Body + Mind is reader-supported. We may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through some of the links on our site.
It’s back-to-school season! With summer bidding goodbye and fall coming through, there is a need for a wardrobe upgrade. Aside from stocking on some sweaters, boots, and cardigans, you also need a stylish, durable bag to elevate your outfit. Whether you’re a student, professional or simply someone who appreciates the timeless appeal of cute totes, check out these seven options to complete your wardrobe.
Classic tote bags will never go out of style. The Longchamp Le Pliage tote is versatile and ideal for school, the gym and weekend cafe hangouts. Some of the most coveted details include embossed leather trim, a zipper with a snap tab and high-quality nylon fabric. The double top handles are long enough to hold by your hand or sling over your shoulder.
It’s durable and water-resistant, ensuring you’re getting the best return on your investment for years.
This tote bag is made from premium cotton and boasts a minimalist design. It is ideal for hauling gym clothes, a laptop and school supplies. This zip-top bag is spacious and well-constructed to let it stand independently. It can load up to 500 pounds of content, making it excellent for students with a lot on their bags.
The best part about this tote bag is its multiple pockets for stashing small items, such as your phone, earphones and lip balm. Its simple design makes it perfect for almost any casual outfit.
Looking for a stylish, sleek and durable tote bag? With Madewell’s Transport tote, you can never go wrong. This chic bag is made of pebbled leather, creating a rugged look that matches any fashion aesthetic. It has plenty of room for your laptop, books, phone and jacket without looking bulky because the bag is perfectly structured. One of the cons is that it scratches easily. It won’t be an issue if you like patina.
A durable tote bag doesn’t have to be expensive — take this puffer bag as an example. This large bag is spacious enough to hold your school essentials. It has pockets inside so you don’t have to dig through your stuff to look for a small essential. The zipper closure design has an interior zippered pocket for cards, money, phones and other small items.
This puffer tote bag also features a comfortable shoulder strap. It’s padded with cotton to reduce shoulder pain associated with carrying heavy bags. Aside from school, you can use this bag for shopping, traveling and going to the gym.
The Baggu Horizontal Zip Duck Bag is a cute tote bag you could sling on your shoulder or wear across your body. The casual appeal of this tote bag is ideal for you if you’re into casual fits for most days. Its simplicity and functionality make it one of the most versatile bags on this list. It also features top handles — perfect for handling when you don’t feel like wearing the bag.
It fits a 15-inch Macbook and a few books inside. Baggu uses recycled cotton canvas, making it an eco-friendly choice. There’s one pocket inside to hold your small items. It does more than you expect for its affordable price.
If you want to splurge on a luxurious tote that’ll last you for years, consider buying the Tory Burch triple-compartment tote. This bag is ideal if compartments are a big deal for you. The best thing about this elevated Tory Burch classic is that it’s ideal for school, office, traveling and date nights — it can elevate your style, no matter the occasion. There’s a reason why many people can’t stop raving about this bag — it’s lightweight and comes with long shoulder straps for that classic appeal. his will be the only bag you’ll ever need once you have it.
This horizontal tote bag comes in various colors. However, if you’re looking for something that best goes well with any fashion aesthetic, the black and light umber are excellent options. Opt for red for a fun pop of color.
Carhartt’s tote bag is where utilitarian meets style. It’s made of denier polyester, providing durability and water-repellent benefits. This classic tote is ideal for students who like the appeal of classic, structured totes with compartments. It has three organizational panel pockets and two exterior pockets to easily grab your essentials conveniently. Its functionality, style, timeless appeal and Carhartt’s reputation make it well worth the money.
What makes tote bags a must-have among bag options in the market? Here’s why they’re a great pair for your back-to-school wardrobe and an essential for a modern gal’s school items.
Many tote bags have adorable designs, allowing you to express your personality or mood for the day. Compared to wearing a single backpack daily, tote bags allow you to express yourself differently every day.
Some companies create reusable tote bags that help save the planet. On weekends, you can use your tote when grocery shopping to reduce your plastic bag usage.
When you support eco-friendly brands, you help ensure a greener planet for future generations. Look for tote bags made from recycled or natural materials.
Tote bags — especially those produced by reputable companies — are more tear-resistant and resilient than bags made of purely synthetic materials. Cute totes can handle more items and stick around longer, which can help you save money in the long run. Look for items made from cotton or jute, a sustainable material that grows to maturity quickly, like hemp and bamboo.
Choosing the perfect tote bag for back-to-school doesn’t have to be challenging. With this list, it’s now easier to assess which bag best fits your style and needs. Happy shopping!
Did you find this guide helpful? Feel free to share it on your socials!
Your email address will only be used to send you our newsletter, and at any time you may unsubscribe. For more information, see our Privacy Policy.
