1. Overview

This article features Katie Holmes’ go-to bag, the Essential Bucket Tote from Madewell, highlighting its versatility, quality, and popularity among fashionistas.

Katie Holmes’ Favorite Essential Bucket Tote from Madewell

If there’s one celebrity who knows how to put together envy-inducing, casually stylish outfits, it’s Katie Holmes. From comfy shoes to effortlessly flowy pants, the actress has repeatedly proven that she knows how to turn heads with her approachable and wearable wardrobe. So, when she’s spotted rocking one piece over and over, it’s safe to say it’s worth the investment.

Lately, Holmes has been seen stepping out with Madewell’s The Essential Bucket Tote, which is currently available on the site for $178— and incidentally, I have the very same one. And while the paparazzi are hardly scrambling to snap pictures of my everyday style, if they did, they would see that I’ve also been wearing this perfect everyday bag from the Madewell brand over and over again.

The Essential Bucket Tote

This stunning and spacious bucket bag is made with high-quality leather that is durable enough to maintain its shape, making it the best tote for days at the office, travel excursions, and everything in between. A single magnet at the top of the bag keeps it closed, while one slim interior pocket is easily accessible and ideal for storing your keys, wallet, and other items that you’ll want to be able to reach quickly. The bag is even large enough to fit up to a 15-inch laptop, as well as a water bottle, and really anything else that I’ve decided to stuff inside for a day spent wandering around New York City.

This best-seller is fitted with a convenient adjustable strap that allows you to style the tote as both a shoulder bag or a crossbody, depending on how you feel the most comfortable. Plus, it’s available in four simple shades from deep brown to a sleek black, so you’ll have no trouble integrating this timeless favorite of Katie Holmes into your existing wardrobe. In fact, the bag has even become so popular that more than 2,000 shoppers have added it to their carts in the last week, according to Madewell—so you’ll want to act fast and get one before other fashionistas piece together that this is one of Holmes’ favorite bags.

The Essential Bucket Tote

While I could rave about this bag for hours, and it has quickly become my personal favorite brown bag in my collection (I have the shade Chocolate Raisin), the bucket bag has also earned a near-perfect 4.5-star rating at Madewell as other shoppers are enamored with the quality and value of this piece. In fact, one shopper shared that they had been on the hunt for a “very elusive bag” that “works for work (can fit a laptop), and travel, that still looked polished,” and their search has finally come to an end as they were “impressed” with this “perfect bag.”

Meanwhile, another customer dubbed this the “best bucket bag,” elaborating that it was “everything” they had hoped for because it “effortlessly combines fashion and function.” They added that they “love the adjustable shoulder strap,” and can “wear it [as a] crossbody or shorten the strap for a shoulder bag, and it’s always comfortable.” Better yet, they shared that the “weight distribution is well-balanced, so it never feels too heavy, even when fully loaded.”

The Essential Bucket Tote

One of the most basic staples you should have at the ready in your closet is a reliable and versatile purse to take with you while traveling and beyond. The Essential Bucket Tote from Madewell checks these boxes while effortlessly elevating your day-to-day style. I’ve been regularly using this bag for months (and racking up compliments along the way), and considering Katie Holmes has even been frequently spotted with the very same one, it’s safe to say that this tote has earned its spot as an iconic closet piece for under $200.