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Welcome to The Essentials, our weekly series highlighting a must-have classic, key to building a timeless, pulled-together closet.
Let's be honest, no matter how many chic bags you own, day-to-day, the bag you reach for most often is a sturdy leather tote. It's the unsung heroine of our bag collection. It's not trying to get the glamorous attention but it is actually the most user-friendly bag you'll own. With a busy life and career, everyone needs a leather tote to just dump all your daily essentials into. I enjoy a tiny clutch with a complicated closure as much as the next fashion-loving woman, but a leather tote just does the trick most days when I'm carrying a laptop, gym gear, and a million other things. This purchase will last for years to come.
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1
The classic
Central Tote With Zip
If you commute on public transportation, it's helpful to have a zipper closure on your leather tote.
2
The organized pick
Classic Structured Leather Tote
Cuyana
cuyana.com
$195.00
This chocolate leather tote will go with every outfit. One of the things we love about Cuyana is that you can get a cool organizational insert for your laptop and a water bottle which are two things you don't want tipping over in your bag.
3
the starter tote
'The Transport' Leather Tote
MADEWELL
nordstrom.com
$100.80
This Madewell leather tote is usually that people get when they are ready to dive in and get their first one. It's built to last. We love the contrast handles so it will work no matter your outfit.
4
The mood-booster
Molly Bikini Dot Large Tote
kate spade
katespade.com
$228.00
This cheerful polka dot tote is so fun and optimistic. The graphic black and white print gives it personality and the detachable wristlet pouch that comes with it is so practical and ensure your card wallet and keys to never get lost.
5
The customizable option
Stella Leather Tote
Rebecca Minkoff
saksfifthavenue.com
$138.60
We love that this tote has an adjustable strap so you can wear it at whatever length that's comfortable for you. This one also has a handy exterior pocket for items you will need to quickly access.
6
The Faux Pick
Cher Tote in Ash Rose
Angela Roi
angelaroi.com
$205.00
This is the only faux leather tote included in this list. Why? because the quality is so high, no one will ever know. If you are vegan, this bag is for you. It has a pebble leather textured, you will be shocked that its not genuine leather.
7
The Square tote
The Day Square Tote
Everlane
everlane.com
$168.00
Everlane started their whole business with a classic simple leather tote! This updated square shape is one of many tote styles they offer.
8
The in-the-details option
The Kiss Lock Mini Leather Tote
THE MARC JACOBS
nordstrom.com
$295.00
A bit smaller of a leather tote, but we loved this pale blue and kiss-lock closure.
9
The summer lover
Mini Field Tote Bag
Rag & Bone
shopbop.com
$234.00
An excellent adjustable strap leather tote with a handy cross body strap.
10
The preppy pick
Simple Stripe Suede Tote
CLARE V.
nordstrom.com
$371.25
We love supporting female designers and Clare V has been making covetable bags as her modus operandi for years! This preppy racing stripe leather tote in suede will be a favorite for years to come.
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Aya Kanai
Editor in Chief at Marie Claire
I’m Aya Kanai, Editor in Chief at Marie Claire.
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