There’s been a serious case of Honey, I Shrunk the Handbag in the land of fashion over the last year or two, with everything from crossbodies to baguettes getting the shrink-ray treatment. Remember Jacquemus’s Le Chiquito bag (“bag” being a generous term here), that could barely fit a 50-pence piece, let alone a phone? Remarkably, these micro purses have been selling out in droves. Well, I say enough is enough. While I can appreciate the dainty stylings of a shoulder bag or the neat proportions of a clutch as much as the next person, I simply can’t get on board with the clickbait appeal of the nano bag.
If, like me, you’re desperate for an antidote to all this impractical fashion, let me introduce you to the macro tote, aka your new bag best friend. It can fit roughly 30 Le Chiquitos in it and embodies the saying “the bigger, the better” thanks to its roomy interiors and generous proportions. Purse, keys, phone? That’s nothing—these bags will fit your lunch box, water bottle, book, hairbrush, etc. Essentially, everything except the kitchen sink.
If this isn’t enough, the macro tote is also so easy to buy on a budget, as there are so many expensive-looking iterations floating around on the high street. Arket and H&M’s are looking particularly chic with their clean, minimalistic designs that will make any outfit look instantly more premium. If your budget is a little more generous, I’d recommend Dragon Diffuson’s woven tote, which stands out with its intricate leather plaiting. Or for a logo-clad showpiece, you can’t go wrong with a Chloé shopper—maybe don’t use it for the weekly groceries shop, though.
Scroll down to see and shop my edit of the best macro bags. Trust me—you won’t regret it.
Style Notes: As a minimalist, Sylvie has gone for a classic timeless black tote bag. It’ll never fail to look effortlessly chic, no matter the season, year or even decade you wear it in.
Style Notes: Proving bigger is better, Annemiek is rarely seen without this glossy chocolatey brown bag.Suddenly, the classic shopper is looking a whole lot more stylish—especially when paired with stripped-back separates.
A thing of beauty.
Because we all know it’s the colour of the season.
When I tell you this tote is supersized, I mean it! It’s so big, you could probably use it as an overnight bag, too.
The perfect everyday bag with its double straps.
The shape, the colour—Polène is a go-to for the best mid-price bags.
This has reached high-street icon status.
Canvas totes are just so seasonless.
Everyone on our team wants (or already owns) this JW Anderson tote.
These woven wonders aren’t just for the warmer months.
I’d love to own a Saint Laurent tote.
This versatile tote also comes in thirteen other colours.
The Row only creates forever bags.
Because chocolate brown is the new black this season.
Of all the designer totes out there this, this one is always one of the most in-demand.
Yes, I’m already thinking ahead to spring.
This bag is all about the silhouette.
All about the shape.
This chic style comes in a whole host of other colours and prints.
Ending on a high. Who wouldn’t want a Loewe tote in their handbag collection?
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