Updated September 21
Forget tiny purses – the larger-than-life designer tote is taking over. We’ve seen it on everyone from Shay Mitchell to fashion bloggers and top models.

Made to fit a 16-inch laptop, this leather option is perfect for New York commuters. The sliding handles provide comfortable over-the-shoulder wear.
Size

The right size designer tote is as important as the bag’s color or material. A smaller handle length (around 14-18 inches with a 6-8-inch drop) is best for carrying in the crook of your elbow or slung over your shoulder.

Alternatively, choose a longer strap for the ultimate comfort when walking long distances. Longer handles also work well as a backpack, especially when you’re traveling.

For the go-anywhere girl, consider a designer tote with a neutral, versatile hue and buttery leather handles. This option from Saint Laurent fits your laptop and lunch box without looking overstuffed or bulky.

For the designer bag lover who loves to display her favorite brands, try a woven-logo designer tote like the one spotted on Shay Mitchell during her recent Italian excursion. Woven with 100 percent raffia palm, this bag offers plenty of room for all your vacation essentials while wielding a classic look that won’t go out of style.
Color

A designer tote is a wardrobe staple—it’s roomy enough for diapers, snacks, toys, and a change of clothes. But it’s also versatile enough to complement any outfit, from sweatpants to a dress. We tapped our favorite luxury stylists to find the best designer tote bags for any occasion.

Whether you’re running errands in the city or jetting off to an exotic locale, our collection has the perfect bag for any trip. Discover woven totes from Dragon Diffusion that feel completely on-trend while being functional, or look for a leather option like the Chanel Grand Shopping Tote.

For the ultimate statement, pick a designer tote that features your favorite brand’s logo. The Tory Burch McGraw Tote, for example, has a minimal exterior with just the designer name stitched onto the front. It’s available in a variety of colorways and can accommodate any style, from edgy black to feminine florals. The tote even folds flat, so you can easily pack it in your luggage for the trip ahead.
Material

Designed to fit a laptop, a pair of sneakers, and more, these designer totes are ideal for New York commutes or day trips. A minimalist design and leather sliding handles add polish, while a snap closure and interior pocket keep essentials secure.

Designers have updated this classic bag with sleek materials and bold colorways to suit a variety of outfits. From monogram Ophidia bags to GG matelasse styles, you’ll find a selection of designer tote bags to complement your closet.

This woven bag from Prada is perfect for vacations, as evidenced by its appearance on Shay Mitchell and other fashion editors. It’s crafted from 100 percent raffia palm and comes in white, blue, or yellow to complement any vacation wardrobe. The tote can also double as a beach cover-up, adding even more functionality to your trip. Prada’s newest designs like this raffia tote are helmed by Northern Irish designer Jonathan Anderson, who recently revived a handful of ’90s and Y2K-era nylon bags and made them more sustainable.
Design

As part of a designer bag collection, a tote can serve as a beautiful storage solution. Whether it’s used to organize laundry or as a place to store folded throw blankets for cold nights at home, these utilitarian bags can elevate any room in the house.

A tote can also be a chic gift bag. A quality leather option can fit a variety of different sized gifts, making it a stylish way to package up a special surprise for a friend or loved one.

Luckily, there are plenty of tote bags on The RealReal that are both functional and fashionable. Take this Dragon Diffusion woven leather tote, for example. It’s not only a great example of the current woven bag trend but it also follows the quiet luxury handbag movement that focuses on pieces that are free from logos and branding. Pair it with a white linen dress and sneakers for an effortlessly cool beach-to-bar look.