As far as luggage goes, there's one piece that works harder than anything else in your handbag collection - the tote bag. Diddy, shoulder-liberating crossbody bags are no longer sufficient for stowing all of the stuff we need to navigate life, leading us to a canvas tote bag for the overspill. While there's nothing wrong with that (and you probably have a cupboard full), nothing beats the feeling of finding the perfect tote bag for all of your needs, one that's functional, versatile and stylish.
There are laptops to lug (if you're not a fan of a laptop bag), heels to haul and all manner of general flotsam and jetsam, up to and possibly including the kitchen sink, to cart about. It becomes even more of a necessity if you're a parent - somewhere to store half-eaten snacks and toys when the pram's overflowing.
So what should you look for? Anything goes - structured or slouchy, patterned or plain - but compartments are a smart idea. '[They'll] help you stay organised all day and night, so you can easily find whatever you're looking for,' says Ine Verhaert, co-founder of Belgian bag brand Kaai.
Above all, remember that size matters. Be realistic about requirements and have sufficient space for comfortably carting all the daily essentials you'll need - including, perhaps, a little bit of emotional baggage, too.
SHOP: The Best Tote Bags 2024
Aspinal Of Londonwww.aspinaloflondon.com
When it comes to leather tote bags, Aspinal of London makes some of the most reliable. The London Tote is available in 14 colourways.
Christian Diorwww.dior.com
Dior's embroidered bag has got to be the dream work tote.
www.ralphlauren.co.uk
Crafted from durable cotton canvas with a vertical striped motif and Italian leather trim, the Polo Ralph Lauren Bellport Tote from its American In Paris collection is a versatile addition to your wardrobe.
And Other Storieswww.stories.com
We love the woven texture of this leather tote, which has an inner pocket and concealed snap closure.
KAAIshop.kaai.eu
The perfect black tote does indeed exist, and it comes in 11 other colourways if black isn't your, ahem, bag.
Guesswww.guess.eu
Tweed is timeless, and combined with the gold hardware? This Tweed Shopper from GUESS is perfect for impromptu drinks after work.
Kurt Geigerwww.kurtgeiger.com
Add a splash of colour into a sea of browns and beiges with the Southbank tote from Kurt Geiger.
Stubble & Co.www.stubbleandco.com
Made from waterproof, recycled materials and with more compartments than you'll know what to do with, The Tote Bag from Stubble & Co. is a commuter's dream.
ARKETwww.arket.com
This relaxed tote bag from ARKET is spacious enough to fit a laptop and has a wide, adjustable strap.
Gucciwww.gucci.com
A laptop bag doesn't get more luxurious than Gucci's.
Uniqlowww.uniqlo.com
Understated but effective, this tote bag from UNIQLO's collaboration with JW ANDERSON is large and in charge.
Isabel Marantwww.isabelmarant.com
Isabel Marant's tote could even double up as a weekend bag (if you're a thrifty packer).
Little Liffnerwww.fenwick.co.uk
Sure to draw admiring glances on your commute, the Sprout Tote Mini still has plenty of room for the essentials.
Belisshwww.belissh.com
This is a smaller option than some on our list, but it's still got enough room for a laptop and all of your essentials and is ultra-comfortable to carry around.