The colder weather brings in some of our favorite trends. In addition to cardigan sweaters and knee-high boots, a classic leather tote bag makes the perfect accent to any outfit for the fall and winter.
Whether you're looking for a sophisticated tote to carry to the office or an affordable faux leather bag to bring apple picking, we've got you covered. We spoke with personal stylists as well as Stefano Pillepich, the head of ECCO Leather Goods Unit & ECCO Leather Studio, to find the best leather tote bags to spruce up your fall wardrobe.
Are leather tote bags trending?
When it comes to cold-weather trends, leather tote bags are at the top of the list. According to Google, there have been a rise in searches for “leather tote bags” within the year, and search for the trendy accessory has been up 28% within the past quarter.
Naina Singla, a fashion stylist and style expert, shares that leather totes are trending ... and the bigger, the better.
"Right now, we are seeing oversized totes in the seasons’ hottest colors: burgundy/red and shades of green," she explains. "Chocolate brown is also trending. From oversized carry-all bags to large bucket bags and even slouchy leather totes, there are so many great styles and silhouettes to choose from."
"Leather totes are timeless," states Lindsey Bernay, a leading fashion expert, stylist and author. "With their soft structure, they are a chic, everyday accessory. Tote bags manage to be an evergreen fall handbag trend."
And this season, it's all in the details! "There’s extra emphasis on special detailing and a take on color with the classic silhouette we love. They’re a combination of utility and style, wrapped up in a fabulous leather (or vegan leather) or chic fabric package," explains Bernay.
What to look for while shopping for a leather tote bag
If you're searching for the perfect leather tote bag to match your favorite jacket and jeans, we are here to help. "Totes are still such an important item in people’s wardrobes, and I see two different kinds of consumers standing in two ends of the spectrum: the consumer that wants an empty container where they can 'dump' their belongings in; or the consumer who wants all sorts of pockets and compartments," explains Pillepich.
"Both consumers search for functionality, comfort and style in their own ways," he continues. "Specifically, leather totes have a more luxurious look. Leather is warm to the touch, and most importantly leather is durable; when it comes to sustainability it is critical to think about the longevity of the products we purchase, Pillepich says. "Leather products last a lifetime."
Singla agrees that durability and overall quality is imperative when it comes to investing in a classic tote. She breaks down five key characteristics to pay attention to when shopping for a leather tote bag:
- Quality of the leather is important: "You want a bag that is high quality and made from leather. It will feel softer and age better over time," she says.
- Size is key: "Think about how you will be using the tote. Is it a work tote or more for running errands and weekends. Do you need to fit a laptop or just your phone and an iPad?" Singla continues.
- Closure is so important: "I have clients looking for totes for work travel and for safety purposes they need one that has a zipper, snap or some kind of closure."
- Color: "Do you want a neutral color that will work everyday [sic] or something that is more bold and bright? The key is to make sure whatever color you select works complements your wardrobe," Singla recommends.
- Durability: "If you are in the city and commuting, I would recommend pebbled leather. A smooth leather will scratch easily and won’t be as practical. Also, consider the thickness and durability of the straps too. If you are planning to carry a lot in your bag then you will need straps that can withstand the daily wear," she suggests.
Faux leather vs. real leather
"How do you tell the difference between real leather and faux?" is a popular question that many consumers find themselves asking when shopping for a leather tote.
According to Pillepich, "faux leather is typically made with petroleum derivates (like PU and PVC, two different kinds of plastics) which have short product lifespans [and] stay in landfills for hundreds of years since they are not biodegradable, or it is made with plant-based materials, which are getting better and better in terms of performance and characteristics."
"Leather is warm to the touch, a natural insulator and water resistant and even a fire retardant: amazing characteristics when it comes to a natural material," states Pillepich.
The best leather tote bags, according to experts
Cost-effective option: Montana West Hobo Purse
- Soft
- Spacious
- Material may be thin
Colorways: 29 | Dimensions: 5” x 13” x 13” | Material: Obsidian leather
Bernay is a big fan of this hobo bag that comes with an adorable matching wallet. "The tassel detailing and shape of this obsidian black leather tote from Amazon make it sophisticated enough for any business meeting, while still being stylishly suited for an after-work soirée," she explains.
"The tote comes in several colors, but I recommend classic black or rich chocolate brown for a versatile and timeless look," says Bernay.
Expert pick: Melolila Large Woven Bag
- Stays on shoulder
- Holds a lot of items
- Some reviewers say it smells
Colorways: 9 | Dimensions: 9.8" x 3.7" x 6.3" | Material: PU leather
"I’m loving the gray color and woven design of this vegan leather tote," raves Bernay. "The tote is ideal for the woman on the go, with ample space for all your essentials. Plus, it comes with a small clutch that fits neatly inside the tote, so you can stay extra organized," she shares.
The everyday bag: Mango Shopper Bag with Buckle
- Stylish
- Adjustable handle
- Made of polyurethane
Colorways: 3 | Dimensions: 14.2" x 19.3" x 5.5" | Material: Polyurethane
Show up to brunch in style with this elegant tote from Mango. "The shopper style leaves plenty of space for your daily needs and the detachable long straps gives you versatility in how you carry it," suggests Bernay.
"Hand-carry or wear it crossbody, this is the tote that adapts to your day. The decorative buckle gives the tote a polished touch, making it a stylish accessory for your office wardrobe," she states.
The classic: Madewell The Essential Bucket Tote
- Stylish
- Adjustable shoulder strap
- Great quality
- Color may wear over time
Colorways: 7 | Dimensions: 14” x 10” x 6” | Material: Leather
Both Bernay and Singla recommend this trendy leather bucket tote from Madewell. "For a modern, minimalist vibe, the leather Madewell Bucket Tote is a durable and chic choice," says Bernay. "With an adjustable shoulder strap and a magnetic closure for easy access, the bucket tote is the functional pick for the person on the go. It comfortably fits your laptop with a roomy interior," she states.
Splurge option: Everlane The New Day Market Tote
- High quality
- Great for work
- Chic
- Pricey
Colorways: Three | Dimensions: 19” x 16 1/2” x 13” | Material: Bio-alloy and bio-PU leather alternative, viscose
This Everlane tote is another favorite bag of both Singla and Bernay. "This tote is a lightweight tote perfect for travel, weekend errands, and work," suggests Singla. "Its sleek 'leather' finish is simple and minimal making it perfect for so many different activities. It’s a new kind of leather made of Bio-Fabbrica Bio-Tex from non-GMO plant proteins."
"Burgundy shades are nothing new for fall, but they remain a well-loved seasonal staple. The Everlane New Day Market Tote pairs seamlessly with classic fall colors like navy, black and brown. This tote is made with a plant-based leather alternative for eco-friendly fashion," shares Bernay. While it is a bit of a splurge, you can currently score it at 60% off.
The best leather tote bags, tested by editors
Most budget-friendly: Dreubea Women's Soft Faux Leather Tote Bag
- Very roomy
- Soft material
- Not real leather
Colorways: 50+ | Dimensions: 15.7" x 11.4" x 4" | Material: Faux leather
Commerce writer Danielle Murphy tested this roomy tote which is a steal for only $16.99 on Amazon. "During a family lunch, my sister actually called it my 'Mary Poppins bag' since it holds a lot more than you’d think," shares Murphy. "I really love its spacious design because I tend to load my bag up in fear of forgetting something," she says.
Editor favorite: YLYYHH Leather Tote Bag
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Good quality
- Not real leather
Colorways: 11 | Dimensions: 18.9" x 10.0" x 5.9" | Material: Vegan leather
"I was on the hunt for the perfectly slouchy work bag that would fit a laptop (and other necessities) while still looking cute enough to take me through evenings and over the weekends," says commerce editor Vivien Moon. "Consider it the Goldilocks of bags, it’s not too big or too small, it fits what I need it to fit and it’s very affordable!" she explains.
"I’ve even worn it when getting caught in the rain and it kept my items dry which really saved me," shares Moon.
Great for the office: Mali + Lili Mia Mini Recycled Vegan Leather Crossbody Tote
- Removable strap
- Durable
- Stylish
- Not real leather
Colorways: 2 | Dimensions: 6.75" x 7.25" x 3.5" | Material: Vegan leather
"While I don’t have this exact style, mine is very similar and has become my go-to work bag when I need to amp up my look and have a lot of meetings and need to look professional," shares Moon.
"It has several pockets that make it easy to find what I need, and it also fits my laptop as well as several other essentials. The shoulder strap is the right length to fit comfortably and still be able to reach in in case I need anything in a pinch," she explains.
Family favorite: Kate Spade Outlet Perfect Large Tote
- Stylish
- Versatile
- Great quality
- Strap may be thin
Colorways: Three | Dimensions: 11.72” x 13.9” x 5.4” | Material: Refined grain leather
Believe it or not, my [Wise] mother, grandmother, aunt and older cousin all have this fashionable black tote from Kate Spade Outlet. It's safe to say this leather tote bag is a family favorite, due to its affordable price tag and sleek exterior. This trendy tote features multiple pockets, metal logo and handy dust bag for safe keeping.
Perfect for travel: Madewell The Zip-Top Medium Transport Tote
- Long-lasting
- Holds shape well
- Can be monogrammed
- Shows minor scuffing
- Can be hard to zip
Colorways: 1 | Dimensions: 14" to 19" shoulder drop | Material: Leather
Senior editor Jess Bender bought this bestselling tote bag after receiving a bonus back in 2019 and says it's still in her regular rotations five years later. "I thought the leather would show more signs of wear after constant use beyond minor scuffing on the outside, but its quality has remained over time," she shares.
"It can also hold a crazy amount of items inside — at one point I managed to fit a 13” laptop, a 26-ounce water bottle and a pair of flats in there with some room to spare," explains Bender.
The "bring your lunch to work" tote: Modern Picnic The Tote
- Stylish
- Very spacious
- Can store your lunch inside
- Pricey
Colorways: 5 | Dimensions: 13” x 16” x 7" | Material: Vegan leather
I [Wise] instantly fell in love with this Modern Picnic tote the minute I opened the box. Not only is it extremely durable, but it also holds absolutely everything, including my laptop, lunch (in the included insulated pouch), cell phone and makeup bag. Everywhere I go, people will stop me and ask where I got this bag. It's a showstopper for sure!
Frequently Asked Questions
Leather tote bags are a classic accessory to add to any outfit for fall. "Your handbag can streamline your whole outfit and be the perfect finishing touch," says Bartel. "It should also be practical and comfortable, which is why totes are always a great choice of accessory. In the fall and colder months, totes are the best for carrying your layers or gloves."
Yes, leather tote bags make a great travel companion. Singla says that a leather tote bag is a convenient and functional bag to carry on an airplane. "If you are wearing a more casual travel look like jeans and a cardigan or a matching jogger set then a more slouchy and soft leather tote is a great option," she explains.
If you're investing in a leather tote bag, you'll want to be sure not only that it lasts, but that it doesn't go out of style.
"I am positive that leather will still hold a prominent place in the fashion industry; however, we need to continuously find new places to use leather, innovate the product (leather) and the processes of leather making..." explains Pillepich.
How we chose the best leather tote bags
The Shop TODAY team rounded up the best leather tote bags by enlisting the recommendations of renowned stylists as well as the head of ECCO Leather Goods. We also asked our editors to share a few of their tried-and-true favorite leather totes as well.
Meet the experts
- Stefano Pillepich is the head of ECCO Leather Goods Unit & ECCO Leather Studio.
- Naina Singla is a fashion stylist and style expert. She specializes in curating capsule wardrobes focused on simplicity and versatility.
- Lindsey Bernay is a leading fashion expert, stylist and author of the book, "You Can’t Leave the House Naked."
