The 10 Best Designer Tote Bags of 2023
Every item on this page was chosen by a Town & Country editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
From classic leather options to durable canvas carriers, these are the styles you'll be toting around for years to come.
Of all the handbags styles out there, a tote is by far a style that you'll get the most use out of. They're functional and practical thanks to their spacious interior, plus they're extremely versatile and can be used for just about any occasion in your day-to-day life. So, if you're looking to add a new one to your collection, we'd recommend splurging on a designer tote bag. While they do tend to fall on the pricier side of things, luxury options are worth the investment because they're durable, thoughtfully designed with quality materials, and most importantly, made to last.
These days, there are a variety of tote bags available on the market, so narrowing down your pick can be overwhelming. Fortunately, we made the work easy for you with our all-time favorite styles that are guaranteed to last you life a time. From leather to canvas to raffia, here are the best designer tote bags you won't regret splurging on.
No handbag collection is complete without a classic black tote—and for that you turn to the OG carrier: YSL's East West shopping bag. Constructed from buttery calfskin leather, the aptly-named piece has an absurdly spacious interior that can hold all your daily essentials with some room to spare. It also has an accompanying pouch for your smaller tchotchkes, and a classic structured look that will never go out of style.
Size Range: Large
Dimensions: 11"H x 14.6"W x 5"D
Colors Available: Black, Blue, Green, Camel, Red, Gray
According to T&C's Lauren Hubbard, this elegant purse inspired by Jackie Kennedy's younger sister, Lee Radziwill, is the "perfect combination of soft and structured to make it a do-it-all for day and night." She loves how it's "dressy enough to carry out in the evening, with its sleek lock and key hardware, polished for the office thanks to a minimalist design, yet still gives off a sense of breezy, casual cool that ensures it won't look overdone or out of place tucked into a cubby at my yoga studio."
Size Range: Petite, Small, Large
Dimensions: 12 1/2"W x 11 1/2"H x 6"D
Colors Available: Cream, Black, Camel
Summer is just around the corner, which means now is prime time to invest in a stylish straw bag for the beach, pool, and beyond. With it's bucket-shaped silhouette, signature straw weave, and sleek leather details, Loewe's woven tote is the quintessential style for summer. Wear it over your shoulder or in the crook of your arms—it'll look chic either way.
Size Range: Mini, Small, Medium, Large
Dimensions: 15.75"W x 10.5"H x 6.25"D
Colors Available: Natural, Yellow, Light Blue
As far as designer canvas tote bag go, it doesn't get more iconic than Dior's Book Tote with its iconic Dior Oblique motif. Whether you wear it to brunch or to the office (it's big enough to hold a 16-inch laptop), the carryall will elevate any kind of look. Best part of all? You can get your name or initials embroidered to it to make the purse more unique.
Size Range: Mini, Small, Medium, Large
Dimensions: 14 x 11 x 5.5 inches
Colors Available: Various Patterns
The epitome of the perfect everyday tote bag. Constructed from durable nylon with sleek leather straps, Longchamp's Le Pliage was designed to be long-lasting, lightweight, and versatile. It can fit so much, and no matter how much you stuff inside, you'll never have to deal with achy shoulders. Take it from me: I've had mine for over 10 years and it still looks as good as new.
Size Range: Small, Medium, Large
Dimensions: 12 ¼"W x 11 ¾"H x 7 ½"D
Colors Available: Black, Navy, Red, and more
Now here's a bag that's anything but boring. The woven details add interest to an otherwise understate purse, while the pop of kelly green provides an unexpected twist. Wear it when you want to add a touch of whimsy to your outfit.
Size Range: Small, Medium, Large
Dimensions: 15in x 9.8in x 4.7in
Colors Available: Kelly Green, Light Green, White, Black, Off-White
Lightweight and airy, this relaxed raffia Prada bag makes for a great go-to for the beach. And thanks to its crocheted style, you'll never have to worry about taking the sand home with you.
Size Range: Small, Large
Dimensions: 3cm L x 36cm W x 38cm H
Colors Available: Natural, Black, White, Pink, Orange, Light Blue, Citron Yellow, Aqua
A capacious interior? Check. A sleek, relaxed silhouette? Check. A lightweight feel? Check. You get it all with Cuyana's minimalist tote bag. Great for work and play, the carrier is available in three sizes, a variety of goes-with-everything colors, and the option to buy with or without a zipper. Plus, the brand offers a range of accompanying accessories, such as laptop inserts and zipper pouches, for extra organized types.
Size Range: Classic, Tall, Small
Dimensions: H 12.3 in. x W 21.6 in. x D 5.1 in
Colors Available: Black, Carmel, Cappuccino, Stone, Dark Olive, Dark Coral, Sage, Biscuit
It's all in the name. Mansur Gavriel's minimal leather tote is designed to hold everything you need in your day-to-day life, whether you're running errands, heading to the farmers market, or meeting the girls for lunch. It's especially convenient for work since it's big enough to hold a 16-inch laptop and whatever else you can't do without.
Size Range: One Size
Dimensions: 11.8in H x 21.5in W x 9in D
Colors Available: Black, Cherry, Green, Caramel, Sand
If you're looking for a smaller tote, the Gucci Diana tote (inspired by the late Princess of Wales herself) won't disappoint. The structured style is made of high-quality leather and features sleek bamboo handles that add an elegant finishing touch. You can carry it in your hand, or it comes with a straps that can be worn over your shoulder.
Size Range: Mini, Small, Medium, Large
Dimensions: 11"W x 9.5"H x 4.3"D
Colors Available: Camel, Croc Beige, Black Dark Green, White, Kelly Green, Orange, Snakeskin, Patterns
Sophie Dweck is the associate shopping editor for Town & Country, where she covers beauty, fashion, home and décor, and more.
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