In the haze of shopping for trends and statement-making pieces, it can often be the most essential everyday pieces that get overlooked. Finding the right work bag is a prime example of something you use daily but might not give a second thought as you’re running out the door to work in the morning. I have to admit that I, too, spent way too long stuffing my laptop and daily essentials in a random canvas tote until I finally made the life-changing decision of investing in a quality work bag. As a fashion editor, I’m always running around from the office to meetings and market appointments, so having a bag that’s both chic and spacious was a priority in my search.
If you’re also on the hunt for a work bag that fits the criteria above, you’re in luck. I’ve gathered the most luxe-looking picks that’ll not only fit your tech and necessities but will also act as a final touch to a polished work outfit. There’s no “one size fits all” with work bags, so I’ve gathered all the different styles to suit many preferences. Looking for a classic, no-fuss tote? Madewell and Longchamp have you covered. Want a designer option that you’ll keep for years to come? Thank The Row and Khaite. On a budget until you can push for that raise? You’ll love the Zara and Target picks below. Keep scrolling to grab that final piece to complete your work wardrobe.
I’ll start this off with my current work bag of choice. I own the brown suede, but the recent addition of this brown croc is really making me swoon. It’s crafted so well, people are often shocked when I tell them it’s from Banana Republic. Since it’s tall, instead of wide, I find that I’m easily able to fit more things in it without making the bag look bulky. It also has a small built-in cardholder that holds my office keycard, and a little pocket that holds my keys and lip products. Overall, I would give it a 10/10.
Whenever I want the designer look for less, Mango has always delivered. It also gives the minimal look of an open tote but has a durable inner lining with zip closure.
Marc Jacobs named this tote perfectly because its virality has really made it the tote bag for many. I’ve seen dozens of “What’s in my work bag” videos featuring this pick and users’ favorite part is how roomy it is. It’s deep enough to fit your laptop, lunch, makeup bag, and even an extra pair of shoes. It also has both handles and a long adjustable shoulder strap and comes in a variety of colors to pick from.
This is a reminder to never sleep on Target for anything you need—handbags included. $45 is an impeccable deal for this work tote that comes with a built-in laptop sleeve. I took a look at the bag in-store, and since it has open side pockets, it doesn’t seem like the bag you’d want to overstuff. But for those looking for an affordable option to solely fit the main necessities (laptop, wallet, keys, and a notebook) this could be the right bag for you.
When I asked friends and colleagues for work bag recommendations that didn’t go past $300, this Cuyana tote came highly recommended. It has both a small and large handle drop, fits a laptop up to 16 inches, and is made out of soft pebbled leather. While the black is a classic option, it also comes in seven other colors (including a striking red) if you’re willing to branch out.
How can you get more luxurious than The Row? The interior has three pockets and offers enough room to fit a change of clothes, beauty essentials, and your laptop.
This quilted COS bag keeps selling out, and I understand the appeal. The quilted texture adds a cool element to any outfit. Plus, it’s quite roomy. This may not be your average work tote, but it’s certainly big enough to fit your office essentials.
While I love a leather bag, nylon is another great option because of how durable it can be, especially with the sporadic weather changes many cities have been facing lately. Also, Zara offers monogramming so you can have your work bag feel a bit more personal to you.
I can’t mention nylon above and not include a pick from Prada’s Re-Nylon collection. Once I saw this bag on my favorite fashionable mom Larissa Mills, I couldn’t get it out of my head. It just added that effortless yet elevated factor to her look. I found a similar secondhand option on The Real Real that’s a bit smaller, but I have this size on my wishlist for the future.
While more minimal in design, the Madewell transport tote has been a go-to favorite for many. Simply put, it gets the job done. If you’re someone that wants a no-fuss bag that looks good with anything, is easy to wear, and is not insanely priced, this bag just makes sense. It has a roomy inner compartment and outside picket, removable straps, and it also comes in a rich tan shade.
This is the kind of bag you could wear with anything, and it’ll always look good. (I’ll call it the Khaite effect.) While I love the short handles aesthetically, I like how it still has a long strap for added comfort if need be. Plus, it’s interior has a zipped pocket so your items are protected.
Just because you want a cheap bag doesn’t mean that it has to look cheap, or that it can’t be chic. One H&M reviewer said, “I bought this bag in brown three years ago and I wore it so much! It’s just a basic open bag with no extra anything, which I love. I throw my regular small purse in it, and then my sweater, sunglasses, water bottle, etc and it’s good to go. I hate heavy purses and this is perfect.” Sometimes, simplicity is best. And if you want a little bit more organization, there are always purse organizers.
Summer is here, and if you want a work bag that matches the seasonal trends but is also versatile, look no further than Dragon Diffusion. My favorite fashion follows on Instagram and TikTok have been sporting this bag nonstop and I just know I could easily take it from work to play.
While this may seem like an impractical work bag to some, I absolutely believe it can work. My colleague Anna LaPlaca has a similar slouchy bag she snagged at The Row’s sample ale and I’m always in awe of how uniquely cool she looks carrying around her laptop in it. But also, just look at those beautiful pleats!
As an avid user of Beis products (I own the weekender and makeup bag), I was highly interested in the brand’s work bag, too. With a 4.4-star review on Revolve, I can assume the bag has the same high-quality and durability that my other Beis products have. One reviewer wrote “Love this bag! It fits everything and is so cute. It’s big but light, and it got so many compliments on the day I first brought it to work!”
If you have way too many work essentials to fit in a tote, try a more sophisticated backpack. This is similar to Prada’s Re-nylon bag but comes at a significantly lesser price. Your shoulders (and wallet) will thank you.
Loved by celebrities since the ‘2000s, Longchamp’s Le Pliage is the definition of classic. I’ve also owned mine for over six years and it still looks like I just bought it yesterday.
As someone who works in New York, I’m on board with this being called the “New York” bag. It’s evident by the size that it’ll fit just the right amount of things you need to be on the go in the city, and it’s stylish enough to blend into NYC’s strong sartorial environment. But even if you’re not working in the city, this is a great option for a work bag. I’m usually not a fan of two-toned bags, but the tan handles paired with the gold hardware just exude luxury.
This shopper-style bag has an easy and slouchy fit that’s bound to look good with any work outfit. The decorative buckles add a visual appeal to the otherwise simple silhouette. It’s an open tote with button clasps but has a zipped pocket in the middle to fit small necessities like your wallet or keys.
When the weather gets warm enough to wear nothing but dresses to work, this is the roomy and summery bag I want to be wearing.
I would wear this tulip-shaped bag both on and off duty. Also, it’s currently on sale at Ssense.
While a sturdy bag has its place in a wardrobe, sometimes you need something that’s easy to pack. This one will not only fit your work essentials but if you need to bring it with you on a work trip, it collapses easily to fit into your luggage. Also, it’s on sale!
There are tons of heritage designer brands on the market, but Polène is the brand that’s on everyone’s radar right now. A designer quality, but at a more attainable price point. I love how this one is still considered a tote, but has a more unique and playful silhouette that makes it stand out from other tan bags.
While this may be considered a “weekend” bag, I think it’s a perfect match for those who have to bring quite a bit of supplies on their daily work commute. It’s sleek black leather, wide straps, and built-in laptop case makes it ideal for work in my opinion.
While this structured tote comes in five different colorways, the bright cobalt blue just so happens to be a favorite. This very much reminds me a bit of the Goyard tote that’s been impossible to get these days. Amongst the many 5-star reviews, one Nordstrom reviewer wrote “This is the best investment for a tote I’ve ever made. I will be buying another color. It’s spacious, lightweight, and holds all my daily necessities.”
If you want something from Zara’s monogrammed options that is a bit more elevated than the nylon option I shopped out earlier in this story, then the brand also offers a leather version.
While it’s usually Coach’s smaller handbags that catch my eye, I was thoroughly impressed by this tote bag. The antique hardware makes it feel more fresh and luxurious, and I love how the marigold suede of the interior pairs with the rich black leather.
I’ve featured a few high-end picks in this roundup but of them all, Métier is the one that’s truly known for making the best work and carryalls on the market. It’s crafted from a beautiful side, is generously sized enough to fit all your essentials, and can easily be converted into a crossbody bag.
