Whether you’re returning to work now or in the future, shop our guide to the best bags and totes to carry all of your essentials.
46 Work Bags and Totes to Return to Work (or Carry Anywhere)
After a year of working at home, work bags were forgotten in our day-to-day routines, along with commutes, office workwear, and heels. But as we think about returning to the office soon, remember that the best work bags and totes should always meet two criteria points: function and style. When searching for your own, ask yourself: Is it durable? Will it be sizable enough to fit all of your essentials—laptop, notebooks, planners, wallet, keys, and beauty staples? Is it lightweight and comfortable enough to wear over your shoulders, especially during a daily commute? I’ve learned the hard way of purchasing work bags that are too heavy to start with, making them cumbersome to lug around when filled up and left much less used.
A few tried-and-true favorites over the years have included Proenza Schouler’s iconic whipstitch Hex bucket bag or Frame’s Les Second tote, and I currently have my eye on Khaite’s timeless Amelia envelope camel tote. You can’t go wrong with one of these classic styles or a canvas version by L.L.Bean or Paravel. For summertime, consider more playful styles, like Loewe’s raffia tote, perfect for carrying straight to happy hour on summer nights. One of the joys of getting dressed up, for me, has always included accessories, and the work bag is most pivotal. I’ve missed carrying these totes around, wearing an A-line knit dress and boots, ready to take on the day.
Whether that time for you is now, in the future, or will take place outside the traditional “office” (at a coffee shop or elsewhere), below, shop the best work bags for women to carry all of your essentials, anywhere you’re headed.
The Investment Buy
If you prefer a one-and-done type of work bag, consider investing in a timeless style you’ll use for years to come.
Bottega Veneta The Arco medium leather bag
$3,350MATCHESFASHION.COMSaint Laurent small Manhattan raffia & leather bag
$1,990LUISAVIAROMAGucci 1955 Horsebit medium leather-trimmed printed coated-canvas tote
$2,300NET-A-PORTERPrada leather tote
$2,850PRADADior book tote
$3,250DIORCeline bucket 16 bag in textile and calfskin
$2,40024SThe Standout Statement
For anyone who prefers a bag that is punchier than the typical tote, these designs by 3.1 Phillip Lim and Neous will surely get you stopped on the street and asked, “Where is that bag from?”
Hereu Cala small leather and canvas shoulder bag
$410MATCHESFASHION.COMNeous Venus cut-out leather bucket bag
3.1 Phillip Lim Odita modern lattice shopper bag
$1,1953.1 PHILLIP LIMDeMellier midi Los Angeles leather braided tote
$480SAKS FIFTH AVENUEThe Minimalist Classic
Calling all minimalists: These leather totes do not disappoint. Clean and simple, these are the best work bags for women that get the job done. Add your laptop, agenda, book, and then some—it will carry it all.
Little Liffner tall Tulip leather tote
$550NET-A-PORTERCuyana system tote
$275CUYANABoyy Bobby co soft leather tote bag
$1,820LUISAVIAROMANanushka Juno faux leather tote
$523MYTHERESAKhaite Envelope Pleat medium leather tote
$1,800NET-A-PORTERThe Row Terrasse leather bag
$2,519MYTHERESAAway the Latitude tote
$195AWAYMulberry Bayswater leather tote
$850NORDSTROMThe Traditional Canvas
Searching for a lightweight but durable work bag? Consider a canvas tote. It is a timeless staple for a reason, and L.L.Bean and Paravel currently offer monogrammed options for those wishing to personalize their bags.
Proenza Schouler White Label large Morris canvas tote
$395NORDSTROML.L.Bean zip-top Boat and Tote
$40L.L.BEANThom Browne khaki canvas RWB stripe hunting tote
$1,390SSENSESee by Chloé Cecilya large canvas tote
$530MYTHERESAMétier market canvas and leather tote bag
$2,150MATCHESFASHION.COMBéis canvas tote
$98NORDSTROMKule windowpane medium tote
$168KULEParavel Cabana tote
$165PARAVELThe Boxy Carryall
A structured and vertically-shaped tote is perfect for carrying laptops and notebooks.
Everlane Italian leather studio bag
$250EVERLANECos leather mini bag
$225COSRag & Bone passenger leather tote
$550NORDSTROMZara tote bag
$30ZARA& Other Stories croc embossed leather tote bag
$199STORIESComme des Garçons Huge logo leather tote
$486NORDSTROMThe Colorful and Textured
If you’re looking for a bag outside the expected neutral color palette and finish, these will bring a bit more flair to the work grind.
DeMellier Casablanca leather tote
$525SAKS FIFTH AVENUETory Burch Lee Radziwill double bag
$998TORY BURCHMarni burgundy & blue North/South tote
$370SSENSEMango croc-effect shopper bag
$80MANGOBottega Veneta chain leather tote
$3,700MYTHERESAJW Anderson blue belt logo-embroidered checked canvas tote bag
$505MATCHESFASHION.COMThe Summer Raffia
A beachy style raffia tote will put you in the summer mood, even when you’re not at the beach.
J.Crew woven tote with leather trim
Loewe x Paula’s Ibiza small leather-trimmed woven raffia tote
$650NET-A-PORTERChloé x Mifuko leather-trimmed raffia tote
$850MYTHERESAAltuzarra Watermill large raffia basket bag
$545NET-A-PORTERThe Office to the Bodega
If you prefer less-structured work bags, consider these market totes that can double as your laptop carrier too.
Mango wool-blend shopper bag
$100MANGOMarni Market hand-woven tote bag
$240MATCHESFASHION.COMBanana Republic large straw tote bag
$88BANANA REPUBLICPleats Please Issey Miyake Trek check-print tote
$480SAKS FIFTH AVENUEThis story originally appeared on: Vogue - Author:Julie Tong