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It’s no secret that ELLE editors love a good designer tote bag. 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, etc.,” 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 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 curated a list of the 25 best designer tote bags to carry through summer and beyond, just for you. See them all below.
The Modern Classic
Loewe Puzzle Fold Tote
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.
Colors: 6 options
Materials: Calfskin
Dimensions: Height: 12.4 inches; width: 10 inches; depth: 5.7 inches
ELLE readers love the Bottega Veneta Andiamo. But just in case you’re looking for something a little different than the celebrity-loved style, I present to you the Large Intrecciato Tote bag. It’s spacious, features the label’s signature woven leather, and comes in the must-have color of the moment. What more could you ask for?
Material: Calfskin
Colors: Tapioca, Bordeaux
Dimensions: Height: 20.1 inches; width: 12.8 inches; depth: 7.3 inches
The Sustainable Option
Stella McCartney Frayme Whipstitch Tote Bag
If you don’t want to go the leather route, Stella McCartney has the bag for you. This classic bag (which features a cool whipstitch detail along the side) is made from an apple waste leather alternative. How cool is that?!
Material: UPPEAL™️ vegan alternative to animal leather, sourced from apple waste
Colors: Midnight Black, Tan Brown
Dimensions: Height: 12.6 inches; width: 11.8 inches; depth: 6.5 inches
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Let’s be honest: This might be the best tote you can have for summer. With the mesh material, it’s as easy and breezy as you can get.
Materials: Nylon; pebbled leather trim
Colors: Cuoio, Verde, Warm Sand, Prismatic T Monogram
Dimensions: Height: 7.5 inches; width: 9.8 inches; depth: 3.9 inches
The Classic Straw Bag
Cult Gaia Sadie Tote Bag
No bag feels quite as quintessential for the warmest days of the year like a straw or raffia bag. Leave it to Cult Gaia to make one that’ll hold everything and more. I can already envision this on a summer picnic or beach day.
Material: Polyethylene
Colors: N/A
Dimensions: Height: 13.46 inches; width: 23.62; depth: 7.17 inches
Without a doubt, 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-worth bag. Yes, other options are available from the brand, but there is no doubt this timeless style will be in your closet forever.
Materials: Calfskin leather
Colors: Cypress
Dimensions: Height: 20 inches; width: 11.5 inches; depth: 7 inches
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The Relaxed Classic
Mansur Gavriel Everyday Soft Tote
There’s just something so refreshing about a leather tote bag that comes in an unexpected color. Even if you’re the type of person with a neutral closet, this is the perfect way to brighten up a summer ensemble.
Materials: Italian tumbled calfskin
Colors: Seaglass, Desert, Black/Flamma, Dolly, Avorio
Dimensions: Height: 11.8 inches; width: 21.5 inches; depth: 9 inches
I don’t know about you, but I’ve been seeing Polène everywhere—and perhaps there’s a good reason for that. This sturdy leather tote feels sculptural, thanks to its artful folds. Plus, it comes in eight different colors, so there’s one for everyone.
Materials: Calf leather
Colors: 8 options
Dimensions: Height: 12.5 inches; width: 14.9 inches; depth: 6.7 inches
The Effortless Raffia
Tod’s T Timeless Shopping Bag in Raffia and Leather Medium
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
Colors: N/A
Dimensions: Height: 11.4 inches; width: 18.5 inches; depth: 5.5 inches
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The Under-$200 Leather Tote
Dooney & Bourke Large Shopper Tote
If you’re in the market for a designer option that won’t break the bank, look no further. Dooney & Bourke has a classic option that makes for a great under-$200 option. And because you aren’t spending an arm and a leg, won’t have to be too precious carrying it around.
Material: Leather
Colors: 13 options
Dimensions: Height: 12 inches; width: 13.50 inches; depth: 4 inches
The Everyday Tote
Marc Jacobs The Jacquard Medium Tote Bag
Sure, you could have a standard canvas tote bag, but why do that when you can have this woven jacquard-style from Marc Jacobs? After all, it really does send the message: This is the tote bag.
Material: Woven Jacquard
Colors: 14 options
Dimensions: Height: 10.63 inches; width: 13.19 inches; depth: 5.91 inches
When in doubt, you can never go wrong with a bag from Khaite—and this paneled one will take you from season to season. Just think about that cost per wear.
Material: Full-grain suede (calfskin)
Colors: Beige Suede, Midnight Suede, Rouge Noir Suede, Rouge Noir Multi Leather
Dimensions: Height: 15.3 inches; width: 12.6 inches; depth: 5.5 inches
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The Wavy Baby
Ferragamo Tote Back With Cut-Out Detailing
Now 30% Off
The unexpected silhouette of this forest-green tote will have everyone staring enviously. It just has a bit of a calming effect, doesn’t it?
Material: Smooth and suede calfskin
Colors: Forest Green, Brown/Black
Dimensions: Height: 12.9 inches; width: 16.1 inches; depth: 6.1 inches
The Low-Profile Must-Have
Rebecca Minkoff Megan Tote
Another more accessible option comes from Rebecca Minkoff by way of Amazon. I love the subtle edge that the brass hardware gives this otherwise low-key bag.
Material: Leather
Colors: Stone
Dimensions: Height: 11.5 inches; width: 14 inches; depth: 5.75 inches
The Tried-and-True Classic
Saint Laurent Shopping Leather Tote
Saint Laurent’s Shopping Leather Tote is one of those bags that will always be a top-notch option. It’s unassuming, but well-made—and it will only get better the more you carry it.
Material: Leather
Colors: Noir
Dimensions: Height: 11 inches; width: 14 inches; depth: 5 inches
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What a way to say, “It’s all Gucci,” right? 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
Colors: Beige and Blue
Dimensions: Height: 11 inches; width: 11.8 inches; depth: 10.2 inches
The Crochet Choice
Prada Crochet Tote Bag
Is there be anything chicer than a crochet Prada tote on the beach? I think not.
Material: Raffia-effect yarn
Colors: Aqua, Petal Pink, White, Black
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. On that note, so is the boho-chic aesthetic—due, in part, to Chloé! Give your ensembles a casual-cool edge, with the help from this slouchy tote.
Material: Calfskin
Colors: Dark Nut, Misty Ivory, Motty Grey, Dark Khaki, Black
Dimensions: Height: 11.4 inches; width: 14.2 inches; depth: 3.9 inches
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The Canvas Cutie
Givenchy Voyou Large E/W Canvas Tote Bag
Canvas tote bags are the perfect way to get all the functionality of a leather option without having to worry about the upkeep. This style from Givenchy is the perfect way to keep your summer outfits looking casual, but still effortlessly polished.
Material: Canvas
Colors: Neutral
Dimensions: Height: 16.93 inches; width: 15.75 inches; depth: 5.12 inches
The Head-Turner
Alaïa Mina 25 Tote Bag
It doesn’t get more Alaïa than this cut-out tote bag. Without a doubt, this will be the hero of your summer ensembles, no matter where you’re traveling.
Material: Leather
Colors: Blanc Optique
Dimensions: Height: 7.87 inches; width: 9.84 inches; depth: 4.72 inches
