There’s a reason why totes are one of the most beloved shapes in the handbag world. Not only are they omnipresent within every designer’s line-up, but it’s rare for a collector not to own at least one tote. We could sing the tote’s praises repeatedly, perfect for everyday and ideal for grabbing and going.
Seemingly simple, the tote is available in numerous colorways, fabrications, and sizes ranging from nano to weekender-sized. They are incredibly useful and ideal for travel, but they are also ideal for daily carry.
While there are numerous factors to consider when purchasing a tote (does it have a top zip? an interior pocket? is it lightweight?), the perfect tote is the tote that’s perfect for you. Maybe it has a logo. Maybe it’s more under the radar. Maybe it’s medium in size, or maybe it’s large.
The warm weather months signal trips to the beach and long days spent outside, both of which call for a lightweight daily bag that can hold it all but won’t weigh you down. I find that a big leather tote is too heavy in both weight and material for New York’s hottest days, and I prefer a silhouette that can transition well from activity to activity.
Our favorite brands are expanding their summer offerings as warm weather looms. What’s your favorite go-to summer carry?
Go to Summer Totes from Gucci, Saint Laurent, and More!
My go-to summer tote is anything that doesn’t have a GIANT NAME BRAND splattered across it. That Gucci bag is particularly cringe.
Mine would be Hermes Fourre Tout, the other one would be a canvas tote, gifted by a friend who drew a portrait of my dog on it!
I really like the Loewe puzzle , and Polene they vertically and not oversized.. actually, the Gucci one is pretty good too, BUT, that big logo makes it look cheap and fake. kinda looks like a goodie bag from party. sorry.
I am not a fan of light colors or raffia bags so my beach tote is a LV Neverfull, otherwise I carry the bags I use the other seasons of the year.
I own a few designer totes, but ironically my best one is the “Destination Tote Handbag – A New Day” from Target. I bought it for $30 and now it’s on sale for $24. Best $30 I’ve ever spent!
Target has some fantastic options.
I like my loewe raffia tote!
I love tote bags, especially in the summer. The past couple of summers my white St. Louis tote has been my go – to. For the beach, I use my monogram LL Bean tote.