While I do love my current WFH situation (hellooo sweatpants all day, every day), I can’t help but anticipate the Big Return to the Office—and specifically, what I’ll be wearing when I’m making that aforementioned return. Blame it on #StayAtHome monotony—or on my affinity for online shopping—but looking for fresh office clothes has become my new hobby. And currently, I’m on the hunt for the best work bag money can buy. Odds are, if you clicked on this, you’re looking for a new one too!
So what qualities does the perfect work tote have, you ask? Well first, it needs to be big enough to fit a laptop, yet not so gigantic that it’s like a weekender bag. It also should look profesh, yet not too boring. Oh, and it needs to have lots of organizational pockets to hold all the miscellany I’ve convinced myself I absolutely need to get through a workday and all of my commutes (i.e., books, various types of lip balm, snacks, obvi). Finding the right work bag that works for you may be a bit challenging, but definitely not impossible.
Here, we rounded up 25 of the best work bags worth carrying. From sturdy totes to crossbody styles to roomy laptop bags with padded protection, they’re all below!
LOVE me a good bag with a huge external pocket that I can quickly grab things from. This one gets bonus points for its removable shoulder strap, too.
MZ Wallace has some of the best totes out there because of their puff texture, like this beautiful quilted style that has pockets on pockets on pockets.
Odds are you’ve seen this tote all over your IG, but even though it’s a designer buy, it’s so practical! You’ll find tons of space inside and it also has a zipper closure for extra security.
You may be paying for one bag, but you’re basically getting two. This leather tote is fully reversible, making it easy for you to switch from black to leopard-print whenever the mood strikes you.
The “Kuei” style in medium is the perfect size between a large tote and small crossbody. The rich green shade is on-point for fall and everyone at the office will ask where you got it.
There’s a reason these totes are everywhere. The nylon is practical and durable, and the shape is absolutely classic. This style comes in a bunch of other colors as well.
Cuyana’s leather styles are elegant and ones that’ll never go out of style. The double loop strap on this ensures you can carry it multiple ways, and you can even customize it with your initials.
Some people prefer backpacks so they can be hands free. In that case, may I suggest this very stylish design from Rebecca Minkoff?
Another crossbody for those who keep their laptop at the office. If you’re looking for a professional-looking bag that could also work for happy hours, then this is the one for you.
An under-$100 suede leather bag isn’t so easy to find. But I found one. So you’re welcome.
Looks like a work tote, yet also functions like a backpack. This one comes with removable straps so you can carry it either way. It also features a hidden shoe compartment, water bottle holder, and waterproof lining.
While it’s really not made to fit a laptop, not everyone brings their tech to and from the office. If you’re the kind of person who only commutes with the bare necessities, opt for this unique design that’s sleek for the office, but cute enough to wear out.
We love ~understated elegance~. This bag is sleek, simple, and durable, with a subtle pop of color making it perfect for everyday use.
Lightweight! Waterproof! Spacious! These are just three of my favorite traits in a quality work bag.
How slick is this boxy design? The gold hardware and shape definitely bring it up a notch, and you’ll stand out from the sea of boring black totes.
Yes, this one will fit your 15-inch laptop. And yes, it will do so stylishly (and affordably!).
A fan-favorite, this Telfar bag is big enough to hold all of your essentials, plus more. Just make sure to grab it while it’s still in stock—these bags are almost always sold out. (Hence why you’ll often find it on resale sites like The RealReal.)
It’s a splurge, but a Mansur Gavriel bag is one you’ll likely keep forever. The “Tulipano” bag comes in various bold shades and also has a long strap to make carrying easier when you’re lugging a ton around.
Long gone are the days of fearing that your phone will run out of juice mid-commute. This handbag has a built-in charger, so you can rest easy on that front.
For those who don’t want to live a full leather life, here’s a PETA-approved vegan leather bag that’s just too pretty to pass up.
Sorry about the price tag, but sorry not sorry for introducing you to one stunner of a tote bag. Yes, it’s huge. And yes, you’ll look like a major boss carrying this thing.
If you’re into more of a vintage feel, then this genuine leather handbag is right for you.
This leather handbag promises to hold your laptop and a pair of sneakers—all the while looking sleek and pretty.
The braided detailing on this laptop bag is just *chef’s kiss*. Plus, it comes in six other colors!
The hard-to-miss silhouette makes this anything but a basic black bag. The long drop on the strap allows it to sit comfortably at your side, and the silver hardware on the closure keeps everything safe inside.