Three ways to style your tote bag

Tote bags have been a staple of the British wardrobe for many years, and that doesn’t seem to be changing any time soon.

Tote bags are incredibly versatile and spacious, making them perfect for any occasion. Here are some ways to style your tote bag now that summer is quickly approaching.

Work or office ensemble

Finding a work bag that is comfortable, stylish, and adaptable to any outfit can be hard. Tote bags aren’t just made from linen or cotton; they can be structured too. Be on the lookout for a structured tote in a neutral colour that will suit any outfit as well as be large enough for everything you need for a day in the office.

If you think about your workwear wardrobe, getting a new tote bag could be an excuse to overhaul your style. When you think about the staples you need, opt for a mix-and-match capsule-style wardrobe. Think about investing in some well-fitting trousers and skirts, button-down shirts in neutral colours, and a couple of tailored blazers.

Dresses can be more fluid as you can use more casual styles and dress them up with a blazer and heels. You can also inject some colour and personality with a dress, which is a great way to mix things up.

Weekend brunch outfit

Weekends are for relaxing, so your tote bag should reflect that. Rather than a structured workwear one, opt for a canvas or linen one. You can experiment more with colour and pattern with a more casual bag.

Tote bags combined with a loose, flowy dress or a denim skirt and blouse are perfect for a brunch with friends. You can pop your purse, sunglasses, and phone inside and still have plenty of room. For an added bohemian touch, put your best foot forward in some espadrilles or ankle boots. Don’t forget a floppy hat to refine your look.

If you are heading out for an early dinner or drinks in the evening instead of brunch, then lightweight evening dresses will be perfect. For a dressed-down look, opt for flat pumps or sandals and a denim jacket.

Travel companion

One of the best things about tote bags is the amount of space they have, making them perfect for travelling. If you have one with compartments then you can organise everything easily so you can grab what you need even when on a cramped train carriage or in an airport queue. Bags without compartments can still be organised. Purchase an organiser insert to keep things orderly.

Dressing for travelling is all about comfort. If you are travelling abroad you will need to think about the climate once you arrive as well as the one you are leaving. Layers are your friend, and a tote bag means you can pack extra to pop on should you need it. Initially, opt for leggings, a loose and comfy top, and a cardigan. This is a good base outfit that will keep you comfy as well as being practical.

Travelling with an extra set of clothes is always advisable if something happens to your suitcase- yet another reason why tote bags are so great!

Mitra Msaad

Editor in Chief