Tote or Basket in Spring? Which One to Choose

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Tote or basket in spring? If you love handbags and enjoy choosing your bag according to the season, then it’s likely you’ve already asked yourself this question. 

With the arrival of beautiful days, summer bags for women are making their way back into our closets. Among the most well-known are the tote and the basket.

In fact, they are often confused.

However, they have distinct characteristics and are worn differently in a spring look.

So, how do you choose between a tote and a basket? How can you be sure to select the spring accessory you won’t regret?

Answers in this article with the match: the tote versus the basket. 

Tote or basket in spring? The main differences

The tote: the iconic spacious bag

A tote is a spacious and practical handbag made from either canvas or leather. It is characterized by its long handles, allowing it to be easily carried on the shoulder. Unlike a classic handbag, the tote can hold many everyday items. Therefore, it is perfect for individuals who need a functional bag for their daily activities.

Moreover, it is a highly favored bag in spring. Because it is spacious, it can be used to transport items such as light jackets, umbrellas, sunglasses, or beauty products to prepare you for all the changing weather conditions of spring.

Additionally, since the tote is often made from lightweight materials such as canvas or soft leather, it is easy to carry and won’t weigh you down on warmer days. 

Finally, besides being practical, the tote is also very trendy. It comes in various colors and patterns, making it an ideal fashion accessory for spring. High fashion houses know how to make it their own. For example, the French brand Longchamp is known for its brightly colored coated cotton totes, perfect for the season. The American brand Tory Burch also offers soft leather totes adorned with floral patterns or colorful stripes, making them perfect for spring. The British brand Anya Hindmarch features playful leather totes with fun details, such as smileys or heart shapes, adding a whimsical touch to spring.

The basket: the timeless wicker bag

A basket is a woven wicker or rattan bag, often associated with a bohemian and summery style. Unlike other handbags, the basket is more casual and lightweight, making it perfect for spring activities such as picnics, trips to the market, or the beach.

But the basket is also very practical for carrying items or even fruits, vegetables, books, etc.

Furthermore, the basket is also a trendy bag for spring. It has become very popular on the fashion scene in recent years due to its retro charm and bohemian style. Popularized by fashion icons of the 70s like Jane Birkin and Brigitte Bardot, baskets are now being reinterpreted by fashion brands and labels. Designers are now offering contemporary versions with trendy details such as embroidery, pom-poms, or even fringes.

How to choose between a tote or a basket as a spring bag?

In what context do I want to use my spring bag?

This question may seem surprising, but depending on the context, location, or your activities, the choice of bag will vary.

For example, for a daytime spring outing, the ideal bag will be one that blends in with the surroundings. Imagine a flower bed, picnic blankets, ice cream stands, the sea breeze, or the fruit and vegetable stalls at the market. All of this calls for understated and natural materials. For this environment, we lean towards a canvas or wicker bag. A basket or a canvas tote for spring will be perfect.

They will give you the opportunity to do your shopping, settle at a café terrace with your favorite book, lounge by the sea, etc., all while adopting a seasonal, fresh, and light style.

On the other hand, if you plan an evening outing or want to dress in a more polished or chic way for the office or a meeting, the leather tote will appeal to you. Spacious, elegant, and minimalist, this refined bag fits perfectly with a more understated spring outfit. You can choose from a variety of shapes: square, elongated, rectangular, as well as sizes: small, large, XXL, or even mini.

What style do I prefer?

It is evident that the tote and the basket each have their own style and aesthetics. Here’s how to differentiate them.

The tote can be found in canvas or leather.

The canvas tote inevitably reminds us of vacations. With its canvas fabric and natural colors, it adds lightness to an outfit without neglecting style. We love it square, with leather details or embroidery that brings a hint of aesthetics. In this version, it pairs perfectly with a seasonal outfit composed of a lovely spring dress or a combo of jeans, white t-shirt, and clogs, one of the star shoes of spring. The leather tote, on the other hand, sports a stricter and cooler style, but due to its elegance and large volume, it is a great choice for spring. In XXL or mini versions, it can be worn during the day, but also in the evening in a crossbody style. In this case, it pairs perfectly with a more chic and polished outfit.

And what about the wicker bag? It evokes markets, seaside strolls, and sunny days. Its spirit is relaxed but very feminine. It can be found in a 100% wicker version or more elegantly with leather details.

Tote versus basket: a selection of bags by Modalova

The canvas tote 

The leather tote

The basket

You have reached the end of this article. As you can see, both the tote and the basket are perfect handbags for spring. Choosing between the tote or the basket ultimately comes down to a personal choice based on style preference, but above all, context.  

💡 And if you want to take advantage of spring to refresh your wardrobe, don’t miss our tips on how to twist a spring look.