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The 5 Best Tote Bags That Take Byrdie Editors From Summer to Fall
Whether you’re going back to school or back to the office, these tote bags check off all your needs.
Byrdie
TL;DR
Our favorite tote bag is the Cuyana Small System Zipper Tote, designed to hold all your everyday essentials. It’s structured from smooth Italian pebbled leather, giving it a stylish and luxurious look. The Quince Italian Suede Shopper Tote is a close runner-up. It features spacious compartments and several additional pockets to help you organize your essentials.
No matter where you go, from the beach to the classroom to weekend trips, a great tote bag is the ultimate year-round accessory. They come in various sizes, are generally spacious, and can be worn in multiple ways, thanks to the top handles and (sometimes included) shoulder straps. That’s why we set out to find the best transitional totes that can seamlessly carry you from all your thrilling summer adventures to easy fall routines.
“Cotton totes are great for a more casual look. Leather totes have a more elevated, sleek look. It truly depends on the overall vibe you want,” says personal stylist and style coach, Samantha Dawn. So, to find the most chic and durable options, we tapped Dawn for insight and asked our editors to test a range of tote bags over several weeks—taking them on errands, travel days, coffee runs, and busy commutes. We took note of the comfort, capacity, organization, and, of course, style. From classic, structured leather styles to raffia-woven picks with detailed leather stitching, these totes prove they’re not just for one season. Ahead, find our favorites that earned a permanent spot in our wardrobes, because you deserve a bag that’ll work just as hard as you do.
Top Picks
Cuyana Small System Zipper Tote at Cuyana
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Béis The Work Tote at Beistravel.com
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Quince Shopper Tote at Quince.com$178
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Sézane Justine Tote at Sezane.com
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L.L. Bean Mini Boat and Tote at L.L.Bean$28
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Best Overall
Cuyana Small System Zipper Tote
Material: Italian leather | Colors: 6 | Dimensions: 9 x 14 x 5 inches
Your everyday bag should carry everything you need, without weighing you down. That’s why we’re loving Cuyana’s Small System Zipper Tote as the ultimate upgrade to your daily go-to handbag. And don’t be fooled by the word “small”—this sleek tote can fit a 14-inch laptop, cellphone, wallet, keys, and more, all without feeling bulky. You can carry it by the leather top handles or go hands-free using the removable crossbody strap. Our tester was especially obsessed with how effortlessly it transitions from day to night. She just added her favorite accessories, and it instantly elevated her outfits.
Shauna Beni-Haynes, senior editor: “This is my go-to bag for daily daytime or nighttime outings, like when I’m out shopping or just hanging out around the city. I like that it’s not too big or too tiny, it’s just the right size and comfortable to carry around with me all day long.”
Best for Work
Béis The Work Tote
Material: Body embossed vegan leather, 100% coated poly nylon | Colors: 6 | Dimensions: 11 x 14.25 x 6 inches
If you’re commuting to work every day, you know a solid work tote is nonnegotiable, and The Work Tote by Béis 100% delivers. Our tester couldn’t stop raving about how comfy, functional, and stylish it is (yes, all three!). It’s designed with thoughtful features like wide shoulder straps, roomy side pockets, a luggage sleeve for travel days, and even a dedicated water bottle pocket and key leash. Inside, there’s a padded laptop sleeve, pen holders, and a zip pocket to keep everything organized and in its place. It’s the kind of bag that’ll make your daily 9-to-5 commute feel a whole lot more put together.
Shauna Beni-Haynes, senior editor: “It’s very functional, with wide shoulder straps that don’t dig into my shoulder, magnetic interior closures, key leash, water bottle pocket, and a sleeve you can use to pop it onto a suitcase. I also love the two side pockets and the back slip zip pocket, which makes it super easy for me to find my wallet and cell phone.”
Best Leather
Quince Shopper Tote
Material: High-quality Italian suede | Colors: 4 | Dimensions: 10.2 x 13 x 6.5 inches
One look at this shopper tote and our tester immediately fell in love. Crafted from 100% Italian calf suede, this tote exudes a luxurious vibe without a high price tag. It’s super roomy and features two slip pockets, several interior compartments, a laptop sleeve, and a top zipper. It holds a lot of items and won’t look bulky or out of place when packed to the brim. We also appreciate that it’s well-structured and stands on its own.
Lauren Pardee, senior editor: “Along with being practical, it’s gorgeous, too, thanks to the stunning high-quality Italian suede. It’s the pinnacle of practical and pretty. And I love that it’s not too structured, so it doesn’t feel super bulky on the train and subway.”
Best Raffia
Sézane Justine Tote
Material: Handwoven raffia, cotton lining | Colors: 7 | Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.1 x 20.1 inches
Every bag collection needs a classic woven tote, and the Justine Basket Bag from French-based brand, Sézane, might just be the one. Handwoven from raffia with rich brown leather accents, it blends effortless style with everyday practicality. Our tester especially loved the soft cotton drawstring lining, which keeps all your must-haves (think wallet, lip gloss, keys, and phone) secure and tidy. With its chic clamshell silhouette and beachy vibe, it’s perfect for summer days, but the polished leather handles and shoulder strap make it just as ready for city street commutes. It’s the kind of bag you’ll reach for again and again, whether you’re heading to brunch or catching a train.
Ally Hirschlag, associate editorial director: “It’s a functional, versatile raffia tote that walks seamlessly from the beach to a nice meal out. The two handles and attached inner drawstring make it the perfect take everywhere bag in the summer.”
Best Canvas
L.L. Bean Mini Boat and Tote
Material: Cotton canvas | Colors: 10 | Dimensions: 7 x 10 x 6 inches
L.L.Bean nails the “small but mighty” vibe with their adorable Boat and Tote Mini. It’s got all the iconic features of the original, just downsized for everyday grab-and-go ease. Made from heavyweight cotton canvas with double-stitched seams and a reinforced bottom, this little tote is super durable and sturdy. Our tester loved how comfy it is to carry in-hand or on her forearm, calling it her go-to for quick errands. Even better? It fits all the essentials, keys, phone, wallet, sunglasses, and makeup—with room to spare.
Lauren Pardee, senior editor: “This is my favorite bag for summer—I use it as my everyday purse. Not only is it affordable, but it’s spacious, comes in the cutest colors, is timeless, and has the option for a monogram.”
What to Look for in Tote Bags
- Materials: Depending on the type of occasion you plan to use the tote bag for, the material should differ. “Each material has its own purpose and tells a different story. “Canvas materials are lighter and tend to be more affordable. They are also sustainable and can be washed easily. Leather materials are more elevated, have a timeless look, and tend to be more durable,” says Dawn. For everyday use, canvas or cotton may be a better option, as they are known to be durable and lightweight. If you’re looking for a sleek and stylish tote bag, consider opting for one made of leather. You can also look for durable nylon and polyester fabrics that may be more suitable for travel, the gym, or the beach.
- Pockets and Organization: One of the best features of tote bags is their spaciousness, and many come with built-in pockets and compartments to help keep your essentials organized. If you prefer a tote with no compartments, you’ll have the freedom to toss everything in quickly, but there’s a downside: it can be harder to find what you need, fast. You might end up digging around for your keys or phone more often than you’d like. On the other hand, a tote with dedicated pockets makes it easy to keep items like your wallet, phone, and keys in their place, so you can grab and go without the search.
- Straps: “Thicker straps won’t dig into your shoulder as easily as a thinner strap. If you’re wearing your tote bag for long periods, stick with a thicker strap. If it’s a day out where you’re not carrying a lot in your bag, a thinner strap would work perfectly. Thinner straps are more stylish, while thicker straps have a more casual professional look,” adds Dawn.
How We Tested Tote Bags
We believe in wearing the tote bags we recommend, just like you would, so we prioritize testing them in real-life settings. For this story, we tapped Byrdie editors to test their favorite tote bags.
- Methodology: We tested tote bags in real-life settings by carrying them with us throughout our daily routines. (Some editors have been carrying their tote bags for over a year.)
- Factors Considered: Style, comfort, design, material, durability, and features.
Meet Our Expert
Byrdie interviewed the following expert for this story:
- Samantha Dawn is a personal stylist and style coach based in New York City, who helps high level female leaders and CEOs find their next level personal style so they can own who they are in their next era.
Why Trust Byrdie
Shauna Beni-Haynes is a senior editor at Byrdie, with a great love for stylish accessories and tote bags. She tests dozens of bags throughout the year and works to find the best versatile, comfy, and chic designs for readers. She also works with the Research and Testing team to select products for testing, review insights, and assign stories to writers.
Emily Cieslak
Source URL: https://www.byrdie.com/best-tote-bags-11787287