Weve all been there: dragging around a handbag, and a carryall and an extra laptop bag, because we could not find the right bag to carry all our effects in style.
The best work bags for #girlbosses should have a few key features.
First, your office-appropriate bag should be functional and roomy enough to carry all your work essentials. Laptop? Check. Phone and charger? Check. Notebook and pens. Check. Water bottle? Double-check.
They should also be chic and compact enough to carry around with confidence, from interviews and Very Important Meetings to your lunch errands and happy hours.
Finally, they should be durable to hold up through your daily commutes, work trips abroad, children drop-offs, and whatever journey life takes you next.
But finding a business-appropriate bag thats both chic and laptop-friendly can be hard work.Good news, were about to make your [work] life really, really easy.
Weve rounded up the best work bags for women that get the job done [pun intended]. From carryall totes to laptop bags, backpacks, and satchel bags, these work bags will fit all your daily must-haves comfortably. Equal parts fashion and function, they work 9 to 5 and beyond.
The best bags for working women
- Cuyana Structured Leather Tote
- Senreve Maestra Leather Bag
- RIMOWA Never Still Tote
- Bellroy Tokyo Tote Premium
- Givenchy Antigona Tote
- Kate Spade Margaux Tote
- Celine Mini Luggage Handbag
- Senreve Voya
- Gucci GG Marmont Tote
- Bottega Veneta Intreciatto Handbag
- Tory Burch Perry Leather Tote
- Saint Laurent Sac De Jour
- Stella McCartney Vegan Leather Tote
- Behno Ina Large Shoulder Bag
- EaseGave Work Tote
1. Cuyana Structured Leather Tote
Look to Meghan Markle-approved brand, Cuyana, for the perfect architectural twist on the classic tote. Crafted from buttery smooth Italian leather, the Classic Structured Leather Tote is the effortlessly chic tote bag youll buy now and rely on forever. Put-together, poised and totes amazing kind of like you.
Its roomy enough for all of your essentials [basically your entire mobile office and social life]. Its also designed to be versatile enough to tote just about anywhere from work to grocery runs, gym trips, all-day shopping excursions, and evenings out on the town.
Youll look like a major lady boss carrying this sleek, simple, and sustainable bag and support a female-owned business while youre at it. #womenempowerment
For added organisation, combine it with Cuyanas Tote Organization Insert with compartments for everything, including keys, a 15-inch laptop, and a water bottle. Hello, Marie-Kondo-meets-Mary-Poppins-carryall.
2. Senreve Maestra Leather Bag
If its stylish enough for Olivia Palermo and Priyanka Chopra, its definitely chic for us.
But beyond fashion, perhaps one of the coolest features of this 100% Italian leather bag is its super versatility: You can wear the convertible Senreve leather Maestra bag in four different styles: as a tote, satchel, crossbody, or backpack.
The Maestra bag has a well-designed organisation system with its eight interior compartments including a padded sleeve that can fit a 13 laptop [while the central compartment fits up to a 15 laptop]. The bag comes in 13 different colour options to fit every style and a lifetime warranty. The Maestra is designed to withstand the wear-and-tear of daily use with its metal feet, stain-resistant micro-suede interior and water-resistant exterior.
3. RIMOWA Never Still Tote
This thoughtfully designed, versatile and well-structured tote by RIMOWA works even harder than you do. Made in Italy from canvas and full-grain leather, this work bag is spacious enough for all your daily essentials and is the perfect travel companion. You can easily fit in a 15 laptop plus an extra set of clothes for the gym or an overnight stay. RIMOWAs Never Still Tote is the perfect work bag for women on the go.
The business bag also features a handy strap at the back so you can easily attach it to your suitcase when travelling. An innovative double-handle system allows for adaptable toting [over-shoulder or as a handbag]. Youll definitely be toting around this chic carryall on repeat. Check our review of RIMOWAs Never Still collection to see the other bags from the same line.
4. Bellroy Tokyo Tote Premium
We love Bellroy for their smartly designed accessories and daily essentials. The Australian brand is now turning its attention to premium bags for women with this Tokyo Tote. Available in black or desert, this bag is made with premium, environmentally certified leather and woven fabric with a dedicated pocket for a 13 laptop or a tablet.
The inside packs a ton of little pockets to help keep things organised. Theres a pop-out pocket to safely store your water bottle or a pair of shoes. On the outside, youll find the brands Aquaguard zipper to protect valuables from the rain.
5. Givenchy Antigona Tote
Practicality meets elegance with this roomy Givenchy Antigona Tote. This bag reached icon status after being seen on the shoulders of Khloe Kardashian and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, among many other celebrities.
With its sleek silhouette and minimalist designs, the Antigona Tote lends a look of ageless sophistication. The work bag is available in a large range of sizes and colours. A great minimal and understated tote bag that will fit all your work essentials [and miscellany you dont need but carry anyway].
6. Kate Spade Margaux Tote
If youre looking for a stylish work tote at an affordable price, its always a good idea to take a look at what Kate Spade has in store. The brands Margaux collection of bags is our preferred choice for bags that are simple yet elegant and spacious enough to carry your laptop or iPad.
The Kate Spade Margaux Tote features two compartments separated by a zipper pouch, so you can store your computer on one side and your daily essentials on the other. The bag is made from refined grain leather and is available in a range of colours to fit your outfit.
7. Celine Mini Luggage Handbag
A favourite of Hollywood celebrities and boss ladies alike, you know the Celine Mini Luggage is a must-have. Its structured, refined, and timeless with a simple and chic Parisian allure.
Surprisingly spacious, this work bag in drummed calfskin actually works with your urban lifestyle and instantly elevates your office looks.
8. Senreve Voya Tote
Used by Angelina Jolie and a myriad of Instagram influencers, the Senreve Voya Tote is the bag for you if you dont want to compromise style for space. Its minimal design will make you forget how big the inside really is. The Voya easily fits laptops up to 15 inches. It even comes with a removable micro-suede laptop compartment that fits up to a 14 laptop. Youll also find eight pockets on the inside to organise your essentials.
Like all of the other bags from Senreve, the Voya is handmade in Italy from structured textured-leather. The slim top handles mean it can be worn on the shoulder, too.
9. Gucci GG Marmont Tote
Add some vintage feel and a dose of Italian glamour to your work life with this office-friendly quilted black leather tote. The Gucci GG Marmont Tote is crafted in Italy from smooth calf leather and features a double-G monogram and a zip pocket inside to keep your valuables safe and sound. The perfect work bag for toting everything and anything around town. The bag can be carried from the top handles or a detachable shoulder strap.
10. Bottega Veneta Intreciatto Handbag
With its sleek and timeless design in high-quality, intrecciato weave leather, this work bag from Bottega Veneta effortlessly oozes sophisticated elegance.
11. Tory Burch Perry Leather Tote
Crafted in luxurious pebbled leather, this lightweight multi-tasking tote from Tory Burch features a well-organised interior including two open compartments and a centre a zippered pocket that can hold your 13-inch laptop and keep your possessions in place. Soft and structured. Perfect for looking glamorous at a formal occasion or running errands.
12. Saint Laurent Sac De Jour
The Sac De Jour by Saint Laurent is yet another iconic bag thats the stuff of fashion legend. With its structured shapes and signature style that combine timeless elements with contemporary finishes, the Saint Laurent Sac De Jour would be perfect for female lawyers or women working on Wall Street. Its practical to carry your work documents in style, and establish instant respect if you place it next to you during a meeting.
13. Stella McCartney Vegan Leather Tote
We love how the designers behind Stella McCartneys latest collections forus on creating sustainable bags that are super fashionable too. This Vegan Leather tote with the brands logo perforated on one side is a perfect example of that.
Crafted from soft faux leather that creates 24 times less environmental impact than normal leather, the Stella McCartneys tote is large enough to effortlessly carry a 16 laptop and a pair of sports shoes. The bag also comes with a slim interior pouch for securing small items.
14. Behno Ina Large Shoulder Bag
Work bag doesnt have to mean boring. If you love a modern classic look, this is the one for you. Behnos Ina large pebble bag is a bestselling shoulder bag and for good reason its spacious enough to fit all your daily must-haves comfortably and refined enough to tote it from the office to dinner and everywhere in-between.
Handcrafted with supple Italian pebble-grain leather, this consciously made shoulder bag is definitely the best way to welcome working hours with open arms [literally].
13. EaseGave Work Tote
A popular pick on Amazon, this multi-pocket work tote from Easegave fits laptops up to 15.6 inches. This very affordable work bag has adjustable straps and comes in multiple colours.
Bonus: All your favourite styles for less at Fashionphile
Buying a designer bag can come with a hefty price tag, so finding your favourite style on a discount could make a significant difference for your wallet.
The good news is, you can find some of the absolute best authenticated previously owned designer bags at Fashionphile. Explore their sleek website to scoop your favourite designer work bag up before its gone.
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The different types of work bags for women
Laptop Bag
As the name suggests, the primary purpose of a laptop bag is to carry a laptop and its accessories such as chargers and cables.
Briefcase
The quintessential classic work bag.A briefcase is a formal, narrow box-shaped bag and equipped with a handle. A briefcase is a work bag used by professionals, especially for carrying business documents.
Tote Bag
A tote bag is typically a carryall bag that comes with double top handles. It ranges from canvas to premium versions. Tote bags are usually light, spacious and most commonly unfastened [though some modern versions now include zippers].
Satchel Bag
Satchels range in size, but a satchel bag is usually a structured bag with a rigid feel structure with a flat bottom and two short handles on top. No matter how much you put inside it, a Satchel bag maintains its beautiful shape, making this structured work bag suitable for women who are in more formal professions.
Backpack
If comfort is key and youd rather carry everything on your back, backpacks make for great work bags.
What to look for in a womens work bag?
Size matters for womens work bags
Before you buy a work bag, consider what youd need it for. Do you bring your whole office with you every day?
If you carry a laptop to work, prefer a work bag with a dedicated compartment that is sturdy enough to endure the weight and keep your device protected. Know the laptop size you want to fit in the bag.
Bonus: The best work bags for women have room for an extra pair of comfy shoes, too.
Pick your work bag in a neutral colour and timeless design
A work bag should stand the test of time. Pick your bag in a neutral shade like black, tan, or brown, to effortlessly complement your workwear.
Invest in a work bag made of durable material
The material of a bag plays an important role in determining the quality of the work bag. Invest in a work bag that will stand the test of time.
Good news for the conscious people out there. Increasingly, animal-free leather alternatives that dont forfeit style are emerging.
Consider security features
It is surprising how many work bags dont have zippers. We personally prefer work bags that come with a theft-proof top zipper. Besides keeping everything safe inside during busy rush hour commutes, it tells people that you care about organisation.
Think about your work bags function
Ask yourself what you need to carry in your work bag and find a bag that accommodates that list. Some work bags have no compartments at all while others have plenty.
If you carry a lot of items, look for a work bag that contains enough inside pockets. If you dont, a simple exterior or interior pocket to store small essentials may suffice. Again, consider your work style and day to day needs to decide on the organisational features you require. For example, if you never find anything in your bag [guilty, here], you should opt for a more structured work bag that organises all your necessities rather than a tote where all your tagalongs are swimming around in one large compartment.
Frequently Asked Questions about womens work bags
A work bag is a bag that can carry your work necessities including a laptop to your place of work.
A tote bag is often used as an effortless carryall, from workdays to weekends.
A tote bag is typically a large, rectangular or square bag with long straps that can easily be slung over the shoulder. Satchels are generally mid- to large-size with a flat bottom and two short handles on top.
The size of a work bag varies, depending on what you want to carry. We recommend picking a work bag that can fit at the very least, your laptop. Look at the dimensions before purchasing.
The durability of the work bag depends on the material it was made of and your daily use.
Of course, work bags are also great for schools, travelling and plenty of other occasions.