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Whether you’re taking everything from your trusty laptop to your makeup bag to your gym clothes on a multi-hour commute or simply walking from your apartment to your local coffee shop with a notebook and a dream, a good work bag is a non-negotiable. But when it comes to getting all those essentials from place to place, that canvas bag you’ve been lugging your groceries around in may not cut it.
If you’re looking for an upgraded work bag that’s sure to keep all your day-to-day must-haves protected, we’ve got you covered. From chic work tote bags to comfortable backpacks, we’ve rounded up the best of the best, whether you’re headed to work or school. No matter your budget or style, read on for our top picks from R29 reader-favorite brands like Calpak and Quince along with more fashionable picks from Longchamp and Fréja New York.
Quince Revive Nylon Large Tote, $89.90
This Quince tote bag for work is the perfect blend of spaciousness and sophistication. There are plenty of inner and outer pockets as well as a laptop sleeve for all your essentials. It’s also an eco-friendly option since the nylon was made from recycled water bottles, and the trim on the handles and bottom was made from recycled leather.
Banana Republic Slouchy Vida Bag, $260
If you’re looking for a work bag that reads cool girl style, Banana Republic’s Slouchy Vida Bag is it. Crafted out of soft, pebbled leather, this is the perfect nonchalant work tote to toss your laptop, lip gloss, headphones, and ID in and go — because what more do you need? The timelessness and size of the bag makes sure it easily transitions from a work-friendly tote to a chill evening bag so your outfit is always perfect.
Cuyana System Tote 13-inch, $328
Cuyana literally designed the System Tote to make it easier for you to organize your belongings. Crafted out of super soft pebbled Italian leather, this tote can be customized with organizational accessories like pouches and inserts that can be snapped in whenever you want — including a removable laptop sleeve so you can carry the tote for business from 9-5, then afterward remove any reminder of work for happy hour.
Béis The Work Tote, $128
You may know Shay Mitchell’s brand for its luggage, but it also makes work-appropriate bags. This tote makes a statement while still being suitable for everyday activities. It’s meant to be worn from work to cocktails without looking out of place, and its removable strap helps achieve that. Never straying too far from travel, Béis added a luggage sleeve to make working on the go easier.
Ecosusi Sombre Vintage Briefcase, $82 $74
Vintage-loving girlies, this one’s for you. Ecosusi has the perfect vintage-inspired briefcase that doubles as a backpack or shoulder bag. Made of vegan faux leather, it can fit up to a 15.6″ size laptop along with all your work necessities from keys to notepads and a water bottle. We love the pink but you can also choose from four other cutesy colorways.
MZ Wallace Metro Shoulder Tote, $185
MZ Wallace is loved by multiple R29 editors, and this very tote is carried by Associate Fashion Editor Victoria Montalti to the office. The thoughtful designs are what distinguishes MZ Wallace bags from the rest, this tote in particular is large enough to fit a laptop in but small enough that you won’t feel like you are lugging around a behemoth of a work bag. The tote features six interior compartments as well as a key ring, detachable pouch and zip-top closure.
Loeffler Randall Justine Gingham Ruffle Tote, $125
Not everyone needs a big tote for work, sometimes you just need a frilled gingham tote that can carry your journal, iPad, over-the-ear headphones and you’re good to go for a productive day at the office of your choosing. If that sounds like you, you will love Loeffler Randall’s Justine Tote, just perfect for those summer days when you want to work outside in a meadow, it almost doesn’t feel like any work is happening at all.
Lux & Nyx Origami Tote, $288
Time is money and money is time, so get yourself a bag that can do it all in a sophisticated package. Lux & Nyx’s Origami Tote will take you from the boardroom to lunch and then the airport. With multiple ways to carry it and an expandable design, you can fit all your gadgets and gizmos.
Samsonite Women’s Executive Leather Convertible Brief, $199.99 $149.99
This all-in-one work bag is truly versatile, thanks to what Samsonite calls its “desk-to-dinner silhouette.” The durable leather bag has a detachable and adjustable strap that can be worn as a crossbody, shoulder bag, or briefcase. Plus, there’s plenty of storage inside, including a laptop sleeve and accessory pockets. Chic, elevated, and functional.
Bellroy Tokyo Tote, $129
This Australian brand has once again done it with a great personal item, but instead of a backpack, it’s the Tokyo Tote, which is made of durable, water-resistant recycled fabric with enough compartments to make your head spin. The organization, the space, and the pockets make sure that at the office you will be equipped with (and able to find) everything that you need from your laptop to hand sanitizer. Thank you, Bellroy, and thank you, Australia.
FP Movement Quilted Carryall, $68
This popular slouchy bag will carry you from work to drinks to dinner (or even on a weekend getaway) with its spacious interior space, abundant pockets, and funky quilted exterior. If this off-white isn’t colorful enough for you, there are 24 other cheery shades to brighten your day.
Calpak Luka Expandable Laptop Tote, $115 $97.75
If you’re looking for something more casual, this puffy tote is a fun option. Whether you’re bringing it to the office or taking care of business while traveling, this lightweight bag has multiple pockets, a padded laptop sleeve, and a luggage sleeve. But the most unique part is its expandable bottom, which gives you extra space when you need it and less when you don’t.
Dagne Dover Indi Air Mesh Diaper Backpack, $195 $148
While this backpack from Dagne Dover is technically a diaper bag, it still has all the makings of a great work bag — pockets, compartments, space galore. Not only does it boast a Velcro laptop pocket, multiple in-bag pockets, and a bottle holder (for adults and children alike), but it also includes a shoe bag, dust bag, and little pouches. Talk about being ready for anything!
Bostanten Machk Women’s Briefcase Bag, $169.99
If you want a retro-looking women’s work bag, an intricate leather briefcase is the way to go. This large briefcase will no doubt fit all of your work/life essentials, and its durable fabric and details, like metal feet, will last you. Wear it as a top-handle or crossbody bag, and take on the day.
Freja New York Lafayette Tote Bag, $398
Up-and-coming Freja New York is stealing all the fashion girlies’ hearts with its handbags in custom vegan leather. The chic Lafayette Tote is the label’s largest and lightest tote — there are three other designs. It has a soft silhouette with wide pinched handles and a smooth pebbled exterior that features subtle panel details.
The tote’s structure is unique and thoughtfully constructed, with the base curving inward to rest comfortably against your body when styled as a shoulder bag. Freely run from your train to the office without a stocky work bag painfully bumping into you. The inside features a roomy, lined Merlot-hued vegan microsuede with enough space to fit a 16-inch laptop. It also has four additional pockets.
Cariuma JJ Backpack, $89
Who says backpacks have to be boring? This Bordeaux-hued bag from Cariuma looks as unassuming as the Jansports we casually tossed over our shoulders in middle school. But it’s loaded with work-friendly details, like a central compartment that fits laptops ranging from 13 to 17 inches. It’s also a great choice for anyone eager to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle, thanks to the recycled materials it’s made from.
Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote, $155
Personally, I love a classic tote, and nothing is more classic than Longchamp’s Le Pliage. From the silhouette to the material to the colors, it’s a chef’s kiss that still packs a punch. Whether you’re a soccer mom in the making or just a carrier of snacks and papers, this bag is a stylish, refined solution.
MZ Wallace Metro Backpack Deluxe, $275
Work backpacks — this one may be a splurge, but it’s worth it, thanks to its super-roomy interior with multiple pockets, a detachable pouch, and a quilted exterior with leather details. This lightweight backpack made from recycled water bottles is perfect for the office (there’s a backpack sleeve) and the airplane (there’s a luggage sleeve, too).
Mark & Graham Vegan Leather 2-in-1 Tote, $179
If you like yourself some work bag accessories, consider going for this versatile two-in-one tote bag. It comes with a separate laptop sleeve in your choice of a matching or contrasting color, depending on how playful you want to be, and a detachable striped crossbody strap for extra comfort. Plus, the bag can be monogrammed (with a $12.50 fee) for a personalized touch.
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