Yahoo Lifestyle Your New Work Bag Is About To Get All The Compliments
- 1/20
Your New Work Bag Is About To Get All The Compliments
There's an anonymous quote—oft-adorning the side of bright-colored totes–that reads, "Behind every successful woman is a fabulous bag." But considering everything today's working girls require to nail their nine-to-five (er, more like six), from laptops and wallets to workout clothes and sneakers, it'd better be functional and spacious, too. Thankfully, the days of sacrificing style for substance have gone the way of shoulder pads and skinny jeans, and it's never been easier to find a bag that combines both. (Literally...they're just a few clicks away!)
As more companies return to their offices in 2023, it's time to refresh your work wardrobe, including your go-to bag. When shopping, make sure "the bag is large enough to carry what’s needed, comfortable enough to carry on the arm or shoulder, durable enough to last, stylish enough to elevate an outfit, and light enough to not add extra weight," says personal stylist Samantha Brown.
But beware of bags with lots of hardware, she says. They may be a sidewalk stopper, but they’re already heavy when empty, explains Brown. Instead, "look for minimal hardware and lightweight fabric and/or leather so you can fill it with essentials," Brown says. And, if the bag itself doesn't have a zipper to keep it closed mid-commute, she recommends getting one with a zippered pocket somewhere inside to stash more valuable items. Enter this year's 19 best work bags for women, according to personal stylists.
Taia Leituala - 2/20
1) Knotted Leather Bag
Anthroplogie
anthropologie.com
$198.00
Looking for a large leather bag that won't completely break the bank? Look no further. Featuring three inner pockets for your valuables and chic knotted straps, this tote is equal parts simple, stylish, and sensible.
anthropologie.com - 3/20
2) Yvonne Koné Filippo Leather Tote
Yvonne Koné
nordstrom.com
$885.00
For a neutral yet elegant option, try this versatile Yvonne Koné leather tote. Features include an interior pocket, shoulder straps, and a tie closure.
nordstrom.com - 4/20
3) Kitt Large Tote
Kate Spade
Kate Spade
$99.00
If neutral colors aren't your thing, try this Kate Spade tote. It comes in an array of colors, including bubblegum pink and mint green, and features a zip pocket, a slip pocket, and a zip-top closure.
Kate Spade - 5/20
4) Le Pliage City Canvas Tote
Longchamp
Bloomingdale's
$225.00
For a simple yet sturdy option, opt for Longchamp's canvas tote. It features a magnetic closure that will keep all your belongings safe and sound, and an interior zip pocket for your keys and essentials.
Bloomingdale's - 6/20
5) The Zip-Top Transport Tote
Madewell
madewell.com
$188.00
Madewell's zip-tied transport tote is a bestseller for a reason. It's roomy enough to store your laptop, water bottle, books, and pretty much anything else you need, and made from soft vegetable-tanned leather. Compliments await.
madewell.com - 7/20
6) Le Zip Sac Tote
Clare V.
anthropologie.com
$485.00
Brown loves the Clare V. brand for its "durable, stylish totes that can easily transition from work to weekend." Thanks to its colorful shoulder straps and zipper, this brown leather bag is all business, zero boring. Not only is it big enough to carry your laptop, lunch, and gym clothes, but it also features an inner slip pocket and chic zipper styling.
anthropologie.com - 8/20
7) Perforated Leather Tote
Clare V.
nordstrom.com
$555.00
If brown isn't your color, opt for this sleek, black, perforated leather tote instead. The stripe of color adds a playful accent to this otherwise serious work bag.
nordstrom.com - 9/20
8) Arco Briefcase
bottegaveneta.com
$3800.00
"I'm a huge fan of Bottega Veneta for a luxury option," says personal stylist Sheyna Imm. "They have an amazing selection of work bags." With an eye-catching leather exterior and bonded suede lining, it also features a zip closure, an interior zipped pocket for valuables, and detachable straps. Form, meet function!
bottegaveneta.com - 10/20
9) Marcelle Backpack
clarev.com
$425.00
Backpacks are a great option since they more evenly disperse the weight of all your office essentials across your back and shoulders. Even though they're comfortable, Brown encourages buyers to consider a few things before adding to cart.
"They are sportier than a classic tote," she says. "Depending on your work environment, what your commute looks like, and what your role is—those factors help differentiate the level of formality that’s needed in a work bag." You know your workplace best, so shop accordingly.
clarev.com - 11/20
10) Oversized Double Loop Bag
Cuyana
cuyana.com
$398.00
"I love Cuyana because they design leather totes that can be personalized, come in multiple colors, and are big enough to carry what you need," says Brown. Made in Italy, this sleek-yet-slouchy, oversized option comes in five year-round colors and three seasonal shades. Plus, it has a magnetic top closure and inside zipper pockets.
cuyana.com - 12/20
11) Legend Tote
dagnedover.com
$209.00
Workout enthusiasts will be familiar with the brand's cult-favorite carryall bags, but "they also have some cool, really structured, strong silhouettes" for work bags, says Imm. This coated canvas tote comes in five cute colors and can fit most 15" laptops, your favorite sneakers, and a change of clothes.
dagnedover.com - 13/20
12) Classic Structured Leather Tote
cuyana.com
$248.00
A classic is a classic for a reason, right? This simple leather tote exudes everyday elegance that can easily transition from coffee with the boss to happy hour with friends to dinner with someone special. Plus, it can be monogrammed and comes in seven year-round colors and four seasonal options.
cuyana.com - 14/20
13) Daily Eight Tote Bag
Kokolu
kokolu.eco
$49.00
For a sportier option, this canvas bag from Kokolu is a more relaxed alternative to the classic leather tote. Think of it as the bag version of the cool boss who is pretty chill about the occasional mistake, but still maintains their professionalism 24/7.
Bonus: It's made from 100-percent recycled post-consumer recycled plastic bottles.
kokolu.eco - 15/20
14) Large Leather Backpack
cuyana.com
$498.00
Backpacks might be a bit more casual than the traditional work tote, but this sleek bucket-style backpack will have all your colleagues asking, "Um, where did you get that?!"
cuyana.com - 16/20
15) Medium Soft 16 Bag in Supple Grained Calfskin Pebble
Celine
celine.com
$3300.00
"Celine has really great bags for work wear, everyday wear," says Imm. "I mean, Celine just nails it with bags all the time." Case in point: This timeless style with simply gorgeous details. It doesn't just look pretty—it's versatile with hand, shoulder, and cross-body strap options and features a turn lock closure to keep your Monday-to-Friday must-haves safe and secure.
celine.com - 17/20
16) Vegan Leather 2-in-1 Tote
Mark & Graham
Mark & Graham
$179.00
Not into leather? Not a problem. Brown recommends Mark and Graham's vegan leather tote for a durable, stylish, and affordable option. It features shoulder straps and a cross-body strap, and it's even monogrammable. No one will guess it's not the real thing.
Mark & Graham - 18/20
17) Essential Backpack
Tumi
tumi.com
$259.00
Another non-leather option, this nylon backpack is treated with antimicrobial technology to help protect your belongings while keeping the bag odor and mold-free (great for the pre- or post-work exerciser!). And if you never leave home without your laptop, rest easy knowing it's safe in this backpack's padded compartment. Plus, it features other zipper pockets to keep your valuables safe and secure.
tumi.com - 19/20
18) Midi Maestra
maestra
senreve.com
$925.00
"Senreve has some really cool, structured work bags," says Imm. The Midi version of the brand's classic Maestra bag can be worn as a satchel, tote, crossbody, or backpack, and features eight (yes, eight!) interior compartments including a padded sleeve for a small laptop. Plus, it comes in five stunning colors and multiple texture choices, including a vegan leather option.
senreve.com - 20/20
19) Business Tote
brahmin.com
$395.00
"Brahmin is great for a formal setting, a job interview, or a traditional business meeting," says personal stylist Laura Zapata. "I love the embossed details and fashion-forward color options." Besides classic neutrals, the brand also features ombre colorways. The business tote has double handles and an adjustable strap, a zipper top, an interior padded laptop pocket, and a back slide-in pocket. Stash all your essentials in style.
brahmin.com
