A Fashion Ode to The Black Tote Bag
If there is one fashion essential that everybody should have, that is the black tote bag. As basic as it may sound, it offers a colorful array of possibilities. It can come in many shapes and sizes, under different shades and a variety of textures. Also, there is no outfit that a black tote cannot complement and elevate. Discover ten stylish ways to wear this fashion icon and take a quick peek at our interpretation of the item.
Wardrobe Essentials
Every wardrobe should house a couple of essentials, which include a little black dress, a pair of jeans, plain white shirt and so on. However, a black tote bag is leading the pack. The many variations under which the item can present itself offer a plethora of possibilities. As you will see in our next section, a simple charcoal tote can be the final touch that elevates a casual outfit and can add some grit to a classy one. The fact remains that it effortlessly matches any style.
Blank vs. Customized Black Tote Bags
What is more, although the classic version is a solid black tote bag, of course, you can spice things up a bit and customize it to your liking. Explore the many personalization options that are available to you and pick one based on fabric characteristics and personal preference. Chromatically, there are three main paths to take: keep things monochrome, make them black and white, or add a pop of color.
A monochrome design is always a sophisticated alternative. It plays on shades (base color and black), tones (base color and gray), and tints (base color and white) to create a more in-depth image. Also, there will be no risk of color being a distraction from the design itself. Therefore, the execution must be flawless.
If you opt for black and white visuals, you will create a striking, high-impact tote bag. The contrasting pairing will certainly attract the eye of the beholder as you walk down the street. However, when styling your look, a black and white tote is something to keep an eye on. Try to keep the rest of your clothes rather simple, and do not opt for an outfit that is too matchy unless you wish to make a strong personal statement.
A pop of color can be a refreshing deviation or just another element to worry about. This, however, is determined by your styling. Feel free to experiment until you are at ease with your choices. The charcoal background will easily make any colors seem brighter and will offer depth to the design.
Either way, if you decide to personalize a charcoal bag, we strongly encourage you to save at least a simple version. Printed bags, no matter how simple or well-designed they are, limit your styling options, while blank totes offer free reign.
How to Wear a Black Tote Bag in Style
Simple as it may be, a plain black tote offers unlimited styling options. You can easily play with size, texture, structure, fabric, and so many more elements. In the highlighted looks, we have tried to focus on high-end styling alternatives that are easy to replicate.
1. A Black Leather Tote Bag With a Casual Outfit
This effortless outfit goes to show that a black leather tote bag not only matches any look but also elevates it. While the caramel coat, the pink turtle neck, blue flannel shirt, black pencil pants, and brown boots might seem like a complete mess at a first glance, the small tote somehow brings it all together.
2. Keep Things Simple With a Minimalist Outfit
Simplicity equals elegance. This simple but very stylish outfit features a dark smoky caramel trench coat and a smooth black tote with a pop of neutral color on the sides. This small detail beautifully blends with the trench, making the visuals cohesive. Also, notice how the texture of both items highlights one another.
3. Boho Chic All the Way
If you are a lover of anything boho, a black oversized tote bag is a must-have fashion accessory. This outfit is a stunning play on black/white and nudes. A simple oversized white shirt and some baggy dark gray pants make for a casual combination. While the large nude scarf leisurely thrown over one shoulder adds a true bohemian feel. The black shoes with beige decorations pull all the elements together, and the big black tote bag adds a nice shine to the final look.
4. All Black Oversized Outfit
The striking thing about this look is that all the components are oversized. The T-shirt is too baggy; the pants are at least three sizes too large, and the perfect large black tote bag completes the look. In fact, the ruby red elegant slippers might be the only size-appropriate item. Nevertheless, it works! All these elements come together in harmony to create a cool look that has a mix of breezy Paris intertwined with the grit of New York.
5. All Black With Different Textures
This is a perfect example of a play on textures. The fact that it is all in black only highlights the details of each element, like the folds of the skirt, the decoupage pattern of the black tote bag, and the jeweled sandals. When going for a monochrome look, it is always a great idea to focus on a different aspect and play with that (like different fabrics, textures, or shapes).
6. Keep Things Casual With a Large Black Tote Bag
For the modern on-the-go girls, a spacious tote is a wardrobe essential. It can easily mix and match with any outfit and can effortlessly transition from casual to classy. Even if you put on something as simple as a dark gray T-shirt with a print and skinny black jeans, a big black tote will add a note of class. That is one of the great things about the item, it does not tend to overpower an outfit, it seamlessly blends in and upgrades it.
7. Stay Minimalist and Add a Big Black Tote Bag
Another great minimalist look that highlights the simple, yet beautifully crafted big black tote bag. Its material adds a welcome shine to the otherwise matt outfit, while the color secures the final shade in this white to black gradient look. Notice the thin elegant shoulder straps. This detail adds summery ease and a classiness to the product.
8. Black and White Look With a Black Tote Bag
A similar play on white to black gradient. This look is, however, a classier interpretation. The white sleeveless T-shirt is swapped for a simple long sleeve shirt, while the pants are slightly lighter and more form-fitting. Also, the tote bag is of a smaller size and narrower. This is a perfect office look that will have your colleagues talking. It is a quiet outfit that makes a loud impression.
9. Edgy All-Black Look With a Large Black Tote Bag
This all-black outfit plays with fabrics. It is an overall street-style composition with a kick of classy edge. A pair of dark jeans are matched with a shiny black leather jacket. It might sound pretty basic up to now, but the black tote bag is what takes this look to the next level. The slightly worn feel makes it appear cool and casual. The whole ensemble gives off a simply charming nonchalant vibe.
10. Artsy Outfit With a Structured Black Tote Bag
We close our top 10 looks with this artsy and impactful outfit. A simple, straight black dress with slightly baggy sleeves is paired with an edgy geometrical shaped tote bag. This is a perfect example of how to play with the shape when dressed all in black. The only pop of color is the nude handles of the bag. Not having any shoulder straps, the tote becomes even more intriguing.
The Black Tote Bag: Lookbook
It is truly impressive under how colorful a variety of designs the black tote can present itself. We consider the item to be a true fashion essential and have played with different interpretations. Here is our homage to this fashion icon:
1. Economical 100% Cotton Reusable Black Tote Bag
Since we focus on making sustainable fashion affordable and accessible, we will kick things off with this budget-friendly 100% cotton reusable black tote bag. The strong fabric is further reinforced at stress points for added durability. This means that you can carry heavy loads with this standard-size bag without the material tearing.
2. Over-The-Shoulder Cotton Twill Big Black Tote Bag
Staying in the realm of cotton, we present a slightly larger version of the classical black tote bag with over-the-shoulder straps for more comfort. The strength of cotton combined with our stress-point stitching technique makes this bag ready to serve your shopping needs for years to come. The item is available at a wholesale price. Also, if you would like to customize it, click the With Logo button on the product page and send us the image you would like printed or embroidered.
3. Polyester Beach Tote Bag
This large black tote bag can take you anywhere, not just the beach. The rather large size of it makes it easy to fill with all the belongings you wish to carry along with you. The polyester fabric benefits from heavy vinyl backing that further extends its life cycle. The solid black easily matches with a wide range of looks, and you can even use this to recreate a number of the outfit ideas from our previous section. For tips and tricks on cleaning a polyester tote bag, follow up on our blog post.
4. Easy-to-Decorate Affordable Felt Tote Bag
This is a slightly different take on the black tote bag. The polyester felt fabric offers the item a unique textured look and feel. The grey-on-black color blocking further elevates the product. While it has plenty of room to safely hold everything you need, it is also very durable. There are two models available, charcoal/gray and charcoal/black (and as a side note, we also have a version with a bright pop of charge green).
5. Polyester Big Black Tote Bag With Large Zip Compartment
We close our short product presentation with this large-sized charcoal black tote bag. It slightly deviates from the simple standard versions, as it has a couple of more design elements to it, like the delicate white parallel seams on the side. The casual look makes the bag easily blend in with any outfit combination, from classy to casual and everything in between. There is even a front zippered compartment where you can place items to which you need easy access. Made out of polyester and equipped with heavy vinyl backing, this bag will be your long-term fashion companion on many adventures.
You Can’t Go Wrong With a Black Tote Bag
There is no miss when it comes to this fashion icon. A black tote is always the perfect accessory. Feel free to stock up on items of different sizes, textures, prints, or shapes to add versatility to your styling options. Another great thing about this is that it is not a seasonal fad; a charcoal tote is just as in during summer as winter. Black is truly evergreen.