PHOTO CREDIT:
Karl Lagerfeld Tote, Designers Outlet

A solid tote is a ‘must-have’. I know no woman who would not consider her suite o’ bags seriously deficient without a solid tote. Whether it’s an ‘it’ bag is another matter altogether.

While there’s no denying the staying power of this bag trend, it has experienced changes in the past years. The rectangular and voluminous totes of 2 – 3 years ago are now quite passé.

In their wake, new styles have emerged, most notable being the Tote Satchel – those top handle totes with long satchel straps that will most certainly be carried like classic totes. And who can forget the winged totes of 2014 and 2015, or the small, square totes of fall 2015?

These days, small bags are all the rage. Bag designers have resorted to shrinking the big totes of yesteryear into smaller, cuter sizes that are, in most cases, no less functional than their bigger forebears.

Of particular note is the trending tapered and petite tote. These are tote bags that are shaped like a trapezoid, having a pair of parallel sides and a pair of sides that seem to be converging at the top.

While some designers opt for subtle tapering, making their totes as rectangular as possible, others have gone for a more tapered silhouette, making the top of their totes significantly narrower than the bottom. These tapered totes are generally very stylish and striking. They hint more of classic, feminine charm than functional prowess.

Honestly however, I find very tapered totes a bit problematic. They’ll take some getting used to for people like me who prefer wide, winged totes that gulp files and books with ease.

All that aside, I have spotted a few beautiful totes which have long since been added to my list of favourites. Take a look and like this post if you agree….