My tote bag is basically my mobile office. Laptop, snacks, a water bottle, a spare kid sweater and at least three lip balms. I need it to be light, roomy and still look put together at a meeting. That’s why the Tory Burch Ella tote is so popular, and why I found the best Tory Burch Ella tote alternatives for less.
The Ella is a simple nylon tote with a clean, polished shape. Right now it’s $260, which is a lot for nylon. Below are 5 picks from Amazon, Walmart and Target with the same easy, carry everything style, starting at $11.99.
Why Everyone Loves the Tory Burch Ella Tote
The Ella hits a sweet spot. It’s light and practical, but it still looks smart with a blazer. For reference, the Ella tote is $260 on the Tory Burch site right now.
- Lightweight nylon: it weighs almost nothing, even when it is full.
- Roomy shape: it fits a laptop, a planner and all the extras.
- Shoulder straps: long enough to wear over a coat.
- Easy to clean: nylon wipes off quickly after spills.
- Classic colors: black, navy and neutral shades go with everything.
What to Look for in a Tory Burch Ella Tote Alternative
- Material: look for a smooth nylon or polyester with a slight sheen. It looks more polished than canvas.
- Closure: a top zipper keeps things safe on busy days.
- Straps: make sure the drop is long enough for your shoulder, especially over a coat.
- Pockets: inside pockets and a laptop sleeve keep your bag from becoming a black hole.
- Logo free: a clean, minimal front looks the most like the original and works anywhere.
Also, consider the size you really need. If you carry a 15 inch laptop, check the listing for a laptop sleeve. If not, a slightly smaller tote is easier to carry all day.
The 5 Best Tory Burch Ella Tote Alternatives
BAGSMART Foldable Tote Bag with Zipper, $22.99
This is the one I’d grab first. It has the same clean, simple shape as the Ella, with a top zipper and a sleek nylon finish.
It has a 4.5 star rating from more than 3,800 reviews on Amazon. It also folds flat, which makes it a great travel bag.
Best for: the closest overall look.
Large Nylon Work Tote with Laptop Sleeve, $18.62
This tote is all about organization. It has a padded sleeve for a 15.6 inch laptop and plenty of pockets.
It has a 4.5 star rating from 438 reviews. It’s a bit more structured than the Ella. That makes it great for work and school.
Best for: work days with a laptop.
KXF Large Tote Bag with Zipper, $11.99
At $11.99, this is the budget pick. It’s a roomy nylon tote with a zipper and multiple pockets, and it packs down small.
It’s a newer listing with only one rating so far, so set your expectations for the price. Still, it’s a great backup bag for the car.
Best for: the lowest price on the list.
SUCS Nylon Tote Bag with Zipper, $22.86
This one has a softer, slouchier shape and lots of outer pockets. The gray color is a nice change from black.
It’s new at Walmart, so it doesn’t have reviews yet. It’s less sleek than the Ella. Even so, it’s very practical for busy moms.
Best for: extra pockets and organization.
Universal Thread Nylon Carry-All Tote, $29.75
Target’s version has a minimal shape and a pretty green shade. It feels a little more fashion than the others.
It has a 4.6 star rating from 28 reviews at Target. Plus, you can grab it during your next Target run.
Best for: a pop of color.
Which Color Should You Choose?
Black is the safest choice. It hides scuffs, it looks polished at work and it goes with every coat you own. If you only buy one tote, start there.
Navy is a close second and feels a little softer. Gray works well if you wear a lot of neutrals. Meanwhile, a green or camel tote adds a fun pop to simple outfits.
Then think about the inside lining. A lighter lining makes it much easier to find your keys at the bottom of a big bag. It sounds small, but you’ll notice it every single day.
Finally, pick the strap length that works with your coat. Longer straps sit better over a puffer in winter.
How to Style Your Ella Tote Alternative
A nylon tote goes with almost everything. Here are my favorite ways to carry it.
- Work outfit: straight leg trousers, a knit sweater, loafers and your tote.
- Travel day: joggers, sneakers and a crossbody tucked inside the tote.
- School pickup: jeans, a puffer vest and a ball cap.
- Weekend errands: a sweatshirt, leggings and a clip for your hair.
For work days, my designer tote bags for work roundup has more polished picks too.
How to Keep a Nylon Tote Looking New
Nylon is easy to care for. Wipe it with a damp cloth and a drop of dish soap, then let it air dry. Don’t put it in the dryer, because heat can warp the shape.
To keep the shape, stuff it with a scarf or tissue when you’re not using it. Then store it upright on a shelf instead of hanging it by the straps.
Nylon vs. Leather Totes
Leather looks rich, but it’s heavy before you even put anything inside. Nylon, on the other hand, keeps your shoulders happy on long days. It also shrugs off rain and spilled coffee.
That’s why I think a nylon tote is the smartest everyday bag. Save leather for date night and let nylon handle the daily chaos.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is similar to the Tory Burch Ella tote?
The BAGSMART Foldable Tote is the closest look, with a clean nylon body and a zipper. The Universal Thread Nylon Carry-All Tote at Target is another pretty option.
Does Walmart have a Tory Burch Ella tote look alike?
Yes. The KXF Large Tote Bag is just $11.99, and the SUCS Nylon Tote adds lots of pockets. Both have zippers.
Is the Tory Burch Ella tote worth it?
It’s a classic, and it lasts. However, at $260 it’s a big price for nylon. These alternatives give you the same practical look for under $30.
Will a laptop fit in these totes?
Most will. The Amazon work tote has a padded sleeve for laptops up to 15.6 inches. For the others, check the listed size against your laptop before you buy.
Final Thoughts
If I had to pick one, I’d choose the BAGSMART Foldable Tote as the best overall. For the best value, the KXF tote at Walmart is only $11.99. And if you want color, the Universal Thread tote at Target is the standout.
Love a bigger, slouchier bag? My The Row Park tote alternatives are perfect for a minimalist look.
Discover more designer look alikes in my ultimate guide to designer alternatives for less.
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you purchase after clicking through the link.
You May Also Like
Love a lightweight nylon bag? Don’t miss my Longchamp Le Pliage alternatives. They’re foldable, practical and so easy to travel with.
