As Usual, the Fashion Crowd Was Early to the Trader Joe’s Tote Bag Phenomenon

The bag was spotted on Dara at the fall 2022 readytowear shows.
The bag was spotted on Dara at the fall 2022 ready-to-wear shows.Photographed by Phil Oh

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Are you also anxiously waiting for the Trader Joe’s mini tote to come back in stock? The tote bag has gone so viral, people in countries without the presence of the grocery store are begging Americans to ship it to them. The humble canvas tote bag continues to be a must-have in every fashion lover’s closet. It is affordable, practical, and looks good no matter the occasion—from the beach to a fashion show.  The best part is that it can also even be personalized; wear yours with a classic monogram embroidery or experiment with funny words or even pins and patches. Scroll through for the best boat totes in street style here. 

New York, spring 2022 ready-to-wear

Photographed by Phil Oh

In 2012, GQ came out with its version of a boat tote. Printed on a camouflage, water-resistant canvas, the bag became an instant hit among menswear aficionados.  New York, fall 2017 menswear

Photographed by Phil Oh

Rather than your classic embroidered monogram, this street styler experimented with patch on initials.  Florence, spring 2024 menswear

Photographed by Acielle / StyleDuMonde

Florence, spring 2024 menswear

Photographed by Acielle / StyleDuMonde

Florence, spring 2024 menswear

Photographed by Acielle / StyleDuMonde

Vogue’s Alex Harrington with his mini boat tote at Paris Fashion Week. Paris, fall 2024 ready-to-wear.

Photographed by Phil Oh

The best part about the L.L. Bean tote is the variety of sizes it comes in, from mini to ultra maxi.  New York, spring 2020 ready-to-wear

Photographed by Phil Oh

Shop more tote bags, below.

L.L. Bean

Boat and Tote open-top bag

Rue De Verneuil

Cruise small canvas bucket bag

x Steele waterproof tote

Proenza Schouler White Label

Twin striped canvas tote

Rue De Verneuil

large tweed-canvas tote bag

L.L. Bean

Boat and Tote zip top