Tote or Basket in Spring? Which One to Choose

Tote or basket in spring? If you love handbags, and above all love to choose your bag according to the season, then you’ve probably already asked yourself this question. 

With the arrival of the warmer weather, summer bags for women are a pleasure to reintroduce into our closets. Among the most well-known are the

Indeed, they are often confused.

However, they have very 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 choose the spring accessory you won’t regret?

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

Tote or basket in spring? The main differences

The tote: the iconic with large volumes

A tote is a spacious and practical handbag that can be found in canvas or leather. It is characterized by its long handles that allow easy shoulder carrying. Unlike a classic handbag, the tote can hold many everyday items. It is therefore perfect for people who need a functional bag for their daily activities.

In fact, it is a bag that is highly sought after in spring. As it is spacious, it can be used to carry items such as light jackets, umbrellas, sunglasses, or beauty products to help you prepare for the changing weather conditions of spring.

Then, as the tote is often made from light materials such as canvas or soft leather, it is easy to carry and will not weigh you down during the warmer days. 

Finally, in addition to being practical, the tote is also very trendy. It comes in various colors and patterns, making it an ideal fashion accessory for spring. And high fashion houses know how to appropriate it. For example, the French brand Longchamp is known for its canvas totes in bright colors, which are perfect for the season. The American brand Tory Burch also offers soft leather totes, adorned with floral patterns or colorful stripes, which are perfectly suited for spring. And the British brand Anya Hindmarch offers fun leather totes with amusing details, such as smileys or heart-shaped patterns, for a touch of whimsy in spring.

The basket: the timeless wicker bag

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

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

But the basket is also a trendy bag in 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 1970s like Jane Birkin and Brigitte Bardot, baskets today are revisited by fashion brands and labels. Designers now offer contemporary versions with trendy details such as embroidery, pompoms, 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 not be the same.

For example, for a daytime spring outing. The ideal bag will be the one that blends in most with the surroundings. Imagine a bed of flowers, gingham tablecloths, ice cream stands, the spray of the sea, or the stalls of fruits and vegetables at the market. All this calls for sober and natural materials. For this environment, you would then choose a canvas or wicker bag. The basket or the canvas tote for spring will suit perfectly.

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

On the other hand, if you plan a night out or to dress in a more polished or chic version to go to the office or a meeting, the leather tote will appeal to you. Spacious, elegant, and minimalist, this refined bag fits perfectly into a more sober spring outfit. You have the choice between a variety of shapes: square, elongated, rectangular, but also sizes: small, large, XXL, or even mini.

Which style do I prefer?

It is clear that the tote and the basket each have their own style and aesthetic. Here’s how we can differentiate them.

The tote, we find it in canvas or leather.

The canvas tote inevitably reminds us of vacations. With its canvas fabric and natural colors, it brings lightness to an outfit without neglecting style. We love it square, with leather details or embroidery that add a touch of aestheticism. In this version, it perfectly complements a seasonal outfit composed of a pretty 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 more strict and cold style, but due to its elegance and large volume, it is a good choice for spring. In XXL or mini version, it is worn during the day, but also in the evening in a shoulder strap version. In this case, it perfectly matches a more chic and polished outfit.

And what about the wicker bag? It smells of markets, seaside walks, and sunny days. Its spirit is casual, but very feminine. It can be found either in a 100% wicker version or more elegant with leather details.

Tote versus basket: Modalova’s selection of bags

The canvas tote 

The leather tote

The basket

You have now reached the end of this article. As you can see, the tote and the basket are two handbags that work perfectly in spring. Choosing between a tote or a basket therefore comes down to a personal choice based on a style preference, but above all a context.  

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