Fashion People Are Suddenly Carrying This Vintage-Look Tote – And It’s From The High Street

This year, the most talked-about bags aren't the pristine type or any with a designer label; they're ones that look like they have a story to tell. We're seeing a shift towards pieces, particularly accessories, that look vintage-esque and lived-in, and come with baggage (or in other words, history). Like the artisanal, handwoven bags from Dragon Diffusion, or the kind of softly battered leather Jane Birkin herself might've slung into the footwell of an aeroplane without a second thought. The chicest bags now come with patina, and are made even more personal with the return of bag charms - tiny, playful details (unless we're talking about the gigantic fluffy Labubus) that transform a bag into something uniquely yours.

This is where Free People's Emerson Tote Bag comes in. A fresh-from-the-box bag that arrives with the familiarity you'd expect from a vintage number, or a bag you've owned for years. The leather has that supple, slightly weathered (or used) look, and there are plenty of details that keep the bag practical. There's a sturdy top handle for when you want to wear it on your shoulder, a detachable crossbody strap when you want to go hands-free, and both internal and external zip pockets to tuck away your essentials (or Rhode lip balm) that you don't want to sink to the bottom. And, because Free People is also big on investing in personality pieces, the Emerson Tote is available in multiple colours, not just your usual black and white.

Of course, the black has that effortlessly cool, goes-with-everything look that's perfect for pairing with printed midi skirts (take notes from Olivia Dean and opt for polka dot) and denim alike.

The burgundy shade is everything you'd want from a transitional bag; it's rich, luxurious, and as we head further into autumn/winter, you'll find you'll only reach for it more often. The great thing about burgundy is that, much like black, it can be paired with most things, whether you style it with jeans and a t-shirt or with a mini dress. There's also something about burgundy leather that feels timeless, like it could've been found in the back of your mum's wardrobe from the early 2000s.

If you're on the hunt for a brighter bag while it's still warm, the Emerson Tote also comes in two different blue shades - a lighter one named 'washed sail' and a darker one called 'dark rinse.' It goes without saying that the blue would easily pair with denim, but also neutrals like cream, white and khaki.

In 2025, it's not about having the most pristine bag in the room; instead, it's about having a bag that looks like it's been left in said room for a few years and is only just seeing the light of day. It's about personality, and the Emerson Tote bag has this in spades. It's a bag that will pick up the scuffs and scrapes (and perhaps the germs from the tube floor) and only look better for it.

Shop: The Emerson Bag In Alternative Colours

Main image credit: Instagram/@francescaleslie_

Gemma Lavers is a fashion commerce writer at Grazia, where she tracks down viral pieces and is as comfortable navigating the M&S new-in page as she is dissecting the latest celebrity look. When not writing, shopping or at Reformer Pilates (a cliché but she's hooked), Gemma will likely be planning her next holiday (and what she's going to wear). For a glimpse into said travels, outfit inspo and life as a journalist, follow her on Instagram or TikTok.