The Black Tote Is The 2023 Handbag Trend That Refuses To Go Out Of Style

Handbags are an essential part of an everyday wardrobe. While vibrant and unique handbags are fun for a few wears, everyone needs a classic bag that goes with every look. For most of us, it is a black bag. With many of us on the go and always needing our laptops, keys, and more, it is no surprise that we are shifting towards using a black tote bag. It simply stays in style no matter the season and can pair well with any aesthetic.

"Tote bags have been a classic accessory for decades and continue to be a popular choice for carrying all your essentials. Originally designed as a utilitarian bag for carrying groceries and other items, tote bags have evolved into a fashion statement," says influencer Melissa Meyers to Who What Wear. Seasonless bags that still have a variety of options in how to wear them are hard to come by, which is why the black tote bag will never leave the fashion scene.

Canvas tote bags are a casual take on the classic black tote bag but perhaps the most popular variation. One reason Marc Jacobs's The Tote Bag exploded in popularity was due to social media. Released in 2019, the bag has continuously been a bestseller for the brand. It and other canvas totes are often sold at a more affordable price than leather, making it an easy choice if you are looking to hop on the black tote trend.

In a CNBC interview, Thomaï Serdari, professor of marketing and director of the fashion and luxury program at NYU's Stern School of Business, says that quiet luxury is "the complete lack of logos and anything too conspicuous." As quiet luxury trends, it is only right that the blank, black leather tote would be essential in the wardrobe of its connoisseurs.

Croc-embossed bags look expensive and timeless, which is why embossing is an effect used time and time again. "It's subtle but chic, and brings an element of luxury to your look. Plus, it's a timeless look which also means one worth investing in," says Shopbop's fashion director Caroline Maguire when speaking to The Zoe Report about the croc effect. When you add the effect to a classic black tote, you are creating a luxury-appearing bag that will truly stand the test of time.

Quilted totes are seasonless and pair back well with any casual outfit. They are great for those on the go, especially if they are lightweight and water-resistant. Many brands provide black quilted totes that meet all those requirements. MZ Wallace and Vee Collective are just two examples of sustainable brands that make black, quilted totes perfect for everyday use.

Often, a classic black tote is immediately thought of as an east-west bag, but there are many north-south variations that have the same effect. With a longer height and shorter width, these bags often carry the same amount of items. This style is a unique take on a classic bag type.

If quiet luxury isn't quite your style, you can still hop on the black tote bag look. Plenty of designer brands have made their logos known on a black tote. Instagram fashion influencer Ama Godson shared a look with her black tote covered in the Fendi logo, proving that this classic bag can have a trendy designer twist.