We love to hone in on wardrobe basics—the fundamental pieces that make or break any well-rounded collection—here at Marie Claire, right down to the accessories. And while there are many trendy Fall 2025 bags to shop right now, I’m here today to talk to you about totes.
A fundamental part of the working woman's closet, the best tote bags should seamlessly take you from the office to the weekend while holding all of your essentials. They're the most versatile accessory in your rotation—or, at least, they should be: They can double as both the best laptop bag, the perfect errand bag to hold your groceries and farmer's market finds, and even the ideal overnight or weekend bag if you're a light packer.
Whether you prefer canvas and nylon styles or always fall back on a no-fail leather tote, these are the powerhouses of the wardrobe. I turned to Marie Claire's team of bona fide shopping experts—plus a few very busy celebrity stylists—about what makes a great tote bag stand out from a meh one. Their suggestions include ones that are structured similarly to a bucket bag, as well as ones with a relaxed, slouchy feel. But first: The most important aspects to consider when shopping for totes are...
What to Look For in the Best Tote Bag
- Durability: Tote bags should be built to last, with details that guarantee they won’t fall apart after a few months of daily use. This means that straps should be good quality, thick enough to be comfortable, and equipped with design features like padding or metal feet at the bottom to protect them from signs of wear.
- A Lightweight Feel: Odds are you carry a lot of stuff. From laptops to makeup pouches and four-hundred-page books, your tote bag can get heavy by the end of the day. That’s why you want to pick one that’s lightweight on its own.
- Safety Features: Since you’re carrying all your essentials around, you want to ensure that nothing falls out—or that no one can get in (unless you're really into the pickpocket-friendly handbags trending on the runway, I guess). The options on this list have safety features like zip-tops, interior pockets, and magnetic closures that guarantee your belongings stay in your possession.
Linda Fargo, Bergdorf Goodman's SVP of fashion, toting a fire engine red leather tote bag at New York Fashion Week.
With that in mind, keep scrolling to shop the best tote bags you can buy in 2025, all of which have been hand-picked—and a few first-hand tested—by the editorial team at Marie Claire and stylists we trust. From under-$200 work bags endorsed by experts to designer picks worth the investment (the best Coach bags will rarely lead you astray), this list is the end-all for my favorite bag style.
The Best Tote Bags at a Glance
- Best Leather Tote Bag: Coach Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39, $495
- Best Canvas Tote Bag: L.L. Bean Boat-And-Tote With a Zip-Top, $49.95
- Best Nylon Tote Bag: Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote, $145
- Best Suede Tote Bag: Madewell The Essential Bucket Tote, $189.50
- Best Celebrity-Endorsed Tote Bag: Mansur Gavriel Everyday Soft Leather Tote, $795
The Best Tote Bags Tested by Marie Claire Editors
There's a reason Coach's Brooklyn Shoulder Bag went viral, and it's more than just the Bella Hadid co-sign: The spacious tote can withstand whatever you need it to, from in-office workdays to quick day trips where you're out of the house from 9 in the morning to 9 at night. "Over my few months of testing, I easily fit my laptop, a change of clothes, a makeup bag, and a few smaller packages I received at the office and had to bring home in the Coach Brooklyn bag," says MC's fashion e-commerce editor, Julia Marzovilla. "The slouchy shape made it possible to fill it to the brim, but I never felt like my items would slip out. It also didn't slide off my shoulder when I layered it with my usual jackets—a major win."
Size: 15.25"L x 17.0"H x 4.75"W.
What We Love: Fits a laptop; luxurious and high-quality leather materials; versatile design and look.
Julia Marzovilla with her brown leather Coach Brooklyn bag.
L.L Bean’s Boat and Tote is having a moment right now, thanks to viral collaborations with brands like Tibi and fashion girls (including Marie Claire editor-in-chief Nikki Ogunnaike) bringing the canvas bag to fashion week. The zip-top design is excellent for your commute and when you’re running multiple errands in one day. The vast array of colors available to shop gives you ample options, from cherry red and nautical navy to bubble gum pink. It’s made from a sturdy canvas material that has cemented it as an American wardrobe staple. You can also customize it, which has spawned memes all over the internet. Plus, it’s affordable at under $50.
Size: 15"H x 17"W x 7"D.
What We Love: Customizable; has a zip-top design; made from a sturdy canvas material.
Nikki Ogunnaike with her 'chief' embroidered L.L. Bean Boat-And-Tote bag at Paris Fashion Week.
Longchamp's Le Pliage epitomizes a timeless carry-all. Take it from Marzovilla: "When I bought my first Longchamp Le Pliage tote bag at the tender age of 15, I didn't realize it would stay with me for nearly two decades." In her very detailed review, she wrote that "now, as I approach 30, it's a must-have laptop-friendly pick in my rotation—and I get more use out of it during New York Fashion Week than any other time. The minimalist, mostly un-branded design, for one, pairs with just about everything I own. The zipper-and-snap closure is so secure, I'm nearly positive it could last through just about any situation. Of the three available sizes—small, medium, and large—I own the biggest. While it's definitely the most spacious tote in my bag collection, it's not at all overwhelming on my five-foot-two frame. "
Size: 12"W x 12"H x 7"D.
What We Love: Zipper and snap closure; durable nylon material; three size options.
Julia Marzovilla with black Longchamp Le Pliage tote at New York Fashion Week.
Joining Katie Holmes as a noted fan of this Madewell tote bag is beauty director Hannah Baxter. "Suede in general radiates luxury, and with this oversized bucket bag in my favorite navy shade,"—Madewell calls it 'Juniper Berry'—"lugging my computer to and from work has never felt so chic," she says. "The XL gold buckle is also the perfect detail to elevate the design and look so much more expensive without breaking your budget." What's also great about this rich-looking bucket bag is its adjustable shoulder strap, easy-access pockets, and magnetic closure. If you love the shape but don’t want a suede bag, the retailer also offers its Essential bucket in glossy leather.
Size: 14"H x 10"W x 6"D.
What We Love: Comes in several materials and colors; adjustable shoulder strap; one interior slip pocket; fits laptops measuring up to 14 inches.
Hannah Baxter carrying Madewell's The Essential Bucket Tote in blue suede.
If you follow celebrity fashion, enjoy perusing New York City street style, or have ever taken even a cursory glance at Marie Claire's coverage of Katie Holmes's outfits, you know about this Mansur Gavriel tote bag. The actress rarely leaves the house without the designer handbag looped over her shoulder. "[Holmes's] unending love for this unassuming black leather tote was all the encouragement I needed to try it out myself," says Halie LeSavage, senior fashion news editor. "I took it for a test drive the same weekend I had a 36-hour trip to a family wedding, and one stroll through TSA was all I needed to understand Holmes’s obsession. The bag comfortably fits my MacBook Pro, a toiletry bag, a Kindle, and a change of clothes (and shoes!). Its open, pocket-free silhouette could easily turn into a Mary Poppins situation, but a handy leather pouch inside helped me keep track of my keys, IDs, and Rhode lip peptide.”
Size: 21.5"W x 11.75"H x 9"D.
What We Love: Made from 100 percent leather; available in several colors; reviewers say it's lightweight and sturdy.
Halie LeSavage carrying the Mansur Gavriel Everyday Soft Leather Tote.
More Tote Bags We Love
The Madewell Transport Tote is another favorite of the editors here at Marie Claire. It has a roomy interior, a sturdy design, and is easy to style. The zipped interior pocket makes it easy to keep your belongings safe, too. This version also has a zipped top for extra protection. It’s not as structured as other bags but is lightweight and versatile enough to work for various occasions (work, fall weekends, weekend trips, etc.). Plus, I'm stoked to see that it comes in one of Fall 2025's biggest color trends, olive green.
Size: 9 7/8"H x 10 1/4"W x 3 1/4"D
What We Love: Top-rated; sturdy design; zip-top design; interior pockets; crossbody strap.
We've yet to meet a Tory Burch bag that we didn't like, and the American designer's iconic Ella Tote is no exception. When Marie Claire polled a group of high-power women executives for our June Power Issue, Sarah Kate Ellis, the president and CEO of GLAAD, shouted out Tory Burch's Ella: "This bag effortlessly transitions from day to night because it accommodates a lot—my laptop, a notebook, and one or two books that I keep on hand in case I need a quick moment of escape. There’s a hidden outside pocket on the logo that is convenient yet secure enough that I feel comfortable keeping my phone in there when I’m jetting in and out of our New York City office and hopping into a cab at a moment’s notice."
Size: 13"H x 17.1" L x 5.1"D.
What We Love: Comes in a large assortment of colors and materials; fits a laptop up to 17"; hidden outer pocket; magnetic closure.
While not all totes need to hold your computer, this under-$50 one from Lubardy on Amazon is designed to fit it while still looking chic. It’s a favorite of Marie Claire’s Associate Commerce Editor, Brooke Knappenberger, who carries it daily to MC's HQ. “This tote is my holy grail work bag,” she says. “I bring anything I could need to work, just in case of an emergency—makeup, deodorant, dry shampoo, hairbrush, and gum.” Reviewers online love it because of the quality of the material for the price you pay, and its sleek, rich-looking design.
Size: 16.9"W x 5.5"D x 12.2"H.
What We Love: Costs under $50; top-rated; great quality; comes in 12 colors.
Coach’s Willow Tote comes in this rich black leather with burgundy accents, with the leather goods brand's iconic logo minimally placed on one side. It’s made from pebbled leather (so it's less prone to scratches and signs of wear), and features a magnetic closure across the top. Laptops have a dedicated sleeve across the middle of the bag’s interior for easy access and to keep you organized. The metal feet on the bottom protect the bag as you move through your day, while also providing structure so it won't flop over when you need to put it down.
Size: 13.5"W x 10.75"H x 5.75"D.
What We Love: Interior laptop sleeve; interior pockets; magnetic closure; metal feet.
"This roomy canvas and leather tote from DeMellier wins on function and style," says style director Sara Holzman. "It won't force you to leave any of your essentials behind and is a clever mix of casual and refined due to the mixed-material design—plus, the canvas helps channel a carefree summer feel regardless of the season. Keep your smaller items secure with a zippered interior pocket tucked away in the interior and bridge-tie top closure."
Size: 16.3''W x 3''H x 6.1''L.
What We Love: Canvas and leather materials; protective metal feet; bridge-tie closure; extra-long shoulder straps.
This black nylon tote from Baggu is definitely more sporty than some of the other bags on this list. It has a zip-top closure, plus a zippered interior pouch, so it's double-down on security. The padded handles provide comfort on long-haul commutes, while the roughly 14-inch height guarantees that you’ll be able to fit your computer or tablet. It’s made from a durable (and recycled!) heavyweight nylon fabric that won’t rip or tear as you wear it. Plus, it packs away into a small pouch for easy storage.
Size: 14.25" W x 19.25" L x 5in" D.
What We Love: Made from durable nylon fabric; packable design; has a zip-top design; has interior pockets; comes in several colors.
"I'm all about texture this season, and it feels like MZ Wallace got the memo," says wardrobe stylist Heather Newberger. "Of all the bags they've put out this fall, the Large Metro Nylon Box Tote takes the cake. Not only does it use diamond quilting to create texture, but it also features a classic Breton-stripe pattern that creates some visual trickery. Mixed with size zips to safeguard your most personal items, this tote is actually much larger than it appears, or its 'Medium' size category would make you think. It's perfect to take your bulky laptop or tablet on the go."
Size: 11"W x 13 1/2"H x 9 1/2"D.
What We Love: Stylist-recommended; can fit a laptop; has zipper internal compartments; has a removable zip pouch; has metal feet on the bottom; has a crossbody strap.
"I take my tote bags seriously," says Brooke Knappenberger, associate commerce editor. "I bring my totes with me nearly everywhere I go and keep them packed to the brim with my essentials. This Rebecca Minkoff is the latest addition to my collection and is the perfect fit. It's just the right size to fit my laptop, makeup, water bottle, and headphones. Plus, the great quality leather means I can count on it to last for years. I'm big into matching my jewelry with my accessories, so the mixed metal hardware is a major win in my book, too."
Size: 16.5"W x 11.5"D x 5"H.
What We Love: Holds a laptop; has a snap closure; minimal look.
Customer Review: "Perfect medium size tote! Leather is grainy and smart-looking! Glad I purchased itLooking forward to wearing it with everything!"—Bloomingdale's
"This is actually a recent gift to me, and I have never been so obsessed," says celebrity stylist Zoe Gofman. "It's a great travel bag and can also be used as a work bag since it's massive. The Brandon Blackwood team designed it with busy women in mind, and I can fit all my stuff inside (laptop, water bottle, lipstick, AirPods) and still have room for more! Bonus points: It also has two different straps; you can carry it like an oversized purse or also wear it across your chest as a crossbody bag."
Size: 15.94” L x 12” H x 8.07” W.
What We Love: Navy blue cracked leather; removable and adjustable shoulder strap; zipper and open interior pouch.
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Meet The Experts
Newberger is a fashion stylist, author, and television commentator. Her mission is to help people find joy and self expression through clothing. An imaginative and discerning creative, her inspired point of view uniquely reflects her commitment to championing all genders, shapes, and sizes. She's devoted to creating inclusivity within the fashion industry. Her first book, "How to Date Your Wardrobe," is available for purchase wherever books are sold.
Zoe ‘Zaz’ Gofman, is a New York and Los Angeles-based fashion stylist, wardrobe stylist, personal shopper and creative consultant. She's known for marrying her bold flair with her love for vintage pieces and the classic crispness of French fashion. Gofman's clients include Adriana Lima, Meredith Duxbury, Elisha Herbert, Charlotte McKinney, and more, as well as styling for various brand campaigns and contributing her style expertise in articles for InStyle, Harper’s BAZAAR, People, etc.
