A big and functional work bag is every woman’s sine qua non in tackling the daily 9 to 5. It carries all our essentials (10 different shades of lipstick counts as essential, right?) while emanating a professional, we-mean-business attitude. And the fashion world seems to be nodding its head in our favour, with the current trend of blown-up totes being a perennial sight across the board.

But how do we carry off such an extreme receptacle trend? As seen at shows like Gucci, Burberry and Altuzarra, the key is to adopt a nonchalant attitude by carrying it by the handle. Pair the billowing spacious bag with tight-fighting clothes such as slim-fit trousers and you’re all set to rock the trend in style. Now that you’re equipped with the tips, scroll through to shop some of the most chic oversized totes of the season.

ALSO READ: THE BUSY GIRL’S GUIDE TO EVERY NECKLACE STYLE, AND WHAT TO PAIR THEM WITH

Its name pretty much gives it away entirely. Known as the ‘Giant Reversible Tote’, this slouchy oversized bag is surprisingly lightweight. In short, it’s roomy. But yet, easy on the shoulders.

We’re completely enamoured at the form and function of this big-on-proportion bag with tartans and checks inside out. In primary colours finished with bright scores of neons, this versatile tote is a fresh alternative to plain ol’ black carry-alls.

Burberry The Giant Reversible Tote Bag, $1,750

At Gucci’s FW17 show, we saw quirky motifs after quirky motifs adorning the captivating Gucci receptacles – from entomological species like beetles and bees to gorgeous radiant poppies. But what truly stood out was this oversized magical tote in woven canvas. Lush, opulent posies bloom from the antiquated form of the straw-like canvas. A bold band with Gucci’s signature stripes  struck through the centre portion for a touch of rich juxtaposition texture.

Gucci Embroidered Poppies Tote, $2,901.85

Appearing to look super-soft and cushy, this Chanel tote bag looks almost like a duvet of sorts. Made of large quilting, with a silver chain strap and the classic CC logo taking front and centre, this receptacle stands as an ode to the futuristic theme of the FW17 Chanel show, ‘Fashion of the Future’. If women in the future were to really carry such nap-time-appropriate ‘accessories’ around, then it’d be great time to be alive, we must say.

Chanel Oversized Tote, Price unavailable. Photo: Instagram

Céline calls a spade a spade with the inception of its ‘Big Bag’ in the Fall Winter 17 collection with what is quite literally the largest, roomiest bag to ever fall under Céline’s umbrella of high quality, trend-kindling bags. Originally introduced in two sizes for the FW17 collectio, Large and Medium, the Big Bag in small size will be a new addition to the line come Spring 2018.

Despite nuances in size, all three Big Bags will feature the same Céline signature elements: the belt clad with eyelets, the butterfly loop, and the raw edges.

Céline SS18 Medium Big Bag, $3,500 ; Available in all Céline stores from mid-November onwards

For its Fall Winter 2017 show, Altuzarra put a crafty twist to frame bags with glossy knotted lattices and an added decorative corsage sitting beneath a coat of black lacquer.

This practical purse has an underlying edge of severity with its black-on-black aesthetic and its play on different textures. Embracing details and decadence, this receptacle is made for the complex, sophisticated woman.

Altuzarra Bag; Price unavailable

ALSO READ: WITH ALL THE DAILY STRESS AND GRIEF YOU GET AT WORK, MAKE SURE YOUR HANDBAG ISN’T ONE OF THEM

Never one to shy away from making an irreverent statement in the name of fashion, Proenza Schouler never fails to delight us with a bevy of tongue-in-cheek pieces we so desperately want to covet.

For its FW17 collection, this silver metallic leather bag made its way to the runway (and into our hearts) with its mega-sized proportions and intergalactic aesthetic. The ‘Hobo’ bag seems like it had just entered earth from space with its thermal suit-esque appeal.

Proenza Schouler Bag, $2,961

This oversized bag retains all its elegance in sturdy leather while looking slightly edgier with its studded button details. With a wide trapeze body and round top handles, this Saint Laurent number is finished with a delicate logo stamp down the centre of its front.

The decorious structure is fitting for the office while at the same time, exuding laidback sensibility to immediately establish you as the ultimate ‘cool girl’ of the office.

Saint Laurent Trapeze Body Bag, $4,640

Reset your look with a fresh new bag silhouette and colour palette. This off-white Simon Miller piece – a scaled-up version of the signature ‘Bonsai’ – works as the ultimate sartorial cleanser with its chic and minimal bucket bag form. Crafted from buttery nubuck in a cylindrical shape, with glossy black acrylic handles, this must-have is every minimalist’s dream come true.

Simon Miller Bonsai 30 Bucket Bag, $968.83