We’ve all seen those unattractive grocery bag, reusable totes. Some are surprisingly chic, and some are dowdy.
Lots of tote bag ideas down below!
Either way, gone are the days of plastic bags since we all need a workhorse in our wardrobe. And when we need it, we need it ready to go for all those heavy-duty items, like, laptops, water bottles, beach blankets, and even books and travel items.
I have always loved utilitarian and large bags. They’re just so useful. When I would do Fashion Week I used a cotton tote bag to carry my high heels when I was walking around the city in between shows. And I have another I use as a weekender beach bag. And I even have a Baggu for an easy, compact, and washable option (also eco friendly).
Totes are so functional it replaces a backpack while still looking chic–and you’re going to see more and more of them for the next couple of years. I prefer finding ways to elevate the look of this functional bag, even in the grocery store.
Perhaps getting designer style without breaking the bank can feel unattainable, especially when you don’t have any reason to invest in a high-end luxury purse that you’ll only pull out a couple times of year, but a tote is a perfect mix for any style.
The power of coated 100% cotton canvas is the perfect option for anyone that wants that LV style without sacrificing practicality. It’s no wonder the Neverfull bag is the most popular airport bag, but even if you don’t have $1500 – $2000 that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it in a high street style with heavy duty street smarts.
It’s hard to go wrong with a cotton canvas bag since they’re woven so tightly they’re mostly all high quality and can be trusted with you heaviest items. Canvas bags can often be used as an extension of your personality with sayings (I love pineapples), monogram, or even show off your favorite brand. I still use the tote gifted to me at a fashion show, as well as a tote gifted to me from Laura Mercier, and the one I got when I visited Galveston Island in Texas. I love using these bags because of the memories they invoke.
This is the new must-have accessory that you’ll actually use regularly as a weekender, beach bag, travel purse, and even your chic farmer’s market shopping bag.
So what started this trend anyway?
In the realm of chic carryalls, the Dior Book Tote (Oblique) stands as a sartorial sensation, rivaling the ubiquitous LV Neverfull. Its allure skyrocketed in 2018 upon the discovery of a Marc Bohan sketch tucked away in the archives, a moment that I believe sparked the tidal wave of tote bag fervor in the fashion cosmos.
While the Dior Book Tote’s craftsmanship is unparalleled (like the YSL tote), there are no long straps, so I wouldn’t actually carry multiple ‘books’ in it. It also doesn’t fit under your airplane seat because it’s stiff when full. Although if you put it inside of your luggage, it’ll lay very flat for a great summer vacay option, and stand up nice and straight when you use it since the bottom of the bag is stiff.
Check out this sassy alternative to Dior’s Book Tote.
Is this trend worth it?
If you’re someone who expects their purchases to work for them and not just look pretty, this is your perfect trend. Personally I’m pretty hard on my bags, put them down on the ground wherever I go instead of hanging them daintily on a chair. To me, totes are an obvious solution for fashionistas everywhere to stay casual, practical, and still express themselves.
Credit: Mia Mia Mine
Should I really invest in a designer tote?
I think totes are so useful I have enjoyed them at many price points. I don’t use them all for the same thing. For instance, for travel, I always use my Longchamp bag. It’s practical, but still well-constructed.
I also love that it has a leather button when you don’t want to zip it up. It fits under my airplane seat nicely while I see others struggling.
I use my YSL tote exclusively when I’m in the city all day, want to look put together, and need to bring a water bottle and a notebook (and therefore need a large bag), but I wouldn’t choose it as an airplane companion personally. It’s just too stiff for the same reasons I wouldn’t travel with the Dior.
For the farmer’s market and around town I tend to use my other ones and always have one ready in the car for whatever I may pick up during the day.
If you want a high end tote but hate the price point, this is the perfect item to pick up at an outlet since so many brands (Chloe, Kate Spade, Gucci, and even Guess to name a few) have come out with their take on the trend.
Credit: Stylecaster
How do I style it?
These aren’t hard and fast rules, but I have noticed the following as the most consistent way to make sure your canvas bag always makes you look more put together.
- Pick a color that goes with most of your wardrobe and style (I like neutrals)
- More structured bags will always look polished
- Trench coats will make even the flimsiest bohemian canvas bag look good
- The less structured your outfit (think bohemian dress), the more structure you need in your bag
- The more structured your outfit (think collared shirt and trench), the less structure you need in your bag
Here are my picks for great styles at every price point that will have you dreaming about canvas bags, canvas bags (and even neoprene) everywhere!
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