When it comes to a functional and high-capacity everyday bag, nothing beats the tote. For those of us who always carry half of our beauty drawers with us at all times plus a bunch of other seemingly unnecessary things — you know, just in case we might need them — a good, spacious tote bag always does the job.
This style actually dates back to the 1940s, when L.L.Bean introduced its first Boat and Tote bag. It was designed to carry ice and the target audience was mainly sailing enthusiasts or campers. The bag was crafted in sturdy builders' canvas and came in a boxy silhouette with a reinforced bottom, two wide handles, and an open top. It took a couple more decades for the tote bag to be seen as a stylish and practical alternative to other handbag styles, but nowadays it's an essential part of every woman’s closet.
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The truth is: whether you opt for a roomy tote when you are headed to the gym, running your daily errands, or as a carry-on option, you can rely on it to effortlessly combine style and storage potential. Even celebrities like Angelina Jolie, Meghan Markle, and Anne Hathaway have endorsed the tote as the most viable option when it comes to travel.
This summer, straw totes have been especially popular, even outside of the beach crowd. They have a relaxed, resort-ready look that perfectly complements a sundress or a jumpsuit. For those in need of a more city-appropriate look, choose a leather tote with a structured silhouette.
Here, we rounded up 16 cute options — all available on Amazon — that will not only help you carry all of your essentials but will also serve up major style goals.
Floto Piazza Leather Tote Bag
If you, like Meghan Markle, prefer a no-fuss leather tote, then this Italian-made bag is the right one for you.
To buy: amazon.com, $129
Hosport Bamboo Circle Tote
Though it's likely the least practical option on our list, this exquisite bag is a steal at just $45.
To buy: amazon.com, $45
Bostanten Leather Tote
Explore your favorite cities while looking stylish with this elegant tote crafted from cowhide leather. Its main compartment has a large removable pouch that makes organizing your essentials easier, and it comes in four more colors.
To buy: amazon.com, $68
Sheliky Braided Handbag
Could this tote possibly give any off more of a lazy-afternoon-lounging-in-a-hammock vibe?
To buy: amazon.com, $23
Jollque Handmade Rattan Tote
One of the summer's top silhouettes — the circle top-handle tote — is rendered in a lightweight straw.
To buy: amazon.com, $44
Cole Haan Payson Tote
This everyday bag is crafted from high-quality woven leather that looks incredibly chic. It has a magnetic snap closure and RFID-protected card slots with an interior zipper pocket.
To buy: amazon.com, from $277
Baggu Reusable Shopping Tote
These ripstop nylon Baggu bags come in a ton of different patterns, all equally as fun. And though they weigh practically nothing, they can hold up to 50 pounds.
To buy: amazon.com, $10
Tidawave Net Shopping Bag
These lightweight cotton bags rose to popularity in France for grocery shopping, but we can't help but picture all of your pool-day essentials tucked inside, too,
To buy: amazon.com, $15 for a set of two
Hoxis Minimalist Tote
With its unexpected silhouette and range of colorways, this affordable pick might just be an It-bag in the making.
To buy: amazon.com, $20
Mango Jute Shopper Bag
Crafted with 100 percent jute, this straw bag can easily take you from brunch to post-dinner cocktails.
To buy: amazon.com, $60
Flynn Hampton Tote Bag
This bag by Flynn is an eye-catcher if we've ever seen one. The dark floral print will easily transition it into fall.
To buy: amazon.com, $119
Calvin Klein Novelty Tote
This structured tote has a classic boxed silhouette that’s all about the metal accents. It comes with a matching leather pouch that’s perfect for storing your beauty essentials.
To buy: amazon.com, from $65
Betsey Johnson Daisy'D and Confused Flower Tote
This beach-inspired straw tote has leather handles, a snap closure, and features a beautiful daisy-and-bees pattern.
To buy: amazon.com, from $47
Loeffler Randall Edith Woven Leather Mini Tote
Not into oversized totes but into the silhouette? This cute mini Loeffler Randall piece is exactly what you need. It also comes with a removable cross-body strap.
To buy: amazon.com, $295
Daisy Rose Large Beach Tote
This cheerful straw tote is fully lined and features colorful pom-poms and tassels. It has two interior pockets and a separate canvas pouch for extra storage.
To buy: amazon.com, $35
Rebecca Minkoff Medium Unlined Tote
This Western-inspired tote is made from pebbled leather and features whipstitch design, fringe details at the handles, and a detachable zippered pouch inside.
To buy: amazon.com, from $122
