A person in a black turtleneck and black pants is holding a Saint Laurent Es Giant black leather travel bag with both hands. This timeless quilted tote adds an air of sophistication to the monochrome image, where the person's head is cropped out of the frame.

SAINT LAURENT

The Dress Edit

Designer Travel Essentials: Timeless Tote Bags I’m Bringing On Every Flight

 

Timeless tote bags make all the difference when it comes to travel, especially when they’re designer. As someone who spends a whole lot of time traveling, I’ve learned that a functional tote is a must-have. It’s not just about looking chic while you navigate through terminals; it’s about having a reliable piece that holds all your essentials. Overpacking can definitely on the itinerary sometimes, whereas short trips call for smaller pieces to keep you stylish. Whether it’s Saint Laurent you favor or Versace, timeless tote bags come in a range of shapes and sizes—here are the top designer pieces on my list.

A person with long blonde hair, wearing a headscarf and a denim button-up shirt, sits with a serious expression. They are holding a Versace white embellished leather tote bag in their lap. The shirt has a small tag with the word "VERSACE" on it, adding to the stylish ensemble that complements timeless tote bags perfectly.

VERSACE Embellished Leather Tote

A woman with straight dark hair wears a black suit with a white collared shirt. She holds a black Prada handbag over her shoulder and a Prada large black leather tote bag in her hand. The background is plain white.

PRADA Large Leather Hand Bag

Fashion Forward Tote Bags

 

When I think of timeless tote bags, I always think of Versace—like its medusa leather tote. This white mini tote captures the essence of luxury travel with its simple embellishments and a pristine leather finish. While not for long trips, this small piece is great for a quick flight or weekend getaway. The best part of these short travels is getting to dress how you wish. This bag is the reason I’ll ditch the sweats for the day—but only if I had the Proenza Schouler Ella midi dress and Valentino Garavani Fussfriend slides on-hand too. This ensemble is best for staying comfortable and looking extra luxe.

 

However, when it comes to combining ample space with sleek design, the Prada’s leather handbag stands out as a must-have travel essential. This tote’s generous size is perfect for accommodating all your necessities, making it the ideal personal item for longer flights. With this bag, I can effortlessly transition from the airport lounge to my destination, all while keeping my belongings organized and within reach. Just be sure to also peek at this Anthropologie sleeveless mini dress and Golden Goose Running Marathon suede sneakers. While this piece is on the more casual side, you can still put your style sense in the spotlight with timeless tote bags.

  • GIVENCHY Small Voyou Belted Leather Tote

    $1,700
  • BOTTEGA VENETA Andiamo Embellished Intrecciato Leather Tote

    $8,000
  • TOM FORD Whitney Large Glossed Croc-effect Leather Tote

    $4,990
  • PRADA Re-Nylon Tote Bag

    $2,350
  • PRADA Large Leather Hand Bag

    $3,150
  • BOTTEGA VENETA Small Andiamo Intrecciato Leather Top-Handle Bag

    $4,800
  • SAINT LAURENT Toy Shopping in Box Leather Bag

    $1,450
  • VERSACE Embellished Leather Tote

    $2,495
  • PRADA Small Leather Handbag

    $2,500
  • HERMÈS 2007 Birkin 30 Handbag

    $23,078
  • SAINT LAURENT Es Giant Travel Bag

    $4,900
  • CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Small Cabat Quilted Leather Tote

    $1,990
  • SAINT LAURENT Sac de Jour Leather Duffle Bag

    $3,550
  • CHLOÉ Marcie Leather Hobo Bag

    $2,190
  • SAINT LAURENT Niki Medium Crinkled Croc-effect Leather Tote

    $2,600

Simple Is Always The Best Option

 

If there’s one brand that deserves multiple places in this edit for its timeless tote bags, it’s Saint Laurent. The brand is one of the best to design practical, sophisticated styles that wear well beyond its release year. The Sac de Jour duffle bag in particular is a flawless choice for any of my business trips. Its sleek design and durable leather make it perfect for short flights, easily accommodating small electronics like my tablet. Plus, sleek styles like this one are a great excuse to wear the Givenchy belted midi dress and Gucci Horsebit flats (hot, right?) to the airport. I’m always looking for ways to elevate my look when I’m on the go.

 

Similar to any other everyday bag, the CHLOÉ Marcie hobo bag is a versatile piece that marries functionality with effortless chic. While it holds a lot, its color is what really has drawn me in. With the number of black totes I already own, it’s always refreshing to see a more neutral option. Soft leather styles like this always pair best with the Dôen Melinda dress and Gabriela Hearst Clover slides. Although, most of these timeless tote bags are truly versatile—they go with everything and anything.

Shop All Tote Bags

A person stands against a plain background, wearing a black lace camisole top and jeans. They hold a small black handbag with a shoulder strap in their left hand, embodying the elegance often associated with the Saint Laurent Sac de Jour black leather duffle bag. The image is in black and white.

SAINT LAURENT Sac de Jour Leather Duffle Bag

A person wearing a beige sweater and blue jeans is carrying a Chloé Marcie large neutral leather tote bag with gold hardware. The timeless tote bag is branded with the name "CELINE" near the bottom. The person is standing against a plain white background.

CHLOÉ Marcie Leather Hobo Bag

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