We’ve just finished catching up and are going shopping. Let’s chat about what’s on the wishlist today — designer bags.
When you’re selecting a designer bag to purchase, you might think about shoulder bags or belt bags. But today, we’re here to discuss the best designer tote bags.
It’s not your regular grocery store or beach tote bag; it’s so, so much more. Designer bags are luxurious investments, so it makes sense to pick something that feels like a special occasion bag.
But we promise, y’all. A designer tote bag is a purchase you will not regret.
We believe there is a bag for every occasion. It just so happens that tote bags have so many. A tote bag can be your everyday tote for errands. It can be your work tote for carting your notebook and lunch to the office. It can be your casual brunch tote for mimosas with the girls.
Whatever the case, if you choose a beautifully made designer style, a tote bag can easily become a going-out bag and a show-stopping item within your bag collection.
So consider this your total and complete guide to making a designer tote bag purchase. We’ve got everything you need to know to elevate your tote game.
Why We’ll Never Stop Collecting Tote Bags
Let’s start with some history, shall we?
The origins of the tote bag as we know it today can be traced back to New England sailing culture, with “boat bags” trademarking that kind of functional style. In the eighties, book stores in New York City also became famous for their inclusion of a tote bag with a purchase, flooding the streets with the logo tote bag in canvas variations.
That trend has taken off in recent years, as shoppers became more conscious of sustainability, working towards eliminating single-use plastics. Nowadays, it seems like every purchase over $50 comes with a tote bag, and we don’t know about you, but our closet is absolutely stacked with them.
But we are not focusing on the complimentary canvas tote bag today. No, we are talking designer.
Here are three reasons why we think designer tote bags, from mini-sized to oversized, are totally worth it.
They’re Perfect For On-The-Go-Wear
The beauty of a tote bag is that it’s always ready to go. You can easily throw your wallet, phone, keys, and a book and be out the door in a few seconds. They’re the perfect shopping bag. If you feel like you’re always running around, a tote bag is an ideal bag choice for hassle-free carrying.
Tote bags are generally worn over the shoulder, with slightly longer top handles serving as shoulder straps, though there are some designer styles that shorten the top handle and make it more of a handbag. The beauty of shopping from a designer is that you can invest in specific styling.
They Work With Any Outfit
Speaking of style, one thing to love about tote bags is how seamlessly they’ll work with just about any outfit.
Tote bags are generally boxy and simple in form. They really let the rest of your look speak the loudest, seamlessly blending into anything you put together. It helps that we tend to have totes in neutral shades and monochromatic colors, so they serve as an easy color-blocking tool.
No matter what you throw at it, a tote bag can usually come out looking sleek and minimalist in the best way.
They Can Fit All Our Essentials
Last but not least, there’s the tote bag’s biggest perk, which is its spacious interior.
The most common tote bag is a medium tote bag, perfect for a work bag or as a travel tote. We love a tote for a carry-on because it keeps all of our essentials readily accessible, particularly if it has an internal zip pocket.
At the same time, totes come in all shapes and sizes. A mini tote is great for nights out where you only have your wallet, phone, and keys, and an oversized tote can be perfect for carrying your laptop and tablet.
You can really scale a tote purchase up or down, depending on your needs.
Tote bags also hold a special place in this brand’s heart because of our most viral version — the End Systemic Racism tote is what brought this collection and this mission to a new stage. For that, we will be forever grateful, and the tote style will always have a home at Brandon Blackwood.
Choosing the Right Tote To Fit in Your Life
So all that said, let’s talk about what you need to consider when selecting a designer tote bag.
Elevate Your Materials
The biggest leap between a free canvas tote bag and a designer tote bag has to be the materials.
We’re especially big fans of leather tote bags, as their thicker material adds some much-needed structure to the original tote design.
Our Mini Mandeville Tote comes in a variety of colors in both genuine leather and suede. With a 20-inch shoulder strap and a five-inch top handle drop, it’s totally versatile and looks striking worn both ways. The microsuede fabric lining also feels incredible and is a major step up for your most precious items.
Leather and suede are amazing tote materials, but they’re not the only ones we love. We’re obsessed with mesh right now.
Our Market Tote is made with mesh and vegan leather or faux leather details. The transparent styling of this tote is so cute, giving the world a little peek at what’s inside this oversized tote. The crew over at Cosmopolitan correctly identified the Market Tote as one of the best beach bags available.
If you’re looking for a tote with more unique materials, then we’d be remiss not to mention our Morell Tote. She’s made with 100% genuine shearling and feels amazing to run your hands over.
Whatever feel you’re looking for, remember that purchasing a designer tote is an opportunity to delight in luxurious materials. Use it!
Experiment With Style
Like we said before, most totes go for the simple, rectangular box style, but that doesn’t mean that’s your only option when you’re shopping for a designer tote.
If you’re looking for something that has all the utility of a standard tote but with a bit more of that designer flair, we’d recommend something like our Haughton Tote, which is serving ultra-wide realness.
With drawstring details, a magnetic snap button, and a three-and-a-half-inch handle drop, the Haughton is an elevated take on the tote. We love this bag because it effortlessly fulfills the role of a tote — it’s big enough to fill it with whatever you need it to — but it’s sophisticated and chic enough to be your go-to Saturday night choice or formal occasion bag. It’s also made with 100% cowhide leather and brass metalware. Enough said.
If you feel like totes aren’t a versatile enough style for your aesthetic, think again. Totes come in so many fits and flairs, especially if you know where to look.
Go Big, Go Small, Just Don’t Go Home
Last but not least, before you make a designer tote bag purchase, you should consider the size. This is always true with a purse purchase, but especially true with tote bags where you may want to use it as a work or travel bag.
A large tote bag, like the Morell, is great for taking on the subway and carting books, tech, and a snack. Similarly, the Market tote and the Large Mandeville can carry just about anything.
A medium leather tote bag is more of a “running around the neighborhood” kind of bag in a twist on the more utilitarian satchel. We love to go for that size when we’re shopping to put together the perfect charcuterie spread, for example.
Then there is the small tote bag which is less about utility and more about taking that iconic boxy tote bag style and shrinking it down into a cute handbag.
Before you run to make a designer tote purchase, consider when you’ll be using the bag and what you need it to carry. That will inform which size you should go for. If you ask us, when in doubt, scale up.
Last Thoughts on Designer Tote Bags
Tote bags are an essential item in any closet. Like crossbody bags, backpacks, mini bags, purses, and bucket bags, a designer’s touch can elevate this classic style into something so much more.
If you’re ready to make the move, check out our full collection of designer tote bags to pick out which size, style, and shade make up the tote bag of your dreams. We can’t wait to see how you wear it, cousins.
Sources:
A History of the Humble Tote Bag | Racked
17 Best Designer Beach Bags Perfect for a Day in the Sun | Cosmopolitan