Spring Fashion: Top 5 Nautical Tote Bags

Every spring, nautical chic comes back with a vengeance. The nautical look focuses on white, often with pops of contrasting colors like red, yellow and navy blue. If you can find items accessorized or emblazoned with anchors, sailboats or signaling flags, even better. This is the only time of year you can get away with carrying around a bag with a handle made out of actual rope: not only is it accepted, it's encouraged!

Spring is the start of a busy social season: even if you're not going to wind up on a yacht, the nautical tote is the best bag for all your busy activities. It'll take you from work to the neighbor's barbecue to your first beach trip of the year effortlessly - and still look pretty cute doing it. Let's have a look at the top 5 nautical tote bags to keep you looking sailor-chic this season. The best part? They're all $75 or less.

#5 L.L. Bean Custom Boat and Tote Bag - L.L. Bean, $29-42

An American classic. L.L. Bean offers a classic tote bag in your choice of size, handle length, and colors. Play around with the custom options on the page linked above to get your perfect nautical tote bag - why not match the handles to your sneakers or your sunglasses? In true L.L. Bean style, your bag can also be monogrammed - try FUN, SUN, or YAY for a touch of spring whimsy.

#4 Chadwick's Nautical Tote - Chadwick's, $39

This bag screams spring in the happiest way possible. It features thick white and yellow stripes, topped with rope handles. This tote would be a great choice for wearing with a t-shirt and jeans or pairing with a sundress. The Nautical Tote looks HUGE, so this might just wind up being the perfect bag to tote your beach towel, change of shoes and a sweater for cooler evenings.

#3 Paul Frank Nautical Stripe Bag - Journeys, $22

Perfect for the younger crowd - or those who love monkeys. This canvas bag by cult brand Paul Frank features their lovable "Julius" monkey mascot wearing an admiral's hat. The bag is done up in red and white nautical stripes, with basic black on the handles and an anchor behind Julius. If this isn't nautical, I don't know what is. This tote is sure to get attention and compliments.

#2 Converse One Star Double Zipper Gusset Tote - Target, $34.99

An oversized - and expandable - white tote with silver snaps and zippers. Matches everything in season-perfect white, and is the only bag in this list not made from canvas. Perfect to carry to work on a Friday containing everything you'll need to start your weekend at 5 o'clock.

#1 Reiter8 Recycled Sail Tote Bag - Etsy, $75

I am in love with this bag. Reiter8 stock their Etsy shop with luggage tags, pillows and handbags made from recycled sails. Green AND cute - how cool is that? My favorite is the Green Number 8, but they also carry the bag in blue and red as more traditional nautical choices. Unfortunately, this tote is slightly beyond my budget - if I hadn't felt so compelled to include it, this would have been a $50 or less list. This bag has enough cool to last you way past the warmer months - imagine how cute this would be carrying your books next fall.