The Timeless Fashion-Approved Leather Tote Bags You Need
The only staple that can take you from Pilates class to the office and rooftop happy hour with ease.
No matter how many trendy bags you own, the one you probably reach for most is a sturdy leather tote. No other type of bag can moonlight as a gym or laptop-friendly work bag. Ask any fashion insider for their take on the best leather totes, and they'll likely say the same thing: the carryall is essential. So, we turned to the experts—real working women who carry them—to help us find the very best leather totes money can buy.
Joyce Lee, former Head of Design at Madewell and the author of Time Less, a personal shopping newsletter on Substack, says the value of a great leather tote lies in its functionality, style, and versatility. And if you're deciding between buying a new leather tote or relying on the canvas one you use for groceries, Lee recommends the former. "I find leather as a material is unmatched when it comes to durability while also adding elevation," she explains. "Leather ages beautifully, making it feel timeless and practical." It's the definition of an investment that stands the tests (and wears) of time.
However, not all leather bags are created equally. There are specific design details to keep an eye out for when you're shopping. Jess Graves, a writer and author of the fashion newsletter The Love List on Substack, recommends looking for reinforced stitching so the strap won't break during your morning commute. "If you live in the city, make sure the shoulder strap will go on over a coat! Nothing is more annoying than the strap struggle when you're schlepping through the sleet," she tells Marie Claire. "I used to live in Atlanta, where I'd throw everything in my car. Now that I live in New York, my tote bag is my car! It has to perform."
All of these features should coincide with your personal style, of course. An everyday bag is only great if you like carrying it daily—and it doesn't have to look basic to be a great basic in your collection. Neutral-hued options will forever be classics, but Caroline Maguire, the Senior Fashion Director at Shopbop, says that designers have been experimenting with trendy colors and mixed materials in their tote selection. "I love novel flair, like an artisinal weave," she says of this season's most popular iterations. "It's always fun to see some novelty added to the traditional designs." With this in mind, Maguire recommends brands like Dragon Diffusion, Proenza Schouler, Acne Studios, or one from Katie Holmes's favorite brand, Mansur Gavriel. You can even shop Holmes' exact pick down below.
Ahead, you'll find our curation of 17 of the best leather tote bags, including picks from Lee, Graves, Maguire, and Marie Claire editors. Plus, every key feature to look for in a leather tote and styling tips to ensure your bag works for anything life throws at you. There are also a few faux-leather options here, too.
Marie Claire's Favorite Leather Tote Bags
- Best Overall Leather Tote Bag: Cuyana Classic Easy Tote
- Best Affordable Leather Tote Bag: Madewell The Transport Leather Tote
- Best Editor-Approved Leather Tote Bag: Freja New York Lafayette Tote
- Best Designer Leather Tote Bag: Bottega Veneta Andiamo Medium Leather Tote
- Best Leather Tote Bag for Travel: Calpak Haven Laptop Tote Bag
- Best Faux Leather Tote Bag: BÉIS The Work Tote
- Best Leather Tote Bag on Amazon: Kattee Leather Satchel
Cuyana's tote bags will always have our hearts because its designs are stylish, minimal, and thoughtfully crafted. The brand's price point is also accessible, with most bags coming in at under $500. Out of its many totes, its best-selling Classic Easy bag is our favorite. Not only is it made from a buttery smooth leather that only gets better with time, but the slouchy style can fit into your routine no matter where you're going—whether it’s heading to work, out with friends, or traveling. The double set of handles is both so comfortable, and the brand always comes out with new colors to make it feel fresh. Its only flaw is the lack of top closure, but you can remedy that with the brand's tote insert.
Colors Available: 11, including neutrals and brighter shades
What We Love: Fits a 16-inch laptop; comes with a double set of handles; lightweight; can be customized with monogram; available in three sizes
What We Don't: No top closure
"If you're in New York City in 2024, you've no doubt seen this bag out and about—on the subway, in bars, by your coworkers' desks," gushes Marie Claire's Digital Director Jenny Hollander. "Its simple design and sustainably sourced leather, in addition to its (relatively) affordable price tag, make it a winner in every category: it's long-lasting, can fit everything you need, and can be customized with your initials for a fashion-editor touch," she continues. Made from smooth leather that lasts, it comes in two neutral colors and can even be customized with an adorable monogram.
Colors Available: Two
What We Love: has longer shoulder straps; fits a 15-inch laptop; Can be customized with a monogram
What We Don't: No top closure; unlined
As an editor, my days are busy—once I'm out the door, I'm gone for the day, so my tote bag has to carry everything I may need, from my water bottle and laptop to an extra change of shoes and makeup. This tote from insider-loved brand Freja New York does that and then some. It's big enough for all my daily necessities without overwhelming my 5'4" frame, and it has plenty of pockets to keep my things organized. Another bonus? Its thick straps never dig into my shoulders, even when carrying it for hours. I live out of this bag and don't see that stopping anytime soon.
Colors Available: Five neutral shades
What We Love: Has four internal pockets; magnetic top-closure; lined in vegan suede; fits a 16-inch laptop; includes key leash; vegan
What We Don't: Can feel heavy
Ever since Bottega Veneta introduced the Andiamo bag in 2023, It-girls like Hailey Bieber, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and Dakota Johnson have worn it on repeat. While the bag comes in three sizes, the medium option is the most versatile—it's big enough for all your daily essentials and can easily be carried on a night out. Thanks to its double set of straps, you can also wear it as a top-handle, crossbody, or shoulder bag.
Colors Available: Seven neutral shades.
What We Love: Multiple wears to wear; comes with double set of straps.
What We Don't: Cannot fit a laptop
This tote from cult-favorite travel brand Calpak was made for your next big trip. It's incredibly roomy and sturdy, but the real magic is the removable insert. It has a big pocket for your laptop or tablet, three smaller interior pockets for your valuables, and four exterior pockets for everything else. Use the extra-thick crossbody strap for long hauls or the handles to add polish to your outfit. It even has a trolley sleeve to go hands-free at the airport.
Colors Available: Eight neutral and bright shades
What We Love: Includes a removable insert with multiple compartments; fits a 16-inch laptop; includes wide, adjustable shoulder strap; has trolley pass-through
What We Don't: No top closure
Shay Mitchell's travel brand, Béis, thought of every detail when creating this croc-printed tote bag. It features a removable shoulder strap, interior and exterior pockets, a padded laptop sleeve, key-ring leashes, and more. While this large tote works for work, after work, and just about any errand, its trolley pass-through sleeve makes it an ideal and easy bag to pair with your carry-on roller. Thanks to its many pockets and sleek silhouette, this is the bag to go with if you prefer faux leather.
Colors Available: Six neutral shades
What We Love: Has designated laptop sleeve; has several internal and external pockets; zip top closure; has trolley pass-through; fits a 14-inch laptop
What We Don't: Some reviewers note the shoulder straps are especially thin
This Amazon pick will do the trick if you need a tote that won't break the bank. I was pleasantly surprised by this bag's quality, given the price. The leather is soft and has the most pockets I've seen in a tote so far. You can fit all of your work essentials, including a laptop, notebooks, pens, makeup, and water bottle. It even has two pockets on the outside! I carried it to and from work for over six months, and I'm happy to report that it held up extremely well.
Colors Available: Five neutral colors
What We Love: Has several interior pockets; has two external pockets; fits a 13-inch laptop; zip-top closure; includes crossbody strap
What We Don't: Has a strong scent that fades over time
Also Recommended
When style queen Katie Holmes wears a tote bag on repeat, I pay attention. Her go-to tote is Mansur Gavriel's Everyday Soft Tote—she's been spotted in it on over a dozen occasions in 2024. Its appeal comes from its slouchy, easy-going silhouette. When you're in a rush, this is the bag you can toss everything in and head out the door, knowing you still look put-together. It's roomy enough for your laptop and has an interior pocket for your smaller essentials. Meanwhile, the vivid red lining feels like an insider detail only your most fashionable friends would notice. We get why it's one of Katie's signature fashion pieces.
Colors Available: 11 neutral and bright shades
What We Love: Fits a 16-inch laptop; lightweight; comes in several colors; has longer shoulder straps
What We Don't: There's only one interior pouch, unlined
Once Bella Hadid stepped out carrying this Coach bag not once but twice in one week, it was only a matter of time before it reached icon status. Coach's Brooklyn bag, which comes in this carry-it-all size and a smaller version, has garnered hundreds of thousands of views on Tiktok, so it wouldn't be a stretch to call it fall's new It bag. Available in six shades, including this luxurious chocolate brown and a trendy dark red, this tote has a wide strap for comfortable all-day carrying. Even better is that the strap is long enough to play nice with your fall coats and jackets. It's no wonder Marie Claire's Editor-in-Chief, Nikki Ogunnaike, has this under-$500 item in her cart. If you don't love the larger size, there are two other versions for you to consider.
Colors Available: Six neutral shades
What We Love: Extra roomy interior; has snap-button top closure; has a wide shoulder strap for comfort
What We Don't: It may appear too large on petite frames
Woven bags have been having a moment, and no one is doing the trend like Dragon Diffusion. The brand, which comes with Maguire's stamp of approval, makes luxurious leather bags you can wear every day without the luxury price tag. Most of the brand's styles ring in at under $500, including its best-selling Japan Woven Leather Tote. Think of this one as the ideal transitional piece—its woven texture is reminiscent of summer's basket bags, but the brown shade still feels fall-ready. You can also take pride in knowing that your bag is made to order and handcrafted by skilled artisans.
Colors Available: Three neutral shades
What We Love: Handcrafted; comes in several colors; lightweight; has an internal zipped pocket; has a twill lining
What We Don't: Has an open-topped design
Polène bags have been blowing up on my For You Page, and it's not hard to see why—each one is an original, organic shape that looks like it could sell for three times its price tag. Made from luxe Italian leather, this bag's unique shape will stand out in your collection. What makes the bag a real standout is that it's actually two designs in one. Tuck the sides in and cross the straps inside to create a flower-like shape, giving you the look of an entirely different bag.
Colors Available: Six neutral shades
What We Love: comes with double set of handles; has longer shoulder straps; can be worn multiple ways; comes with removable zippered pocket
What We Don't: May not fit laptops
Big, slouchy bags were a key accessory trend for summer 2024 but I don't see it dying down anytime soon. This affordable yet chic option is a favorite of Marie Claire's Fashion Features Editor Emma Childs, who's a big fan of its versatility. With a jam-packed schedule, she can easily carry her laptop, makeup bag, commuter shoes, and other essentials with plenty of room to spare. Whether you wear this to the office, at the airport, or on the weekend, this cool tote works for it all. "Not only do I love this slouchy leather tote for how it streamlined my commute into work (it fits my laptop, lunch, and more), but I adore that it looks a lot more luxe than it is," Childs gushes. "I've had people come up to me and ask if it's a designer tote, and I get to (happily) tell them it's from Anthropologie and costs less than $100."
Colors Available: Nine neutral and bright shades
What We Love: Comes with detachable leather pouch; fits 13-inch laptops; comes in several colors
What We Don't: Only has one interior pocket.
Khaite doesn't typically stick to conventional shapes and lines. Take their Osa tote bag, for instance. It has a circular, structured base with a funnel-like shape for added interest. Lee uses it whenever she wants to look more polished. "I love the oversized proportion and the exaggerated shape, but it still feels functional and chic in the buttery and smooth leather," she says.
Colors Available: One
What We Love: Comes with detachable leather pouch; lined in suede; has an extra roomy interior
What We Don't: No top closure
The shape of your tote bag is no small detail—it can have a major impact on your finished look. Combining functionality with artistic lines, the shapes of nature inspired this tote from the Scandi brand Little Liffner, hence its floral name. Its simple yet unique shape is sure to stand out among a crowd of classic bags. The shape is what caught Lee's eye—she says this bag is her next tote purchase. She says, "I love this bag's asymmetric shape and size, and think it will add something unexpected to the mix."
Colors Available: One
What We Love: Snap-button top closure; has long shoulder straps; has internal zip pocket; has an extra roomy interior
What We Don't: Only available in one color
Brands aren't sticking to just neutral shades and classic shapes anymore—case in point: Proenza Schouler's large carry-alls. The designer, who Maguire says is making particularly great totes right now, has plenty of creative designs from a soft grey suede option to a white cloud-like pick, but it's this wine-red find that makes for the most compelling addition to your autumn outfits. The wine shade is trending for fall, while the snake-embossed leather print makes any outfit interesting with the added texture. When your outfit is on the minimal side, this is a tote that can instantly add visual allure.
Colors Available: One
What We Love: Includes removable zip pouch; magnetic top closure; has long shoulder straps
What We Don't: Unlined
The Acne Studios Musubi bag has had many variations since its debut in 2017, including woven fabrics, tie-dye prints, and even studded styles. However, this streamlined version, made from buttery smooth calf leather, has the makings of a forever piece. It gets its unique flair from the twisted knots on each side, inspired by traditional Japanese obi sashes. While it comes in neutral shades, you can show off your personality with electric pastels, too, and the double set of straps is a major bonus. With this tote in its offering, it's easy to see why Acne Studios is another one of Maguire's top-recommend bag brands.
Colors Available: 7 neutral and bright shades
What We Love: Has a double set of handles; includes an interior zipper pouch; snap-button top closure
What We Don't: May not fit laptops
Leave it to fashion insiders' favorite minimalist brand, The Row, to design a tote bag that screams quiet luxury. Free of embellishments, logos, or other design elements, the beauty of this bag lies in its craftsmanship and materials. Graves says that this tote from The Row “changed the game” because of how well it wears over time while still looking chic. “The leather patinas beautifully,” she tells Marie Claire. “Mine is a rich mahogany brown and the worse I treat it, the better it looks.”
Colors Available: Brown
What We Love: Extra roomy interior; material gets better with wear; minimalist, streamlined silhouette; comes with removable interior wristlet
What We Don't: Does not have any interior pockets
What to Look For in a Leather Tote
- Durable Straps: The feature that can make or break your leather tote is its straps. Lee's tip is to try your bag on with and without a coat to ensure it's comfortable throughout the year. "Straps that slide off or dig in are not ideal when carrying a heavier load," she says.
- A Versatile Design: Consider how you plan to use your leather tote. Is it going to be your go-to laptop bag? If so, Lee recommends looking for a leather tote with a dedicated section for your laptop. Or maybe you're simply looking for a larger handbag to elevate your look, so pockets may not be all that important. All in all, Lee says to ensure that the bag you choose serves the functions you need.
- High-Quality Materials: The last thing you want is a broken strap or a fraying edge in the middle of your day, so choosing a durable leather bag is essential. "Strong seams and handle attachments are important when you need a workhorse to lug around your daily essentials," says Lee. "I look for reinforced stitching and high-quality rivets or hardware."
How to Style a Leather Tote
A great tote should go with any look, no matter where you're headed. Even a baggy jeans and sneakers combination looks put together once you toss a leather tote over your shoulder. Case in point: the best-dressed people on the internet. Amongst the street style set, leather tote bags were worn with a range of looks from elegant LBDs to trousers and trench coats, proving the endless styling possibilities.
Street style stars demonstrate the versatility of a great leather tote bag.
However, opting for a sleek, minimalist tote doesn't mean you can't add some flair. To personalize your look, get creative with trendy bag charms. The fall 2024 handbag trend was spotted all over the carryalls of Fall 2024 fashion week attendees, and celebrities have caught on, too. Dua Lipa decorated her Birkin bag with a twilly scarf and several keychains in London.
If you want to incorporate color without buying anything, look to Katie Holmes. She loves her classic-looking Mansur Gavriel bag with its bright red interior. Or, try out a fun color tote and match it to the rest of your look, as Jennifer Lopez does. Her go-to Hermès Birkin tote constantly changes colors based on the rest of her outfit.
Tote bags can add some flair to your look too, as A-listers have proven time and time again.
Meet the Experts
Joyce has been in the fashion experience for over 20 years having designed footwear and handbags for brands like Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Gryson, and Madewell, and was most recently head of design for Madewell. Currently, she works as a design and creative consultant and writes the fashion newsletter Time Less.
Jess is a fashion writer and the author behind The Love List, a fashion newsletter on the culture of shopping.
As Shopbop Fashion Director, Caroline Maguire brings her signature style, keen eye, and over 15 years of industry experience to the role. Since joining the organization in April 2016, Caroline has partnered closely with creative, buying, PR, and marketing team members to determine fashion direction across the company. She also serves as Shopbop’s primary brand ambassador in press interviews and media appearances, and delivers key style takeaways to the customer in creative onsite editorials.
