Tote, Satchel or Crossbody: Picking the Right Shape

The shape matters more than the colour. Start with what you carry.

Tote bags

Open, roomy, and usually the only shape that will take a laptop plus a folder plus a water
bottle. Choose a tote if you commute or carry work home. A structured body holds its shape when
half empty; a soft one collapses and looks tired.

Satchels and top-handle bags

Structured, closure on the front, held by a short handle or a shoulder strap. These read as
formal, which makes them right for meetings and dinners. They usually hold less than a tote — check
that your notebook and tablet actually fit before you commit.

Crossbody bags

Small, hands-free, worn on the strap. Ideal for weekends and travel. The limitation is capacity:
a phone, a cardholder, keys and lipstick is usually the ceiling. A flap with a turn-lock keeps
things secure when you are moving.

Clutches and evening bags

For occasions. A detachable chain lets one bag do double duty. If you only buy one evening bag,
choose a neutral colour — it will work with everything in your wardrobe.

If you are buying one bag

Look at the last week of your life and the last week of your bag. If you carry a laptop, buy a
tote. If you mostly carry a phone and a wallet, a crossbody will get more use than anything else
you own.