What Makes a Good Tote Bag

Having a good tote to “grab and go” can make weekday mornings feel a whole lot better, especially when it fits all your essentials. And if you’re still shopping for Mother’s Day gifts, this makes a great gift because one can never have too many totes. From classic rectangular shapes to fun bucket silhouettes, find out which tote suits your closet and lifestyle the best. 

If you’re looking for a reliable work bag that won’t clash with your outfit, opt for a rectangular tote. Otherwise known as a shopper tote, this spacious bag is guaranteed to fit your tablet and other essentials. You no longer have to forgo your umbrella or water bottle with this roomy carry-all. An understated and practical accessory, the shopper tote completes the business chic aesthetic.

Tote-fanatics can relate: Nobody gets why you have so many tote bags. You’re also done with explaining why each bag is different. Well, we get it. A structured tote and one that has a softer exterior are worlds apart when it comes to putting an outfit together. When paired with t-shirt and jeans, the former blends in well and is simply a bag. Grab a less-structured tote with a smooth finish like calf leather and your outfit turns boho-chic. The irregularity of the bag adds an effortlessly casual, but still put together, element to your otherwise vanilla fit. 

Your bags don’t all have to be dark coloured. And if you’re in a neutrals-only phase, experiment with varying tones. Instead of reaching for your go-to black bag, try something like this nude leather tote with texture. The nude shade isn’t too warm, making it easy to pair with your basics. And don’t worry, while the smaller size and shorter handles may not accommodate a laptop, it’ll still fit your essentials.

Here’s one for those who love the boldness of jacquard and monogram designs. There’s just something about the repeated patterns of this jacquard tote that'll make your outfit a lot louder. Such bags are more versatile than you think and they never fail to add personality to your outfit. With patterned bags, you can go all out with an edgy fit (i.e. boots, all-black outfit, etc.). But if that’s not your thing, softening the ensemble with scarves, ruffles or light-wash jeans are also a great option.

The drawback of having a large tote is that you can’t dance freely with it when you’re out partying. In this case, size down to have more fun. Slip your lipstick, phone, cards and keys into a mini tote, and you’re good to go.

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