From M&S to Zara, it's time to upgrade your tote tag - the 8 chicest styles for summer, from £23

Few accessories work harder than a trusty tote bag. They're endlessly versatile, not to mention capacious and ready to carry everything you need for the day ahead. In summer, they become especially hardworking, serving everything from running errands to make shift beach-bag duties. But if your go-to tote is a cotton freebie, it might be time for an upgrade.

Not all tote bags are created equal. There are the flimsy shoppers we accumulate over the years, and then there are the sturdier styles that are not only more practical, but chic enough to become part of your outfit, too.

Take Zara's chic striped tote, for example. Just as lightweight and versatile as your everyday canvas shopper, the silky texture and structured shoulder strap give it a far more elevated feel. Leaning into the coastal aesthetic that's everywhere this summer, it looks considered rather than purely practical.

Tote bags can lean into a beachier aesthetic, too - think raffia and woven straw. Marks & Spencer's version channels the look brilliantly, with its basket style silhouette and chic leather look handles. Elsewhere, H&M's beaded straw tote is an excellent budget friendly option, while Arket's sunshine yellow raffia design is the kind of statement piece that won't go unnoticed.

There's one in every shape and size, too. If you're the type of person to carry your entire life with you (guilty), then Monsoon's oversized tote will serve you well, complete with pretty embroidery. If you don't require quite as much space, however, Free People's cute mini stripy tote is compact, but roomy enough for your essentials.

Rest assured, there is a tote bag for every style and every budget. Our top high-street finds will take you from the city to the beach, and everywhere in between.