The 28 Best Tote Bags For Work, Travel, Everyday & Beyond

Tote bags are a true MVP of your handbag lineup. While some say basic, we say essential — as useful for your office commute as they are for a weekend getaway, out-and-about strolls, a farmer’s market visit, or a day of antiquing. Plus, there are tons of on-trend styles from our favorite brands that make hauling your life around look effortless. 

Think of totes as emotional support in functional accessory form: always there when you need them, holding way more than you probably should be carrying, and just plain dependable. Leather tote bags help you get to and from work in style, zip tote bags keep your valuables (hello, laptops!) secure while traveling or on the go, and durable, lightweight styles make those days when you’re lugging your entire life around a wee bit easier.

Ahead, scroll to shop the edit with picks from Free People, L.L. Bean, Lululemon, J.Crew, Everlane, Dagne Dover, Madewell, and so many more.

Work Tote Bags

R29 readers can’t resist a good Everlane, Madewell, or Coach pick. From sleek leather carryalls to fashion-forward shapes like Polène’s structured stunner, these tote bags deliver on both office practicality and off-duty style.

Travel Tote Bags

These travel companions — which often come in washable or stain-resistant fabrics — are designed to keep your essentials secure. Don’t miss the beloved Lululemon multi-pocket tote and Free People cult-favorite quilted carryall in fresh, seasonal colors.

Errands & Everyday Tote Bags

Styles that flex from work to travel and errands? The true MVPs. Whether you’re opting for a taller and slimmer vertical silhouette of flap-top design or a luxe take on the staple in supple suede, a workhorse tote is one you’ll never regret investing in (or buying in multiple colors).

Durable & Lightweight Tote Bags

The vibe: utilitarian and low-key. These totes, crafted from nylon and canvas, are the ultimate anything-and-everything schleppers. Whether you’re looking for a minimalist option (peep Banana Republic’s new arrival), a playful print (see: Baggu’s signature XL market bag), or a custom style with cheeky embroidery or a timeless monogram, these are the sturdy go-tos for work, grocery hauls, the beach, travel — wherever!

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Iconic Duo Alert: LoveShackFancy Teams Up With Pink On A Dreamy Collab

Just days after Victoria’s Secret announced the return of its fashion show, there’s more excitement on the horizon. The iconic brand’s younger sister, Pink, is teaming up with vintage-inspired label LoveShackFancy on a Gen Z-coded collection. And we couldn’t think of a more iconic duo to bring us the whimsical, cheeky, and playful pink drop of our dreams. 

“It celebrates our shared love of frills, florals, and everything pink — and captures that fun, carefree energy of the early 2000s,” says LoveShackFancy founder and creative director, Rebecca Hessel Cohen, in a press release. “It’s playful, it’s feminine, and it brings our two worlds together in the most magical way.”

While nostalgia is at the heart of the collection, the campaign stars Gen Z influencers and talent who reflect both brands’ audiences — and their love for “the spirit of spontaneous fun and carefree celebration.”

President of Victoria’s Secret Pink, Ali Dillon, adds: “We’re excited to offer fan-favorite styles with LoveShackFancy’s signature romantic twist and bring back nostalgic pieces from our archives. Designed to spark joy and real-life moments, this collection is perfect for taking you from high summer fun to back-to-campus style.”

From party dresses and foldover flare leggings to varsity jackets and embroidered underwear, plus rhinestone-covered everything, the LoveShackFancy x Pink collaboration will have you ready for fun days out and cozy nights in.  

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This collection will be available to shop starting August 6 at 5 a.m. EST on VSPINK.com and LovwShackFancy.com. Prices range from $19 to $200, with apparel offered in sizes XXS to XXL. So set your alarm — these pink pieces are bound to go fast.

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I’m 5’1″ & These Ann Taylor Petite Pieces Are My Fall Workwear Uniform

As a team with several editors and contributors under 5’4”, we believe that good things can come in small packages. Check back for our go-to places and styling advice on petite denim, workwear, and so much more.

Being 5’1” has its perks: I get more leg room on flights (even in economy), don’t have to duck my head under low ceilings, and, in my book, no heels are too high. On the other hand, being  “petite” can be a nuisance when shopping for clothes that don’t drown my short-girl frame — especially when it comes to workwear.

Whether your 9-to-5 is in corporate, creative, or beyond, office attire generally follows an overall approach that achieves a “put-together” look. This often includes polished pieces like suit pants, button-up shirts, and blazers. If you’re 5’4” or under, you know the struggle of searching for said workwear staples that have lengths and hems that fit your height. Tailoring is an option, but one doesn’t always have the time or extra money to fix new purchases. With that in mind, finding brands with an extensive petite selection is key, and Ann Taylor offers a plethora of petite work styles.

If you haven’t heard, Ann Taylor got a revamp in the past few years. The go-to mall brand is staying true to its core mission, continuing to offer women sophisticated workwear, while incorporating of-the-moment trends into styles that feature modern silhouettes and quality fabrics.

Ahead, I’ve styled three office-ready outfits from Ann Taylor’s petite range, all available to shop for the upcoming season. Note: When selecting sizes, I found the petite size chart to be helpful as it’s separated by tops, bottoms, and dresses. I can attest that the pieces were true to size, with either 0 or XS working for me across the board. (For reference, I am a waist size 24/25, and a 34B in bust.) Shop my favorite Ann Taylor fall workwear for petites below.

Ann Taylor Petite Pants And Collared Shirt

A pair of sleek trousers and an elegant blouse are wardrobe staples that easily work in any professional setting. It’s often a struggle for me to find longline pants off the rack that don’t drag on the floor. Luckily, this wide-leg pinstripe design is offered in a 29” inseam — compared to the standard 31.5” measurement — that teams seamlessly with any pointed-toe pump (another workwear classic).

I chose this floaty, ruffled button-down with subtly puffed sleeves to add a hint of volume. The petite sizing of this top features a shorter torso length, making it easy to tuck into pants without extra, unnecessary bunching. I added texture to the look with an embossed belt boasting an organic-shaped buckle, a pair of rich brown straw pumps, and a woven clutch bag. 

Ann Taylor Petite Matching Set

There’s something about a coordinating set that instantly looks sleek. The second I saw this navy blue cropped jacket and matching flare pants with hems that perfectly hang at my ankles, I knew I would be swapping out my overworn black blazer pantsuit for this modern iteration.

Crafted from a smooth crepe fabric that is stretchy and soft, the suit doesn’t feel stiff — literally or aesthetically. I especially love the jacket for the unexpected short sleeves, pointed collar, large buttons, and front besom pockets. I accessorized the ensemble with silver jewelry and buckled slingback, square-toe pumps. 

Ann Taylor Petite Midi Dress

Never have I dared to even attempt to pair flat shoes with a midi dress — until now. Thanks to the petite length of this classic burgundy pleated style that actually hits my calves (instead of my ankles like most “midis” do), my 5’1” frame is not overwhelmed by an immense amount of fabric. Most importantly, I can wear these comfortable, eye-catching metallic mesh flats without my legs appearing shorter than they are, even with a full-skirted dress. Plus, the cinched waist and high-neck design are a bonus in giving the illusion of a longer torso. I finished off the look with an arched metal handle shoulder bag and tortoise shell eyeglasses.

Shop more petite styles from Ann Taylor.

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