No wardrobe is complete without this staple style.
Every item on this page was chosen by a Town & Country editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Small Leather Backpack
There's a time and a place for a crossbody bag, statement red designer purse, and chic hobo, but the humble black leather tote? Now, that's what I call the MVP of a woman's wardrobe. There's always a good moment to wear one. Carry it while running errands, make it your personal item bag for traveling, take it with you to the office and then to that post-work dinner—no matter what you're wearing, it's a staple style that can truly go everywhere and anywhere without any hesitation.
The issue with finding the best leather black tote bag, though? There are wayyyy too many options on the internet to sift through. Add in the various similar styles and all the different price points, the shopping process can feel even more confusing. Fortunately, because I am a shopping editor, I have some opinions on the ones that are actually worth the investment. Whether you're in need of a new work bag or you're finally ready to splurge on a designer tote, these are the over-the-shoulder carriers you'll rely on for years to come.
Simply put, this black leather tote is as functional as black leather tote bags get. I capital L love this Cuyana tote. The epitome of a goes-with-everything kind-of-bag, it has the classic silhouette of a tote with a slightly slouchy look, zipper for extra security, and an oh-so buttery pebbled leather exterior that's durable and easy to clean.
As for the interior? An organized person's dream! It's my go-to work bag and often the one I grab when I need to carry a lot of things but still want to look polished.
I'm not the only fan either: Deputy Digital Lifestyle Director Roxanne deemed it her Tried & True earlier this year. She wrote, "None of the details on the bag feel flimsy. The zipper is sturdy, the gold hardware has weight and heft. There's no stone left unturned. As a result, this tote comes across as much more expensive than it actually is."
Dimensions: H 12.3 in. x W 21.6 in. x D 5.1 in
Now this is a bag that lives up to its name. Made from soft Italian calf leather, this minimally-designed bag was made to fit all your daily essentials (laptop, wallet, keys—you name it) and then some. I also love how it has a red interior for added interest. It's a surefire way to make you stand out in a sea of black leather bags during your subway commutes.
One reviewer raves: "I've held out for an 'adult' professional bag for a long time. I looked at all the popular luxury brands but loved the modest branding and the softness and durability that this bag offered. I also adore the pop of red of the inside. It's a great size for carrying my architectural drawings, note book and pens."
Dimensions: 21.5 in W x 11.8 in H x 9 in D
Maybe you're in the market for a black leather tote that's a little less traditional? DeMellier elevates the beloved style with a fun trapezoidal shape, elegant gold hardware, and an utterly chic croc-embossed leather exterior. I also like to wear it to the office, but it looks even chicer in the crook of my arms as I'm mingling at back-to-back post-work events.
Also noteable: Beyond the design, this thing is meant to hold a ton (without weighing a ton!). Just to give you an idea: I'm able to fit my 13-inch laptop and charger, notebook, cosmetic case, and snacks, and even then it's not even packed. There's also two deep compartments that come in handy for my smaller essentials.
Dimensions: 22.1 in W x 10.7 in H x 5.5 in D
For an understated style that screams quiet luxury, who better to turn to than The Row? This vertically-shaped grained tote is ridiculously spacious thanks to its elongated silhouette and features a simple strap that looks chic as heck when thrown over your shoulder. Wear it for a weekend brunch or bring it along with you for a date night—there's never a wrong occasion for this beauty.
Dimensions: 13 in x 11 in x 6 in
Who says black leather totes need to be plain and simple? Bottega's iconic oversized Intrecciato weaving adds fun flair to an otherwise understated design.
Dimensions: 14.5 in W x 9.75 in H x 6 in D
Inspired by Jackie Kennedy's equally-as-stylish younger sis, Lee Radziwill, this Tory Burch purse with contrast camel suede is dressy enough to carry for your evening events, yet is still effortlessly cool and not too over-the-top to wear with your day-to-day ensembles. As T&C contributor Lauren Hubbard puts it, the Double Bag is "the perfect combination of soft and structured to make it a do-it-all for day and night."
Dimensions: 12 in H x 12.6 in L x 6.2 in D
The perfect unstructured bag doesn't exi... oh wait, it actually does. Inspired by the fluidity of a scarf, Khaite's rounded carrier has an absurdly roomy main compartment and an extremely lightweight construction that you can rely on for running errands, dinner dates, and beyond.
Dimensions: 16 in L x 16 in W x 9.6 in D
This Madewell tote boasts over 1,000 reviews and average 5 stars—and it's not hard to see why. It has a super roomy main compartment that holds a bunch, as well as a massive exterior pocket for easy access to your belongings, and it comes with a detachable shoulder strap should you prefer carrying it as a crossbody bag. But the pièce de résistance? It's under $200, making it a budget-friendly option that's 100% worth every penny.
One reviewer raves: "I have never made a better purchase than this bag. I've carried it every single day since I bought it almost two years ago - no exaggeration - and it has stood up to everything I can think of. No signs of wear on the straps or stitching despite carrying laptops, books, flowers, water bottles, lunch, etc., and even being subjected to plane travel and rainy bike rides. So versatile and stylish that strangers ask where its from."
Dimensions: 12 1/4 in H x 11 in W x 5 1/2 in D
I like to think of the YSL Sac De Jour as the big girl bag of black leather totes. It has a perfectly boxy shape that's sophisticated as can be and an amply-sized interior that can fit oh-so much without feeling overly heavy on your shoulders. Oh, and that high-gloss finish? Beyond.
Dimensions: 12.5 in x 10 in x 6.1 in
This tote may be mini, but it certainly packs serious sartorial punch. Between the structured shape and the antique gold-toned handles, everything about this bag screams elegance. It even comes with detachable removable straps to wear as a crossbody.
Dimensions: 7.9 in W x 6.3 in H x 3.9 in D
Another designer bag worthy of investment, this Saffiano leather Prada tote with a fiery red interior will add an instant dose of effortless sophistication to any outfit. Wear with your favorite fall dress and slouchy boots or pair it with a white button down shirt and pencil skirt—either way, the purse will look chic no matter what you wear it with.
Dimensions: 23 cm H x 31 cm W x 14 cm L
The perforated details, the scalloped edges, the soft leather, the airy feel... ohhh, this tote is good. Like really good. It's the perfect middle ground between work tote and beach bag.
Dimensions: 9.4"H x 12.6"W x 6.3"D
Forget about what Tom Wambsgans said about "ludicrously capacious bags" in season 4 of Succession. This boxy Smythson has all the trimmings of a good oversized tote, yet it's sleeker and more sophisticated. It's particularly ideal for traveling since it boasts an extremely roomy interior for your belongings and long tubular straps that feel comfortable over your shoulder. Aside from that? It's got Kate Middleton's stamp of approval. And that should be enough to convince you!
Dimensions: 14 in W x 11 in H x 5.9 in D
Looking for a purse that can hold everything and the kitchen sink? Allow us to introduce you to Polène's take on the classic black leather tote. It has boat-shaped design that can truly carry it all and straps that can be held over the shoulders, in the elbows, or in your hands.
Dimensions: 32 cm x 38 cm x 17 cm
The coolest thing about this bag? During the day, you can use it as a work tote (it's big enough to hold a 13" laptop) and for evening events? That's where the fun starts. You can remove the strap cradle and convert it into an oversized fold-over clutch. Game-changer.
One reviewer writes: "I LOVE this bag!! It is such high quality, with thick straps and beautiful leather. The bag fits securely within the straps but also easily converts to the clutch component, without any hassle. It's the perfect size for work while the clutch is great for going out. Magnetic closure is a great touch as well."
Dimensions: 12"L x 16"W x 6"D
Sophie Dweck is the associate shopping editor for Town & Country, where she covers beauty, fashion, home and décor, and more.
New York Fashion Week Fall 2024 Parties
Shop Sarah Bray Bermuda x Tuckernuck Sun Hats
An Alternative for a Fashion-Favorite Knit
The Weekly Covet: Valentine's Day Gifts
A Review of Gwyneth Paltrow's Ski Trial Cardigan
Swimsuits That Flatter Every Body & Age
Driving Shoes Are Making a Comeback
The 20 Best Finds from Nordstrom's Winter Sale
The King’s Foundation Announces Partnership
A Look at Moncler Grenoble Fall Winter 2024 Show
Polomi Celebrates US Partnership with Kirna Zabête
All the Looks From the Grammys Red Carpet
A Part of Hearst Digital Media
We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back.
Leather Notebook ©2024 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.