Ways to Style and Use a Canvas Tote Bag

Canvas tote bags really are like a graphic t-shirt. They can reflect your beliefs, interests and personality. You can get one with pretty much any image or slogan or even have one custom-made with your own graphic or saying.

Shop canvas bags:

Eco-friendly recycled and organic cotton canvas bags

Graphic print canvas bags

Customizable canvas bags

My hubby recently gave me a canvas bag featuring a silkscreen image of a sweet pair of pink ballet shoes  by a maker on Etsy to celebrate my latest hobby of adult ballet. So I decided to see how many ways I could use it. Here are some ways to style and use a canvas tote bag.

As a Purse

I love the size of this canvas tote (15” x 13”) because it’s practically purse-sized and stylish, not a big, awkward, boxy bag. So I can carry it as basically a large purse that can hold my essentials and a few extras such as lunch and water bottle, a book or my laptop. Perfect for a workday on the go.

As an Extra Purse

We carry so many things for a day out - water bottles, computer laptops and tablets, notepads, books, extra sweater, back up shoes, snacks. We either need a gigantic purse or an extra one. To bring up SATC one more time, Carrie’s character caused a fashion sensation by  wearing two cross-body bags. So why not?

With a Wristlet

Admittedly, canvas bags are not great for small items. Keys, lipstick and wallets can just go floating around in there, making them hard to find when you need them. Pairing a tote with a small wristlet makes those little essentials accessible while still having your tote for larger items.

As Your Winter Layers Bag

Since moving to a cold climate, I learned to always carry a large bag in the winter. When you have to dress one way to be outside and another to be inside with the heaters on, there are layers that come off and need to be put somewhere. A canvas bag is perfect for stashing base layers, sweaters, gloves, scarves, hats and snow shoes. Alternatively, it can be used as a beach bag in the summer

As Your Workout Bag

If you head out to a gym or some form of workout class, a canvas tote is great for your workout clothes, equipment and water bottle. It’s also a great place to store those items, like my trusty yoga mat and ballet shoes, by hanging the bag on a hook at home.

Now that you know how to style and use a canvas bag, will you try one?

See more of my styling on my blog Stiletto City and Instagram page.

Items shown here are from my personal collection. Links are not sponsored or affiliated.