Let’s face it - all of us hate the Sunday scaries. But the only trick to feeling good is looking good, so what could make showing up to work on a Monday better than carrying a stylish bag which prioritises both fashion and function?
Key things to remember when shopping for the perfect work bag: make sure your pouch can handle weight, from the strength of the shoulder strap all the way down to how the bag feels. If it’s already heavy without anything in it, good luck holding your laptop there! Look for bags with inner pockets and pouches to hold smaller items like your chapstick or your cell phone, and above all, look for comfort.
As for the design of the bag, we’ve narrowed down over a dozen suitable options which come in a variety of different styles, from brand-detailed classics like the Gucci Medium Tote to simple leather pouches like the Cuyana oversized double loop bag.
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Oversized Double Loop Bag, around $541, Cuyana
Looking for a classic leather or suede tote? Look no further than Cuyana's classic leather and suede bags, which are durable enough to handle all your everyday essentials. The Oversized Double Loop Bag comes with two exterior side pockets and distinctive handles, crafted from soft leather in a family-owned factory in Italy.
Dimensions: 15" H x 14.75" W x 7" D
Colorways: Cappuccino, black, caramel, dark olive, and ecru
Arc Tote, $2,750, Mark Cross
The Arc Tote is also made in Italy and comes with thick double top handles and internal zip pockets. It’s all about the sleek, architectural heritage details here.
Dimensions: 22.05” L x 4.72” W x 14.57” H; 10” handle drop
Colorways: Calfskin MC Red, flat calfskin cuoio, flat calfskin black, shearling ecru, shearling MC Red, shearling acorn, and shearling indigo
Daily Tote, around $374, Dagne Dover
Using Dagne Dover's tote means you'll never have to dig for your keys ever again. Made of 100 percent vegan leather and recycled lining, this office-friendly bag is every sustainable fashionista's dream.
Dimensions: 15” L x 12.25” H x 5.5” W
Colorways: Pinto and onyx
Perry Triple-Compartment Tote Bag, $525, Tory Burch
Tory Burch is always a popular go-to brand for sturdy, fashionable work bags, and this best-selling tote is no exception. With a middle-zip compartment and functional side pockets, there's plenty of room to store your laptop - and a dozen other items you might not have known you needed. Perfect for travel, too, in case you go from the office to the airport in a flash.
Dimensions: 129 cm. x 36 cm. x 13.4 cm.; 26 cm. handle drop
Colorways: Black, light umber, new ivory, clam shell, and shell pink
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Medium Tote with Interlocking G, $2,890, Gucci
This timeless luxury tote with the house's iconic GG monogram print also comes in a sturdy canvas fabric. But the inner card slot and leather top handles (plus a longer shoulder strap) are what makes this bag a secret steal for commuters.
Dimensions: 14.8" x 13" x 6.1"
Colorways: Beige and ebony, and beige and blue
Carry-All Tote Bag, around $1,023, L/UNIFORM
French accessories brand L/UNIFORM is known for its everyday essentials, all made from luxe canvas. Its carry-all shaped bag comes with simple yet sleek details, proving practicality can still make a statement - perfect for an easy, relaxed go-to fashion statement to take with you anytime, anywhere.
Dimensions: 16.141" L x 5.512" W x 13.780" H
Colorways: Navy, and black and navy
The Market Tote, around $400, Von Holzhausen
Opt for a sustainably minded market tote by Von Holzhausen—made from recycled water bottles and plant material. It also comes with a handy outside pocket and a roomy interior, so you can use it anytime you need to carry more than the usual.
What are reviewers saying? Here's a sneak peek: "This bag is exactly what I was looking for. I love the minimalist chic design, as well as how practical it is. I love that I don’t have to worry about staining with this as it's really easy to clean and durable."
Dimensions: 12¾" x 13¾" x 5"; 10" handle drop
Colorways: Oat and caramel, black, stone and black, caramel and black, white and black, taupe and black, and burgundy and black
Snakeskin-Effect Leather Tote Bag, $1,190, Mansur Gavriel
Mansur Gavriel's totes regularly sell out, and while we love the larger ones, the small version is spacious enough to carry your 13-inch laptop and other essentials. It's available in classic shades of black and tan, but why not add some color to your workwear staples? This embossed leaf green will add boldness to any office attire, while still feeling classic and polished.
"This tote … is lovely; it has plenty of room, and it also has a zip so all the contents in my bag are safe," one reviewer writes. "It's very stylish and of excellent quality."
Dimensions: 5.1" D x 9.4" H x 16.5" W; 8.3" handle
Colorways: Embossed leaf, black/flamma, and beige
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Hexella Large Tote Oxblood, around $400, Warp
Warp's accessories all feature striking geometric forms, including this large tote. Inside, you have room for a 13-inch laptop and small essentials like pens, chargers, beauty minis, and more that can be split between two pockets. The diverse array of color options, from burgundy oxblood to emerald green, make certain you’ll find a fit to suit your personality and style preferences best.
Dimensions: 26 cm. x 15 cm. x 33 cm.; 15 cm. handle drop
Colorways: Oxblood, parakeet, amethyst, tan, emerald, and black
Lia Laptop, around $557, Pipatchara
Pipatchara's twists on the most basic of leather laptop bag details are some of our favorites, from the handmade macramé cross-body strap to the four spacious pockets. Each compartment is secured with a snap closure, so your precious meeting notes and office snacks will always stay right where you put them. Inside, you'll find a velvet lining, to keep your tablet, laptop, and electronics scratch proof.
Dimensions: 27 cm. x 38 cm. x 2.5 cm.
Colorways: Nude, white, tan, and black
Helene Leather Hobo Bag, 1,139.60, Ree Projects
Desiree Kleinen founded her Amsterdam-based brand, Ree Projects, in 2016 with a keen eye for shape and refinement. The label's Helene tote is the perfect choice if you're looking for a minimalist take on the everyday workbag. One reviewer gives this bag a five-star rating, writing, "So good. Absolutely love!"
It's not hard to see where this enthusiasm comes from. This hobo pulls double duty with two ways to carry, enabling you to simply hold with the top handle strap or go hands free with an adjustable cross-body. After all, versatility is key, and this bag feels perfectly built to work after your nine-to-five.
Dimensions: 9" W x 9½" H x 4" D
Colorways: Black
Maestra Bag, $1,375, Senreve
Here’s a convertible laptop bag that will really take you places. You can carry Senreve’s bag by the leather top handle, or as a satchel, a cross-body, or even a sleek backpack. Five materials and multiple colorways ensure you will find the perfect one.
Reviewers say this bag’s versatility stands out from other models. “It is the most stylish workbag I have ever had the pleasure of owning,” one shopper writes. “The structure is great, and it looks elegant and expensive without being obnoxious. It feels secure to put on as a backpack and walk around town with.”
Dimensions: 12.25” x 10.25” x 6.75”; 3.5” handle drop, 14.5–20” adjustable straps
Colorways: Dolce leather in chocolate and charcoal
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Shopping Leather Tote Bag, $1,935, Saint Laurent
Saint Laurent handbags are a thing. Just look to celebrities like Zoë Kravitz and Hailey Bieber, who are major brand fans and regularly sporting YSL shopping totes. This easy shopper is made from supple calfskin leather for that extra-luxe hand touch. Noteworthy details include an interior zipped pouch and gold foiled logo, giving it the high-end seal of approval. We love the beige colorway for an option that goes with every outfit.
Dimensions: 18.5" W x 11.3" L x 5.2" D; 9.2" handle drop
Colorways: Beige and black
Medium Cabana Tote, around $252, Paravel
For a casual work environment, opt for this Paravel canvas number, which can be personalized with hand-painted initials, emojis, embroidery, and more. Made from Ecocraft Canvas derived from recycled water bottles, the material is stain repellent. The lining is water resistant as well, to ward off those accidental spills or unexpected rain showers you may encounter.
Reviewers also say it has far more space and durability than anticipated. As one shopper writes, "Was able to pack more in this than expected, easy to wipe down, roomy pockets, great craftsmanship, and very sturdy."
Dimensions: 23.75" x 14.5" x 7.5"
Colorways: Domino Black, Paloma, Shandy, and Marlin
Large Filippo Leather Tote, $1,833.38, Yvonne Koné
This smart and simple bag falls under the lifetime purchase category; it's a timeless staple you'll have in your wardrobe forever.
The Danish label fuses sleek design with influences teased from the Ivory Coast. Fashioned from Italian leather, the Filippo Tote's extra-large shape stands as a versatile option for toting necessities and more. Thanks to its hefty size, it can also double as a weekender bag for those short but sweet adventures or the ideal personal item the next time you fly.
Dimensions: 40 cm. W x 30 cm. H x 20 cm. D
Colorways: Chocolate
Osa Medium Raffia Tote, $1,115, Khaite
Who says straw must be reserved only for the beach? Khaite’s Osa Tote certainly proves otherwise. Made from top-notch beige raffia, this oversized handbag offers a refreshing take on boardroom dressing. Ideal for hot-weather months, this one pairs well with soft, linen suiting and work-appropriate summer dresses. Black leather trimming and top handles keep things feeling serious enough for the workplace, and offer a chic contrast to the natural fibers. Life is all about balance after all.
Dimensions: 38.5 cm. x 23.5 cm. x 52 cm.; 57 cm. handle drop
Colorways: Beige raffia, caramel, and black leather
This article originally appeared on Harper's BAZAAR US.