tote will always be a classic, why not veer towards a shade that's a little more exclamation-worthy, like cherry red? Just as versatile, but with a pop of interest. I'm partial to Ralph Lauren's Bellport since it boasts a classic tote silhouette with a spacious interior. Even cooler: it's reversible, so you can switch up your everyday look with a sumptuous suede style lined with red leather details.

Material: Leather

Dimensions: 17.75" H x 20" L x 6.25" D

Sizes Available: Mini, Medium, Large

Colors: Variety

Ai Medium Bicolor Raffia Tote Bag

Perfect for all your upcoming warm weather adventures, Akris's long beloved Ai can be converted into three different styles: a trapezoidal tote (as shown here), a rectangular shopper, or a signature tote. Genius.

Material: Raffia/leather

Dimensions: 12.2" H x 18.5" W x 5.1"D

Sizes Available: Small, Medium

Colors: Variety

Medium St. Barths Tote

What can't this tote hold? Lightweight and water-resistant, this woven Naghedi tote makes for a great go-to for the beach. And thanks to its stretchy fabric, the style is also super strong and packable.

Material: Terylene

Dimensions: 13" W x 11" H x 8" D

Sizes Available: Petite, Mini, Small, Medium, Large

Colors: Variety

Large Dior Book Tote

As far as designer canvas tote bags go, Dior's Book Tote is in a class of its own. Whether you wear it to the beach or office (it's big enough to hold a 15-inch laptop), the carryall will elevate any kind of look. Best part of all? You can get your name or initials embroidered to it to make the purse even more personal.

Material: Canvas

Dimensions: 16.5" W x 14" L x 7.5" D inches

Sizes Available: Mini,Small, Medium, Large

Colors: Variety

Large Le Pliage Tote

The epitome of a take-with-you-everywhere bag. Made from durable nylon with simple leather straps, Longchamp's Le Pliage was designed to be long-lasting, lightweight, and versatile. It can fit so much, and no matter how much you stuff inside, you'll never have to deal with achy shoulders. You can even pack it up into a compact shape when it's not in use. Take it from me: I've had mine for over 10 years and it still looks as good as new.

Material: Nylon

Dimensions: 12 ¼" W x 11 ¾" H x 7 ½" D

Sizes Available: Small, Medium, Large

Colors: Variety

MORE: T&C Tried & True: Why the Longchamp Le Pliage Is the Perfect Everyday Tote

Basket Bag in Palm Leaf and Calfskin

Summer will be here before you know it, which means now is prime time to invest in a stylish straw bag for the beach, pool, and beyond. With it's bucket-shaped silhouette, signature straw weave, and sleek leather details, Loewe's woven tote is the quintessential style for warmer days. Wear it over your shoulder or in the crook of your arms—it'll look chic either way.

Material: Palm leaves & calfskin

Dimensions: 15.75" W x 10.5" H x 6.25" D

Sizes Available: Mini, Small, Medium, Large

Colors: 3

Cyme Tote

Somewhere in the middle of a tote and basket bag, Polène's fan-favorite Cyme bag has an extra-wide opening for easy access to your belongings. Just imagine how chic it'll look with all your work outfits, too.

Material: Leather

Dimensions: 32 cm W x 38 cm H x 17 cm D

Sizes Available: Mini, Large

Colors: 8

Deluxe Large Metro Tote

If you're often traveling, MZ Wallace's best-selling Deluxe Metro Tote is the only one to schlep. It features six interior compartments and several exterior pockets, three detachable pouches for smaller essentials, and a luggage sleeve to plop the bag on top of your suitcase. It even come sold with a detachable strap should you want to transition it into a weekender. As T&C's Emily Burack says: "This bag can do it all."

Material: Nylon

Dimensions: 15" W x 16" H x 10" D

Sizes Available: Micro, Mini, Small, Medium, Large

Colors: Variety

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