Micro purses have some competition this season. While the mini accessory has been having its moment for quite some time now, jumbo totes have weaseled way into the limelight, which is a treat for practicality’s sake. Jumbo totes and oversized bags were everywhere on the fall and winter 2022 runways, and all evidence is pointing to that they’re here to stay—which means we have a whole lot more room to carry everyday essentials with us every time we leave the house.
You may be familiar with Saint Laurent’s highly popular icare maxi shopping bag that every it girl seems to have been spotted with as of late, or Bottega Veneta’s large Jodie bag that you can’t log on to Instagram without seeing. Gone are the days of totes being reserved for the office or travel; now, they’re the chicest choice to swap your crossbody out for.
If you’re going to carry a bag this large, you might as well fill it with the necessities. There’s a way to pack these bags so that you stay organized and ensure you have your must have items with you wherever you go. From mindfulness tools to your favorite rollerball perfume, keep scrolling for 18 items to keep in your tote to make sure you have everything you need every time you leave the house.
Five Minute Journal
Theres no better way to start your day than with a few minutes of mindfulness. Intelligent Change’s Five Minute Journal allows you to check in with yourself morning and night to set intentions and write down positive affirmations.
Weekly/Monthly Planner
Keep a small weekly and monthly planner handy so you can check in on your schedule when you’re on the go. This one allows you to easily plan appointments, tasks, to-do lists, and more. Plus, it offers helpful tips and inspirational quotes along the way.
Rollerball Pen
You’re going to need a chic pen to go with your journal and planner. This rollerball pen comes in both a pink colorway and a sage green colorway. Trust us: You’ll pat yourself on the back every time you reach for this.
Fringe Wool Scarf
A scarf is a great fashion piece to have with you during the winter. This one is made from 100% wool and will give you a bit of chic added warmth any time you need it.
Hand Sanitizer Mist
You should keep hand sanitizer on you at all times, but especially during flu season. Unlike traditional hand sanitizers, Touchland developed a skin-first formula which moisturizes hands while still killing 99.9% of germs. Plus, their packaging ensures you don’t risk it spilling all over your bag.
Flora Rollerball
You can never smell too good. Keep your favorite perfume with you at all times in the form of a rollerball that fits perfectly into a travel cosmetic bag. This cult-favorite scent features pear, white gardenia, and brown sugar.
Peptide Lip Treatment
This peptide lip treatment instantly leaves lips feeling hydrated and plump. Especially during the dry winter months, this will be your saving grace.
Double Mirror
Need a makeup touch up on the go? This sleek compact mirror features two mirrors, one regular and one magnifying. Keep in your bag at all times for a quick touch up anywhere, anytime.
The Hand Cream
Lots of handwashing can leave your hands feeling tight and dry. Enter: a rich hand cream. Nécessaire’s hand cream is fast-absorbing and leaves your skin feeling nourished and moisturized. It also protects against environmental stressors and protects skin on contact.
Makeup Removing Wipes
One of the worst things you can do for your skin is to sleep with your makeup on. Keeping makeup wipes in your bag at all times ensures you can cleanse your skin anywhere, even after a long night out. Lancer’s wipes are also packaged individually so you can keep just a few with you at a time.
Mini Hair Detangler
Fashion girls always take care of their hair. This mini detangled brush is compact enough to fit right into your tote, so you can tame flyaways where ever you are.
Cosmetic Pouch
A cute cosmetics case is essential for holding your compact, lip balm, and rollerball perfume so you don’t have to go digging around on the bottom of your bag to find it. This cosmetics case will keep everything organized, but isn’t so big that you have to sacrifice space for it.
Zip Wallet
Obviously, you need a wallet in your tote, and we love to opt for a small one that we can seamlessly slip into a pocket if we need to. This one can hold everything you need while remaining compact and cute.
Lace Thong
Life is unpredictable, and you don’t want to be caught in a pinch if you end up sleeping out or just want to feel refreshed after a long day of work or after a workout. You don’t need a pair of panties until you do—and then, you’ll thank yourself for keeping one on-hand.
Brown Sunnies
Having a pair of sunnies that lives in your bag is a must. This chic pair from Le Specs will elevate your outfit while adding an extra layer of protection to your eyes.
Small Scrunchies
Do you constantly find yourself saying “where is my hair tie?” Keep a pack of Slip’s skinny 100% silk scrunchies in your cosmetics case and never be without a scrunchy again. They were specifically designed to be gentle on hair and to avoid hair creases.
Antimicrobial Face Mask
Let’s face it: We live in a world where we need to keep a face mask with us no matter what. These are made with Silvadur antimicrobial technology which prevents the growth of bacteria.
iPhone Charger
Stay connected wherever you go with a portable phone charger. The V3 portable charger is lightweight and thin enough to fit in most wallets. Plus, the charging cable is attached, so you won’t have any loose cables floating around your bag.
