Why September Calls For A Chic Commuter Tote
The tote is a style perennial – a veritable forever piece for your everyday wardrobe – and the best come in sleek, oversized shapes this season, says COLLEEN ROSS
At once practical and timeless, a tote is the bag everyone’s coveting right now. Think of it as your back-to-school purchase – you want something capacious enough for your commute (hello, laptop, book, phone and Stanley cup), but elegant enough to take to dinner. This season, the styles to have on your radar come in butter-soft leather or suede that wears beautifully and goes with everything.
Look first to Métier and the streamlined ‘Private Eye’ tote in linen and leather. The spacious design is organized with plenty of pockets and comes with a handy detachable strap. Alternatively, try Gucci’s ‘GG Emblem’ tote – it’s been crafted in Italy from debossed burgundy leather and is lined in durable canvas. The best part? It has plenty of space inside for your daily essentials.
Totes are timeless, so opting for a neutral color makes sense – tan, black and gray will go with everything, now and always. If your style is more minimalist, opt for clean, sculptural lines – DeMellier’s ‘The Hudson’ style from our NET SUSTAIN edit comes in black textured leather that will withstand the inevitable bumps and scratches that come with daily wear. Elsewhere, Loro Piana’s elegant ‘Ghiera’ style pays tribute to the brand’s storied heritage and is a timeless choice for the office, airport and beyond.
The joy of a slouchier tote lies in its fusion of spaciousness and practicality, versatility and elegance; there’s something comforting (and comfortable) about a supple silhouette that can be popped over a shoulder or tucked into the crook of an arm – crucially with no need to edit its contents. See Givenchy’s ‘Voyou’ tote or Max Mara’s timeless ‘Archetipo’ style, both of which have more than enough room for the essentials. Meanwhile, Toteme can always be relied upon to put a chic spin on a classic silhouette, as illustrated by its ‘Belted’ tote in glossy lizard-effect leather.
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