Big Bag Energy: The elevated totes you need in your life

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Elevated tote bags
(Image credit: @tinevcb, Getty images)

The AW24 catwalks have called it: mini bags are officially out! This season, it's all about the BBE (that's bag bag energy if you didn't know) and that means ditching silly bags that don't fit much more than your phone and instead embracing all things oversized when it comes to arm candy.

And right now, it's looking like the celebrities agree, Jennifer Lawrence, Bella Hadid and Katie Holmes have all been spotted out and about with supersized totes on their arms in recent months, a clear signal this is not a fashion drill.

@lisonseb carrying elevated tote bag

This season, however, any old tote bag just won’t do, as elevated styles are reigning supreme. Think leather fabrications, upgraded detailing like quilting and woven designs and understated logos. Jennifer Lawrence’s tote bag of choice from Loewe is the perfect example of the new tote wave. Made of soft yet durable leather, the geometric puzzle design is understated yet iconic. Plus, it cleverly folds flat with an origami inspired design for easy storage when you're not using it, offering the perfect combination of practicality and style.

If Loewe isn't for you, you are probably already well aware of the love affair we're currently having with The Row's Margaux. Their suede holdall is the only bag to be carrying right now while Khaite's Amelia is the must-have leather style.

While simple styles reign supreme, the new tote bag wave doesn’t mean logo designs are totally off the table either. Celine’s Triomphe print tote proves statement totes are still most definitely in style, while the influencer-approved Miu Miu Ivy, taps into the elevated mood without hiding their designer credentials.

Ellie Delphine with an elevated tote bag

(Image credit: @slipintostyle)

So, if you’re ready to say goodbye to your mini bag, scroll on for our edit of the most stylish elevated tote bags to shop now.

Shop the best tote bags

Jazzria Harris
Freelance Fashion & Beauty Writer

Jazzria Harris is a freelance fashion and beauty journalist with over 8 years experience working in the industry. At just 4ft 11, she’s an expert in petite dressing and previously wrote the column Jazz’s Short Stories giving tips and advice on dressing for petite proportions. Her wardrobe staples are a great black blazer, a hardworking slip skirt and of course a great pair of heels (for the extra inches, of course). Jazz has written for publications including ELLE UK, heat magazine, Eliza, Women & Home and more.

With contributions from