As much as we enjoy a good clutch—and even enjoy the odd flirtation with the mini-bag trend—there really is nothing like a faithful shopping tote to carry us through the day (pardon the pun).
Perfect for our busy, cram-everything-in lives, shopping totes are essentially the handbag equivalent of a good wine: they might not be the most experimental option in your wardrobe, but they are reliable, day in and day out.
Of course, that’s not at all to say they aren’t chic in their own right. With iterations crafted from luxurious leathers, upcycled materials and classic canvas, there is a variation to suit every trousseau.
And, if you’ve been looking to add a new faithful to your collection this season, you’re in luck, for we have done the hard work for you.
Scroll on for the chicest tote bags you can buy in Australia right now.
The Best Tote Bags To Shop
Stevie Tote Bag, $299 at Mimco
With a sporty yet luxe look, the Stevie tote takes the classic silhouette to stylish new heights with is signature branding, two-tone weave and colour pop of blue. Fitting everything you need and more, you can get from Sunday yoga to afternoon drinks, seamlessly.
Of the design, Mimco’s Senior Stylist, Kelsey Menadue, says: “Stevie delivers an elevated take on the classic summer tote. Vegan-friendly, in a luxe two-tone weave with playful colour-pop trim.”
Sam Icon Pearl Embellished Nylon Small Tote, $649 at Kate Spade
Perfect for those looking for something between a full-sized tote and stylish handbag, this pearl-embellished mini tote will fit everything you need to get you through the day.
Market Tote, $159 at PEDRO
Sophisticated and sleek, this market tote is the perfect dual tone tote to compliment every ensemble and take you (and all your belongings) wherever you go.
Anais Market Bag, $245 at Aje
The classic beach bag has a seriously stylish upgrade in this beautiful design by Aje. It’s a particularly chic piece to add to your summer rotation, with its pared back, rustic finish making it an excellent beach-to-bar staple.
Field Tote In Signature Canvas With Horse And Carriage Print, $895 at COACH
Crafted in COACH’s signature coated canvas in a goes-with-everything tan colourway, this is the kind of tote bag that will last a lifetime in your wardrobe and prove time and time again to be a worthy investment.
ECCO Leather Tannery Series Upcycled Shopper, $149.95 at ECCO
This utilitarian shopper bag is a favourite of urbanites on-the-go. ECCO Leather stretches its appeal even further with a collection of bags cut from up-cycled leather from its own tannery. Making eco-friendly use of leather stock from the tannery’s innovation labs, the collection features an impressive range of experimental structures, vivid and newly developed colours, and high-quality classic finishes.
Prickly Pear Bucket Bag, $399 at Mimco
If a bucket bag and a shopper tote had a baby, we’d like to think it would look a little something like this sleek number from Mimco. Made from prickly pear cactus leaves (PETA certified and organically grown in Mexico), it’s sleek shape will fit everything you need and pair back perfectly with every outfit.
Medium Dior Book Tote, $4,900 at DIOR
A staple in Dior’s core collections, the Book Tote is an iconic classic that never goes out of style. This season’s update sees the style adorned in the stunning Dior Jardin Botanique motif, inspired by Mr. Dior’s beloved Granville gardens.
Dino Tote, $280 at CAMILLA & MARC
This understated shopper by C&M Camilla And Marc is easily one for staple status, with its elevated take on the everyday canvas cut. A medium-to-large size, it’s not so big as to be overwhelming but it’s certainly sizeable enough for your daily essentials (and then some).
The New Day Market Tote in Brandy, $493 at Everlane
When it comes to classic carryalls, it doesn’t get much better than this. Available in a light taupe and a rich cognac hue, its streamlined design and lack of trimming makes it the perfect to accompaniment to most ensembles.
Marc Jacobs The Large Tote, $420 at THE ICONIC
Marc Jacobs’ self-proclaiming bag has become the tote bag to carry. With a sleek design crafted from durable canvas it’s the perfect bag for those who don’t want to worry about spills or wear and tear.
Mim-Gram Mini Tote Bag, $229 at Mimco
For those who need to carry a little extra but don’t require a full-size tote, or just love the classic aesthetic of a shopper, this miniature take from Mimco is a must-have.
Saint Laurent ‘Nikki’ Shopper, $3,710 at Farfetch
Expertly crafted in Italy from black calf leather, this exquisite Saint Laurent shopper bag was made for those who favour understated elegance at all times.
Gucci Ophidia Soft Shopper, $2,075 at GUCCI
A timeless piece that will never date, Gucci’s famous ‘Ophidia GG’ shopper evokes the aura of a time gone by while retaining a contemporary appeal.
Black Zed Small Girlfriend Satchel Bag, $219 at GUESS
We’re simply obsessed with the shape of this sleek satchel bag from Guess. The accordion shape keeps the bag small enough you can take it anywhere, while allowing for a surprising amount of space to carry everything you need.
Neoprene Tote, $319 at State Of Escape
The sleek staple of stylish, working women everywhere, neoprene totes have become a go-to thanks to their lightweight, spill-proof material and roomy interior so you can carry everything from your lunch to your laptop with ease.
Want an exclusive discount code before you buy? Head here.
The Best Brands & Stores To Shop For Tote Bags
If you’re still on the hunt for that perfect bag, may we suggest you scour the below brands and sites for the perfect tote bag.
Why Are Canvas & Tote Bags Popular?
Regardless of whether you’re shopping for a luxe look or out of practicality, tote bags prove as chic as they are practical.
Spacious and stylish, the sheer size of a tote bag offers plenty of room to carry everything you need, whether you’re using it for work, your kids or simply as a statement piece.
Opting for canvas and neoprene renditions offer another layer of practicality thanks to their sturdy, spill-proof and washable nature.
