Tote bags are having a moment – 9 that work with any office outfit

All products on this page have been selected by the editorial team, however Stylist may make commission on some products purchased through affiliate links in this article

From designer buys to high street heroes, these are the bags worth buying.

Once reserved for backpacks or handheld holdalls, work bags weren’t always the fashionable find they can be today. But you have to know where to shop as not all are made equal.

The Fendi tote has dominated in recent seasons, with a kaleidoscope of colours coming through from dusty pink to baby blue, and failsafe finds of black and brown have been spotted on our favourite fashion influencers and editors. Although, of course, not all of us have the budget for the high-fashion find.

The high street is awash with less bank-breaking bags, with tanned leather, zingy yellow and stripey straw options all topping our wishlists. And we’ve even found some mid-range totes too. 

You may also like

Denim fans, these are the 5 jeans trends to know for autumn/winter 2022

Fashion may have flirted with the adorable but utterly impractical micro-bag, batted its eyes at the belt bag and still has a love affair with the sturdy shoulder style, but when it comes to work, it’s the bigger the better in the bag department.

Promising to safely house your laptop, notebook, pens and pencils, a trusty tote is hard to beat. And now, given the vast variety available to buy, you can be selective with size, design and colour and cop an everyday essential that works with your wardrobe without compromising on what you carry. 

• Stella McCartney Stella perforated-logo faux-leather tote bag

  The luxury label for vegans across the globe, Stella McCartney has cemented itself firmly in the sustainable fashion sector, and this bag is one of its bestsellers. Made from faux leather with a perforated logo, it’s sleek and subtle enough to work with any outfit.

  Shop Stella McCartney Stella perforated-logo faux-leather tote bag at Matches Fashion, £675

  BUY NOW

• Accessorize natural Alivia tote bag

  Accessorize may be a beloved brand for non-bank-breaking jewellery, but its bags are also worth a look too. In a classic chestnut colour, this one is perfect for autumn in a sturdy leather that can hold your laptop and long shoulder straps for comfortable wear.

  Shop Accessorize natural Alivia tote bag at Next, £32

  BUY NOW

• Allsaints Odette leather tote bag

  Sunshine may be dwindling, so dopamine dressing is coming to the rescue. In a bold yellow, this bag brings joy. The spacious silhouette allows generous room for housing all the essentials, while dual straps make for versatile carrying.

  Shop Allsaints Odette leather tote bag, £149

  BUY NOW

• Fendi sunshine logo-debossed leather tote

  Of course, we had to include Fendi as the famous bag of the past few seasons. The new blush-pink colourway has caused quite a storm and softens the sharp structure.

  Shop Fendi sunshine logo-debossed leather tote at Farfetch, £2,460

  BUY NOW

• Fiorelli Sigrit tote red dahlia

  With the brand’s signature hardware peeking through in the chain detail straps, this Fiorelli bag is perhaps best for gold lovers. A zip-top fastening provides added security, while three internal pockets make for easy organisation, even on the most hectic days. And red is quite the standout colour too.

  Shop Fiorelli Sigrit tote red dahlia, £85

  BUY NOW

• H&M straw shopper

  This straw bag is a great alternative to leather, even the faux options. Striped for added style points, its green and blue tone takes you straight into cooler weather. Although open at the top, a zipped inner compartment will help to secure your valuables too.

  Shop H&M straw shopper, £24.99

  BUY NOW

• Ilse Jacobsen tote bag ivory platin

  Irridescent in ivory, this bag is inspired by the Nordic coast. Woven from faux leather, it’s designed to be durable and practical, yet it also works for evening drinks or weekends away. There’s even a hidden snap hook on the logo tag to secure your keys and save them from disappearing to the bottom of the bag.

  Shop Ilse Jacobsen tote bag ivory platin, £65

  BUY NOW

• Karl Lagerfeld Rue St-Guillaume canvas shopper

  Perhaps one for more casual workplaces, this canvas tote is more fashionable than formal. Made from predominantly recycled cotton, it’s more caring for the environment and will work everywhere from the boardroom to the beach.

  Shop Karl Lagerfeld Rue St-Guillaume canvas shopper, £95

  BUY NOW

• Marc Jacobs the tote canvas tote bag

  Another fashionable favourite, the Marc Jacobs canvas tote is simple yet suave. A classic cotton canvas style, its black and white design is sharp yet subdued while walking the line between graphic street style and sophisticated work wear.

  Shop Marc Jacobs the tote canvas tote bag at Farfetch, £220

  BUY NOW

Images: courtesy of brands

Source: Read Full Article