Open top tote bags have been in existence in some form since the hunter-gatherer days, when people carried sticks and stones in rudimentary animal skin pouches. The appeal for a simple leather tote has superseded the need for any other so called It-bag and is probably the most recognizable purse silhouette ever. And that is why today, I’m doing a tribute to all of the open totes of the world and why they hold a special place in our hearts (all the while causing horror to many others).
Open totes are great, no actually, they’re just right, for busy moms. When you have an infant/toddler whom you’ll have to haul around along with everything else in your life, it’s no wonder that a zip top or a flap bag stands to simply be a bother. And when said child itself fits into the bag, who could ever resist an open tote?
Then again, open totes are always a preferable option for work. From the Saint Laurent Sac de Jour to the Goyard St. Louis to the pocket-friendly Tory Burch Perry Tote, these heavy-duty workhorses can reliably be dubbed woman’s—or man’s—best friend. Especially when these totes come with a central zipper and/or a pouch. They literally have everything you could possibly want and more. Open totes have thus always served as the busy worker’s ticket to elevating their work attire smartly.
Speaking of work, who wouldn’t like it if their bag takes them from work to beyond? Also—need a perfect travel companion? Snag an open tote. Or at least, that’s what the stars seem to think…
Especially when, as a more secure option, you can put another bag inside!
Speaking of security though, many concerned purse users seem to worry about how much security a totally open tote really offers (I’ll let you in on a secret: almost none at all!) and whether it’s actually as practical as all of this fan-girling eludes. So let me just interrupt our collective panic and illustrate a little scenario: if I were to take a Goyard St. Louis to my local street market any given day, I’d be certain to find my phone/wallet/any of the other assorted flotsam I generally carry gone. So yeah, if pickpocketing is an issue where you are, you’d have to be extra careful with your open tote. Sadly enough, what’s convenient for us to reach for also offers the same convenience for prying hands.
On the other hand, many totes usually come with some securing mechanism to offer a layer of protection. The Louis Vuitton Neverfull not only has a clasp closure at the center but also adjustable side straps to reduce the gaping open top. The Dior Open Bar Tote, an absolute all-leather beauty which was relaunched in 2014 and later discontinued, has strong magnetic closures which goes a long way to protect its contents. The Saint Laurent Sac de Jour, an extremely appropriate work-and-beyond option, has accordion sides which can easily be compressed and expanded as per the user’s requirements. The Chanel Grand Shopping Tote’s heavy chain link straps, similarly, offers protection by means of pulling the sides together. Another popular high-end open tote, the Hermès Garden Party, offers a top snap closure as well as sides that can be snapped together to obtain a more secure tote.
A personal (and economical) favorite of mine in this regard is the Tory Burch Ella Tote, which comes in a number of options from Printed Nylon and Canvas to Plaid with leather trims. It has a
magnetic closure and attachable sides much like the Garden Party. It’s actually a super cool mom bag that can hold baby essentials as well as your daily workload without being overly heavy.
My point is an open tote should now be considered a necessity in bag lovers wardrobe because it makes such a cool, yet casual, statement that wouldn’t otherwise be attained with a zip or a flap. Despite its obvious security concerns, these fashionable items give a vibe that’s youthful, active and cheerfully carefree. And, if it’s the super soft and luxurious Bottega Veneta Cabat that you’re carrying, you probably are.
My favorite kind of bags!! ??????
I used to love a good tote but it’s never fun for your forearm so I don’t carry them except at an airport or beach
Ya, I’ll really get a mark and my arm will hurt if I don’t carry it over my shoulder. But I’ve been carrying totes really often now and always over the shoulder!
A tote’s handles need to be the right length – short enough so that if carried by hand, it won’t touch the ground but long enough so that you can carry on the shoulder if wearing a thick coat. It should also be light weight as it’s meant to carry a lot and it should not be too heavy when you throw your stuff in. Also, a hidden hook closure is nice for security or (a decorative closure if on the outside of tote)
I can understand that the hunt for the perfect tote can become, to say the least, tedious. Thankfully, nearly all brands have one (or more) totes on offer so I hope you really find one that clicks for you!
I love open totes. The best have zip compartments like the Prada Galleria.
You could perhaps consider the Saint Laurent Sac de jour as well, it’s got a removable zip pouch and 3 compartments for efficient organization, plus it comes in so many different sizes and colours and textures too. I really love it.
I agree Sajid, as I said earlier the SDJ is my perfect example of an “open tote”
Look forward to hearing more from you Sajid
Thank you so so much Janaki, seriously appreciate your support!
Nothing beats a nice Vuitton Neverfull or Goyard St. Louis tote
Except every other person has a Neverfull.
My LV Raspail is my favorite tote as it’s lightweight, has a nice strap drop and can be zipped shut if needed!
Agreed! It’s a wonderfully anonymous tote for all the benefits it confers. It should totally be a part of Vuitton’s permanent collection.
I love totes. My fave currently is Longchamp LePliage nylon. The nylon can be wiped down- zip top- lightweight even with organizer- worn on arm or shoulder- understated and price friendly
They are the best! Especially for traveling. I used to travel with an LV Speedy 35, but it was too eye catching, and I hated putting it on airplane floors. I love my Le Pliage totes.
I love open totes, but like the author pointed out, you have to be careful with the open top which is usually why I shy away from them if I know I’ll be roaming around in public, or I carry a crossbody with my essentials and then things that aren’t as high-profile targets I toss in the open tote. That being said, the colorful Dior tote that opened the article, WOW. I love that! Open top or not, I’d carry it everywhere.
Yes!! just got my Dior Small Book Tote recently thanks to PurseBlog 🙂 Havent had much chance to take it out yet, but it sure is gorgeous. I heard the Samora organizers with zip help to keep things more secure
I too am SOOO in love with the Dior La Terre Book Tote too! It’s not as ubiquitous as most of the other versions, and yet looks absolutely stunning I can’t stop staring at it 🙂
Agreed! It was the perfect tote to choose to lead into the article!
I used to love open totes. Then, a few years back, I was carrying on my shoulder an open Prada tote with the magnetic clasp. Someone at the Phipps plaza in atlanta pick pocked my special edition LV wallet my parents had gotten me as a wedding gift from Paris when the bag was on my shoulder. I was heartbroken about the wallet, and spent months dealing with identity theft issues. Never again will I carry an open tote or any bag that doesn’t zip up. My favorite go to tote is my Longchamp Le Pliage, but any purse I like if it doesn’t zip up at the top I don’t even bother with it, no matter how cute it is or how strong the magnetic clasp is.
That’s very unfortunate, but you know, I’ve noticed that whatever happens really happens for some reason that we sometimes can’t even contemplate! Perhaps something even more amazing is waiting for you somewhere (I sure hope it is). Extremely sorry for your loss and I hope fabulous things come your way.
Big fan of open totes!! The Celine Phantom is a huge favourite, the now discontinued Chanel Gst was too! And my current go to – the LV Onthego – was love at first sight! It’s got the added advantage of having both short handles to hold and long straps to sling.. and an inside zippered pocket for valuables.
Absolutely love the Celine Phantom. I use it for work daily and holds up so well. And the leather is gorgeous. Long live #OldCeline 🙂
Remember the croc-embossed Celine Phantom? Pure bliss! It somewhat reminds me of Batman, but in a very bold and beautiful way.
Btw. I LOVE your bio ?and your writing style. Look forward to seeing more of your contributions here ?
Thank you so much! I really appreciate the encouragement.
I carry my Neverfull for travel and work, but I always slip another purse inside for security and for convenience. When I go out for lunch with my coworkers , I don’t have to take a huge tote with me
Great timing on this article! I think I’m finally over my brief fling with tiny cross bodies and am ready to go back to totes. My Le Pliage is always a staple but now I want something with a little more pizzazz. Thanks for all the suggestions!
I know I always get REALLY fangirl-y when I talk about this, but you should seriously consider the Saint Laurent Sac de Jour. I simply looove it, plus it’s highly organized as well even though it’s an open tote.
Like Chris (below), I’ve tried many times to talk myself into caring a crossbody – I need to stop. I simply can’t carry everything I need in a smaller bag. Totes are for me (whether larger for work or smaller for weekends) – I like to be able to see everything in my bag and grab exactly what I need without rummaging.
I don’t like totes, but I do have one for work. It’s an open tote, and I like it. Even if it were not, I would probably not use whatever closure it had.
I think part of the “youthful, active and cheerfully carefree” vibe of totes comes from the happy privilege of living somewhere that being pick-pocketed is not really a concern.
I just love totes with long handles like the Goyard St. Louis and Artois and the LV Neverfull. They are easy grab and go bags.
I just bought the Marc Jacobs traveler tote in a small color and love it. Light weight but have pockets to organize your things as well as a zipper to make it secure
I just bought the Marc Jacobs traveler tote in a small color and love it. Light weight but have pockets to organize your things as well as a zipper to make it secure.
Love it! It’s like a very cool lunch bag and kinda sweeps you with nostalgia.
Very interesting article & although, I am not a great fan of “open totes” per se, I do love the Saint Laurent SDJ as I don’t really consider it a true open tote.
HAHA, I misread this as “An Ode To Open Toes”…..?
Open toes and bare feet – my uber-stylish pandemic footwear ?
Interesting article and I love my many totes! I also enjoy your writing style! You bring a fun, refreshing viewpoint that is contagious! I look forward to many more posts from you, you are that good!
Amidst this pandemic, I literally carry an open tote to commute from my living room (where my little brother participates in online classes) to my bedroom (where I fidget with my laptop). I do truly appreciate your encouragement and hope I will be able to meet your expectations. Thank you so much Amber!
Sajid, your enthusiasm is contagious, balanced with a tremendous empathy and relatability. (Plus, it must be said, very chic glasses & a charming bio.) I hope you become a feature here!
I love the look of an open tote. I adore the style and nonchalance of anyone of any gender who carries them. I, hélas, have the fear of things falling out, as is my wont while commuting or walking about, despite the magnetic snaps and fiddly security options (which I respect—I think I’ve just had a streak of bad luck, and sometimes travel to vicinities where pickpockets are an issue, so I wouldn’t carry one as many have noted.)(I did once punch an aggressive pickpocket while attempting to rip my markedly designer shoulder-bag off my slight frame; I’d left it open out of forgetfulness (with all the insouciance of youth) but I’d earlier witnessed the same person being horribly rude to a perfectly polite lady, so—well, also, I was scared. I wouldn’t advocate this, ever. It was youthful folly and fear.) Anyhow, onto lighter fun matters, the look & pragmatism of an open tote has an irresistible appeal. And the material and shape is always very covetable. So I suppose I enjoy my friends and even internet strangers with their divine bags, and I envy them and hold quite a bit of admiration for how effortlessly they pull wallets, phone, makeup, bags out of bags, like a magician with rabbits out a hat. I do love the Sac de Jour so, I’ve contemplated it (the zips are very clever, and the color selection has been cheerful!)
Hey Rallumer, first off, I really appreciate that you took the time abd effort to actually read through my bio and even look at my glasses (I am secretly very proud of them). Secondly, I think all open tote lovers always have some quirky anecdotes about their experiences with their respective purses, my mom, in fact, spent an entire week tracking down a pickpocket who dared to put his hand into her open tote, just to find out that the wallet that went missing and was presumed pickpocketed had been forgotten at my Granny’s place! So pleasant experiences or not, I don’t think we should consider these bad luck rather than affectionate memories we sometimes have of naughty pets and/or children. Also, OHMYGOD the Sac de Jour! Looove the Souple, especially the Medium and Large. Thank you so much again for your enthusiastic words!
Loved your bio! This article was a pleasure to read as well! It’s nice to see people close to my age writing and sharing their perspectives on bags since I feel that’s kind of a rarity in our age group ^_^
Glad to have been able to reach out and relate to you Lynnie!
My pet peeve is a lack of zippers in totes, I blame neverfull lol. I can see how it makes designers job easier not to think about closure, and lower production costs.
I guess the lack of a zipper contributes to the neverfull-ness of the Neverfull. ?
I love your writing style, Sajid (your bio, too!). Thoughtful, engaging, and with solid editorial integrity! I really look forward to reading more from you.
Open totes are great for a breezy day out, or for work when I’ve got too much to zip up anyway. I like to throw a chain wallet inside — so I can whip it out if I need to wear my essentials crossbody while having easy access to lower-security items in the open tote.
Breezy is just the word that describes the entire vibe of an open tote, and open totes essentially allow you to carry multiple bags in one, which makes them all the more versatile. Thanks for the immense encouragement too!
Love open totes! I have 3; Coach Field tote 40, DvF Voyage and a Peak Performance canvas tote and I love that they are all so easy to carry and “use” – especially when I’m out with the kids, or running errands. I have my valuables in either a large clutch or an organizer that has zip closure to avoid the obvious security issue.
Great idea about the organizer I must say and the DvF is so pretty! Didn’t really know much about it earlier, but now I’m interested.
It looks suspiciously like the Dior Open Bar Tote though 🙂