The latest tote bags for work, play and everything else

There will be days when a small bag — like a mini bucket bag, is just what you need. Shove in a handful of necessities such as handphone, keys, wallet and lipstick for touch-ups and out the door you go. There are other days that a small bag just won’t cut it. We need the extra space for the laptop, makeup bag, purse, keys, phone, notebook, stationery and perhaps a extra pair of shoes. Just the sound of these items alone sounds pretty heavy, and all you need is a bag that can fit all of the above.

Here comes the tote bags. They’re a bit of everything — work, casual and even for travelling if you’re going for a short staycation. Most totes are also very durable even though they are made out of the lightest material. And that’s the reassurance we need as we start putting more (and more) things into the bag — and don’t worry about the straps giving way.

However, there’s one misconception about tote bags: convenient but not exactly the most fashionable. But your perception of tote bags is about the change with our recommendations below.