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Regardless of what you’re looking for, there are truly dozens of styles and materials on the market, meaning your perfect bag is out there somewhere. To help you find the perfect one, I’m here with a roundup of the cream of the crop! 

What Are Tote Bags Best Used For?

Although there isn’t a right or wrong reason for using a tote bag, there are a few scenarios in which I find them to be the most effective. While going to a fancy dinner or event may not be the best time to be carrying a large, casual looking bag, if you’re heading to an event where you need to carry a lot of things (or you want to make your outfit a little more edgy and laid back), a canvas tote bag is a perfect choice. 

I carry my everyday tote bag, well…everyday. It fits everything I could possibly need while I’m out and about–my water bottle, wallet, chapstick, sunnies, phone, you name it. Everything is within reach and easily accessible. And that’s what a tote bag is all about: making your life easier. 

What Makes A Bag A Tote Bag? 

There are very few “must haves” for a bag to qualify as a tote. Usually, a tote bag is one large pouch with straps long enough to fit comfortably over your shoulder. Closures at the top of the bag are optional. While many totes are left with no fastenings, others may have magnetic snaps or zippers to keep your belongings safe. 

If you’re looking to add a new everyday bag to your bag rotation, keep reading. 

Price Reference (average price):

$ | Under $50

$$ | Between $50-$100

$$$ | More than $100

Best Tote Bags To Match Your PersonalStyle

Image: Madewell

The Zip-Top Transport Carryall

Madewell

Price: $$$

With two straps for a handheld or shoulder option, this tote comes with a zipper closure, making it perfect for carrying important items to and from work. Made from vegan leather, this bag also includes two interior pockets. Although this option is a bit more expensive than a classic canvas tote, the quality reflects the cost. 

Image: Baggu

Duck Bag

Baggu

Price: $ 

It doesn’t get much better than this! This bag by Baggu is a classic canvas tote with a bit of flair. This bag includes two strap options as well–handheld and shoulder–and offers a secure button closure. There’s one internal pouch and dozens of prints and colors to choose from.

Image: Nike

Nike Air Futura Luxe

Nike

Price: $$

The perfect combination of sporty and edgy, this fashion tote is a great elevated basic. With silver hardware and an exterior zipper pouch, this tote bag screams style. Choose your favorite color from the three options available: yellow, peach, or pink. 

Image: L.L. Bean

Boat and Tote

L.L. Bean

Price: $

This bag is classic for a reason. It makes the absolute perfect summer tote bag: lightweight, sturdy, and cute!

Bonus: Many Boat and Tote owners opt to customize their tote with their name or favorite moniker embroidered on the side. This way you can create a customized and unique tote, just for you. 

Image: Quince

Revive Nylon Large Tote

Quince

Price: $$

Quince is an awesome sustainable brand. It only makes sense, then, that they sell this awesomely sustainable tote bag. With reinforced corners and exterior pockets, this bag will handle anything you throw at (or in!) it. 

Image: The North Face

Never Stop Tote

The North face

Price: $$

Much like the name implies, this bag is perfect for the busy woman on the go. Its durable and versatile design makes this a perfect work tote, while the multiple pockets also make it great for summer picnics. 

Image: Los Angeles Apparel

Bull Denim Tote Bag

Los Angeles Apparel

Price: $

A classic tote bag with a twist! Made from denim to be even more durable, these bags have a more unique and edgy feel with the same silhouette you know and love. 

Image: Frank and Oak

The Skyline Tote Bag

Frank And Oak

Price: $$

This quilted puffer is a unique tote bag if I’ve ever seen one. While it is perfect in any season, there’s something about the quilted material that is reminiscent of colder months. Whenever you choose to wear it, you’ll be sure to get tons of compliments. 

Image: SSense

Beige Carrie Print Tote

JW Anderson

Price: $$$

With a campy reference to the cult classic Carrie, this unique bag is perfect for the movie lover in your life. Ultra-cool and ultra-convenient, this printed tote is sure to be a conversation starter on your shoulder. 

Image: Nordstrom

The Tote Bag

Marc Jacobs

Price: $$$

No ultimate tote bag list would be complete without mentioning this Marc Jacobs classic! This fashion tote is perfect for travel or simply carrying to the park. 

Image: Clare V

Canvas Store Tote

Clare V

Price: $

Rep your favorite city with Clare V.’s LA / Paris tote bag. This affordable option will add a great pop of color to your everyday wardrobe. 

Image: Banana Republic Factory

Straw Tote Bag

Banana Republic

Price: $$

This could very well be the tote of the summer! With a straw body and leather handles, this cute bag is perfect for days in the park from early spring to late fall. This tote bag is begging to go to the beach, ASAP! 

Image: Parker Clay

Merkato Shopper

Parker Clay

Price: $$$

Parker Clay is a great brand that offers beautiful leather tote bags. Driven to empower women across the globe, Parker Clay provides resources for women in Ethiopia to lift up their community with every bag sold. 

Image: Amazon

Women's Convertible Daypack

CYUREAY

Price: $

Is it a backpack or is it a tote bag? The answer is both! This affordable bag offers the fashionability of a tote bag combined with the convenience of a backpack. You’ll get the best of both worlds.

Image: Baggu

Standard Baggu

Baggu

Price: $

Baggu does bags right! This reusable tote is perfect for when you need to carry something extra lightweight on the go. Since the bag folds up into a convenient pouch, you can carry this bag inside another bag. Tote bag-ception! 

Image: Food 52

Insulated Cooler Tote Bag

Food 52

Price: $

This perfect summer cooler bag makes picnics at the park a breeze–just pack it full of ice packs to ensure your drinks and snacks make it to your next gathering at the perfect temperature. Best of all, the exterior pocket will keep your phone and wallet dry! 

Image: Wild One

Everyday Carrier

Wild One

Price: $$$

Is a tote bag even perfect if you can’t share it with your BFF (best furry friend)? The carrier tote bag fits your pup with ease, leaving room left over to hold your everyday essentials. 

Image: Macy’s

Combined Bucket Handbag

Mango

Price: $$

This fashionable bucket bag combines utilitarian canvas with beautiful leather details. Carry this one to transition from a day event to a night on the town. 

Image: Vera Bradley

Straw Bucket Tote Bag

Vera Bradley

Price: $$

This unique straw tote is perfect for any outdoor event you have coming up. The beautiful woven material is easy to clean and is sure to attract more than a few looks of admiration. 

Image: Kohl’s

Crochet Tote Bag

Sonoma Goods FOr Life

Price: $

A circular bag is a great way to stand out from the crowd. Take this crocheted tote out for a spin next time you’re headed out on the town. The natural fiber makes this one of the best tote bags out there. 

Image: Coach

Field Tote 22 With Rexy

Coach

Price: $$$

What could be better than a cherry red tote bag? A cherry red tote bag with an embroidered T-rex, that’s what! This bag by Coach is perfect to go wherever life takes you. 

Image: Target

Mesh Tote Bag with Towel Straps

Sun Squad

Price: $

Nothing screams summer quite like the perfect pool bag. This all-mesh tote has plenty of space to store sunscreen, sunglasses, and your beach read. Bonus: the straps expand to carry your towel on the exterior of the bag. 

Image: Uncommon Goods

Farmers Market & Grocery Tote

Uncommon Goods

Price: $$

Just like the name states, this bag is absolutely perfect for ferrying to the farmers market and grocery store. With multiple pouches and an adjustable outer strap to carry flowers, this is truly the multi-tool of tote bags. However, the adorable stripes will want you to keep carrying this bag all year long. 

Image: World Market

Multicolor Chindi Stripe Upcycled Tote Bag

World Market

Price: $

Made from upcycled fabric, this tote is handmade by artisans in India. The unique design and sustainable materials make this a perfect selection. 

Image: Free People

Caravan Canvas Tote

FP Collection

Price: $$

Combining brightly colored canvas with an effortlessly cool design, this is an absolute essential. Carry by the shoulder straps or the built-in top handles depending on your mood. The choice is yours! 

Hopefully you agree with me that a tote bag is a game changer for both fashion and functional purposes. The best tote bag for you is out there somewhere–and hopefully on this list! Regardless of which you choose, I hope that you find a bag that perfectly fits all of life’s essentials inside.