Womens leather laptop bag

Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote

For a waterproof option, Seattle-based knitwear designer and blogger Elisa Yip recommends this classic Longchamp tote. “The bag repels water to protect all my important stuff,” she says, including her iPad, phone, wallet, makeup bag, and eyeglasses. Yip adds that it’s also a great bag for traveling, since it can fold up and fit into a carry-on, making it a good choice if you’re someone who takes a lot of business trips.

Marc Jacobs The Tag Leather Tote

If you prefer to keep your daily work essentials tightly edited — that means no laptops or gym clothes — a smart-looking purse can be a stylish [and lightweight] option. “My work bag right now is the Marc Jacobs Tag Tote,” says Jane Belfry, the founder of talent agency the Btwn. She likes that it comes in enough colors to not be boring and that “it’s not too ‘work-y’-looking to take out for drinks or dinner after.”

[Editor’s note: The Tag tote is currently sold out everywhere, but Marc Jacob’s Mini Shopper Leather Tote is nearly identical in size and style. It’s available in black for $184 at Saks Fifth Avenue and in pink or blue for $350 at Revolve.]

Lo & Sons Hanover Deluxe 2 Travel Backpack

Photographer Alice Gao told us that Lo & Sons makes her go-to backpack for working and traveling. While she admits that the bag isn’t the most aesthetically appealing option, when she’s schlepping all her photo gear and her laptop, it is the most practical. “The back of the backpack has a sleeve that slides over my luggage handles, which is a simple design godsend,” she says, adding that the design is “minimal enough and understated.” The company no longer makes the exact style she uses, but its Hanover Deluxe 2 Travel Backpack is extremely similar, down to the sleeve that slides over luggage handles that she loves so much.

“I do not have very exciting or expensive tastes in handbags,” says Deb Perelman of Smitten Kitchen. “I just need a bag with a handle drop length, so I can shove it over my shoulder while wearing a puffy jacket that holds a laptop, water bottle, and all the toys my kids swear they want to play with that I get stuck carrying home.” She’s on her second or third Madewell Transport Tote, the most recent of which is a [now unavailable] rose-pink color. But the tote is still available in classic brown and black, which may be more office-appropriate for everyday wear. We also recommend taking advantage of Madewell’s complimentary personalization service: It’ll give you up to ten characters to play with, so feel free to go for your initials or favorite [short] phrase.

Madewell The Zip Top Transport Tote

According to graphic designer Meagan Sapashe, this Madewell Transport Tote is “quite literally the perfect medium” because it’s big enough to fit all of her day-to-day necessities without being too bulky. It’s not as roomy as Perelman’s favorite Transport Tote, but like that tote, it has a minimal interior — only a single pocket — which makes it “easy to find what you are looking for,” she explains. One detail unique to this Transport Tote, however, is that it has two different sets of straps: Two short top handles, plus a detachable shoulder strap that allows you to wear it across your body.

Logan & Lenora Daytripper Tote

Baros also told us about Logan & Lenora, a small, Denver-based bag brand that she says is “known for style and craftsmanship.” She says the brand’s lightweight Daytripper bag has a “cool yet classic look,” as well as a weatherproof, stain-resistant, machine-washable exterior made from a poly-canvas material. It also has top handles, a cross-body strap, and a luggage sleeve so you can carry it however is most comfortable on any given day.

Nisolo Simone Crossbody Shopper

This cross-body shopper caught the eye of former Strategist writer Lori Keong: “It’s crafted from sturdy vegetable-tanned leather, it’s distinctive but not so trendy that I’m spotting it everywhere on my commute to work, and the structured body means it has limits,” she says. “I’ll have just enough room for a laptop and magazine without the temptation to bury my house keys under a pile of snacks and hand creams.” While the cream color that Keong loves is currently sold out, the bag is still available in black and brown.

“It’s a limitless Mary Poppins bag,” says Marcotte of this canvas Cuyana tote. It’s her go-to for work bags right now “because it’s huge, has thick straps, multiple pockets, and goes with anything.” She’s often carrying more than she needs and “ inevitably my bag gets uncomfortably heavy,” she says, so strong straps are important. While the rest of the bag is canvas, the straps are leather, which is a plus, and she adds they’re “extra-wide so they don’t dig into my shoulder.” The tote also has a tie-leather closure, which provides easy access to everything inside. And while it can hold a lot, on a light day you don’t have to look like you’re going away for the weekend: Fold the sides of the bag in with magnetic closures for a more compact look. That’s not to say this bag couldn’t survive JFK on a holiday weekend. Marcotte says it’s very durable and has kept up with her busy life. “I’m based in NYC and now that the city’s reopening, I’m back to the constant running around, on/off subways, jumping on Citi Bikes, etc.” she says. “It’s up to the test.”

Cuyana Classic Leather Zipper Tote

Strategist senior writer Karen Iorio Adelson was a devoted Madewell Transport tote-user until one ill-fated trip to the airport, when the strap on her “[admittedly overstuffed] tote tore off” while she was waiting in the security line. She ordered this Cuyana bag from her phone on the spot, and calls it a “big upgrade” because of the zipper top and gold hardware, which adds more security and sophistication, she says. “The pebbled leather doesn’t show scratches or wear as easily, and it holds everything you’d need for a workday, and the gold hardware adds some polish.”

Matt & Nat Fabi Faux Leather Backpack

If you are a devoted backpacker, visual branding stylist Libby Bartley loves this handsome [and vegan] Matt & Nat backpack, which she says is “ truly an essential part of my workday.” She notes that the bag has a lot of smart features, including adjustable straps, expandable gussets, and pockets for laptops and smartphones, making it “multifunctional for work and play,” as well as “a long-lasting investment.”

Coming of Age Iridescent Navy Tote Bag

Fashion stylist Doria Santlofer told us about Coming of Age, a New York–based brand that makes bags in shiny, colorful taffeta. “I love the iridescent gingham because why not look at something shiny on your way to work every day,” she says. She’s not the only fan of the brand: Designer Nikki Chasin recommended a different Coming of Age tote in our list of the best tote bags. Chasin told us she loves the bags’ “quirky shape and functionality,” as well as their gussets, which allow her “to fit a ton of stuff but still look chic.” We’ll take those two recommendations as a sign that a new status tote bag may be in the making.

Telfar Medium White Shopping Bag

Stylist and designer Alljahni Mack, who currently works at Kith and as a tailor at Nordstrom, says that Telfar’s Shopping Bag is one of her absolute favorites due to “its simple design and chic aesthetic” that she says can go with any style of dress. Our friends at the Cut recently wrote about Telfar’s shopper, calling the style an “It” bag and describing its appeal this way: “A simple, boxy carryall with double shoulder straps and top handles, it comes in three sizes, costs between $150 and $257, and has become a symbol of group identity for young, creative New Yorkers, especially queer people and people of color.” Mack says that the medium size is just right for fitting one’s daily essentials and a laptop. While she notes the bag “comes in several colors, a few bolder than others,” you have to catch them when they drop. They sell out quickly [all colors are currently sold out], but if you sign up for updates on when restocks and new products are released weekly, you can try to snag one.

Fashion stylist Vivid Wu calls this her “favorite everyday bag” because it is fashionable yet functional and has a turn-lock adjustable strap, which makes it easy to convert from a tote to a shoulder or cross-body bag when on the go, she says. “Don’t get me started on how minimalist and well-made it is, too,” she says, adding that it is “hands down the best handmade leather bag that screams luxury [but at an affordable price].” The snap-closure work bag also comes with a metallic detachable pouch that could double as a clutch, so it’s almost like getting two bags for the price of one.

Haerfest Small Backpack

Strategist managing editor Maxine Builder — a self-identified “big backpack person” — says the Haerfest backpack has become her “go-to.” One of her favorite features is its slightly hidden back panel, separate from the main compartment, that has its own zipper, making it a convenient place to store laptops. “But the Haerfest backpack also just looks and feels nice, sturdy yet sleek, and always comfortable to carry,” she adds.

Angela Roi Eloise Satchel

For a fancier vegan-leather option, blogger and graduate student Christina Sewell is a fan of this luxe satchel from Angela Roi. “This vegan-leather minimal bag is the perfect pairing for your everyday lady-boss getup that’ll easily transition from day to night.” It’s also cruelty- and sweatshop-free.

While this bag may cost the same as two months of membership dues at a luxury gym, Katheryn Thayer, Kickstarter’s brand content director, says it’s a must if you love to work out after [or before] work. “Caraa’s super-versatile ‘luxury sports bags’ are magical,” she promises, noting that the bag “has a million secret pockets, adjustable straps that convert to a backpack or over-the-shoulder weekender, and a big, cushiony pouch for my laptop. Plus, it zips fully closed.” Thayer adds that people stop her in the street to ask where she got it all the time. [If you’re just looking for a gym bag, we’ve got lots more options at various price points here.]

Alps & Meters Alpine Rucksack

For something more rugged-looking with enough storage space for a work day as well as a work trip, this backpack from ski-apparel company Alps & Meters has you covered. “This bag is great-looking,” says A.G. Breitenstein, CEO and founder of FOLX Health. “It can hold a weekend’s worth of clothing, but still double as a day sack. It has tons of inside and outside pockets that make everything accessible. It also has straps and ties for that ‘ready for anything’ look while not looking like you’re going to the moon.” Breitenstein especially likes the waxed-cotton exterior that makes this bag water-resistant. And while it might be too technical for someone heading into an office job every day, for someone biking or scootering to work, it’s one of the few bags on this list that easily accommodates a helmet.

Céline Medium Classic Bag In Box Calfskin

If you’re ready to splurge, medium to large designer bags are often great for work. Tracy DiNunzio, the founder of designer-resale site Tradesy, works from home now, so she doesn’t need anything too big. “I’ve retired my totes, and rotate through a few medium-sized work bags now,” one being this Céline shoulder bag. She says it’s perfect for days on the go, and while you might think it’s too pricey to get banged around on the street and subway, she says the bag only gets better with wear. “I have it in black and love how the leather wears,” she says. “I don’t really like bags that look too new, shiny, or pristine. This one builds up an even layer of little scratches that add character.”

Loewe Mini Flamenco Knot Leather Clutch

DiNunzio has had her Céline for a while, but this Loewe bag is new to the rotation. “It’s so buttery soft, and looks great as a clutch or a cross-body,” she says. “I’ve been saying this forever, but the day-to-night thing is real, and I especially love how this one transitions.” She has this tan color, which she says “really pops,” but this bag is available in different shades and sizes, from this mini to extra-large. The smaller sizes might work for a lunch meeting, but at 17 inches deep, you can definitely throw a MacBook into the larger one.

From $1,750 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Goyard Saint Louis Tote PM

For a classic that can tackle so many different jobs, Diana Lee, the CEO and co-founder of digital marketing firm Constellation Agency, uses this Goyard tote on a daily basis. The possibilities of what she can carry in this are “boundless,” she says. “If you take a peek inside, you’re most likely to find anything from my lunch order to the next great idea for my company crumpled up on pieces of scrap paper,” Lee says. “I appreciate its capacity for versatility — deep enough to fit boxes upon boxes of business cards but organized enough to find my Bausch + Lomb daily contacts just in case I need a replacement in between pitches.” This is one of those designer bags you’ve probably seen around a lot, but, like Lee, you can get yours monogrammed for a personalized touch.