6 chic tote bags you can take on a plane, to work and more that will make it look like you have life figured out

Tue, August 08, 2023 at 4:02:44 PM EDT

There are two types of handbag girls: Mini-bag girls and big-bag girls. The mini-bag girls usually take a small crossbody or little clutch with just the essentials. The big-bag girls take all the essentials and then some — their bags hold everything they could possibly need on any given day. The thing is, when it comes to traveling or going to work, we’re all tote-bag girls.

The all-mighty tote bag is a closet essential with its simple shape, shoulder strap and wide-open design. Maybe you’ve tried wearing a backpack or zipping your things up in a duffel, but you’ll always come back to the tote bag for its ease and simplistic style.

Now, we’re not talking about the free canvas tote bags you’ve been collecting from work events. Yes, they’re convenient when you’re heading to the grocery store. But let’s look at a few chic tote bags that will make you look like you have your life together, from leather and suede to nylon styles. Let’s look at the tote bags you can feel confident investing in — the ones you’ll use for years and years to come. Alas, take a look below at this list of tote bags that are sure to become your new favorite, albeit stylish, carry-all.

This large suede tote bag is big enough to hold a 15-inch laptop and more. It has two handles at the top so you can carry it like a grocery bag and a long removable strap for wearing over your shoulder or across your body. Mark & Graham also makes multiple strap options so you can change up your look, and you can get your bag monogrammed to make it uniquely yours.

Caraa makes high-quality bags that are as functional as they are stylish. Its studio tote looks like a simple leather tote bag at first glance, but it converts to a backpack and has a separate side pocket for shoes. It also has a water-resistant and antimicrobial interior lining. It’s perfect for wearing from the gym to the office to the plane.

You may know Rothy’s for its shoes — they’re made with recycled water bottles. However, the brand also makes incredible handbags with the same material. The Lightweight Mega Tote is made with approximately 869 grams of ocean-bound marine plastic, according to the product description, and it’s totally machine-washable. It has an interior zip pocket and two key leashes that can be used to fold in the sides of the bag to make it smaller, too. Choose from multiple colors.

This pebbled leather Coach tote bag is durable and goes with just about everything. It’s not super large — it’s 12.5 inches wide and 10.75 inches tall — so it’s perfect for everyday carrying. It has a simple snap closure and a small zipper pocket on the inside. It’s a great price, too! This type of bag regularly retails for about $350 at Coach, so it’s about 60% off at this price.

Cuyana is a celebrity-favorite leather brand, and its System Tote is a great leather bag if you like to keep organized. It’s fully customizable with built-in snap and add-on accessories. Choose your color, size and then the extras, like a laptop sleeve and detachable mini bag (like a pocket).

If you want a bag that looks more like an oversized handbag than a tote bag, this Rebecca Minkoff tote is it. It comes in a few colors, but this soft camel suede will be in style for years to come. There’s a small interior zipper pocket and another small pocket on the outside to stash your phone for quick access. It has a magnetic snap closure (the gold chain detail is just for fun).

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