Headed back to the office soon? If you’re like us, it’s been a minute since you’ve had to be work-presentable (from more than the waist up). As a result, your closet could probably use a rethink — maybe even an upgrade. That includes your most important, most trusted, most used accessory: your trusty work bag. We’ve found 10 options to make your transition back to in-person work smoother and a lot more stylish.
Kate Spade Ava Reversible Leather Tote
This over-the-shoulder tote is perfect for your everyday office essentials (your laptop, your lipstick, your avocado…), and the chic, sleek design fits any workplace aesthetic. The best part: The bag is completely reversible so that you can complement more of your wardrobe.
Mary & Marie There’s Something About Mary Backpack
This elegant option looks like you bought it from a fancy atelier near the Florence duomo. Handmade from beautiful matte leather, this bag is an organizational workhorse, featuring custom spots for your electronics (obvi) but also a clear waterproof pouch perfect for sunscreen or hand cream or anything else that will leak during your travels.
Madewell Lorimer Backpack
We love this genuine leather backpack’s clean, modern lines — it gets the job done but isn’t overly work-y about it. The proportions are perfect, and it will go with any coat you throw at it this winter.
L.L. Bean Zip Tip Boat and Tote Bag
Do not sleep on the L.L. Bean zip-top tote as an everything-you-want-in-a-work-bag option. Extremely durable, with a city subway-to-Nantucket vibe, this bag has had decades to prove its mettle. Bonus points for creative and irreverent monogramming.
BAGGU Cloud Bag
This light-as-air, crinkle-texture bag is as cool as it is functional. Made of recycled nylon, it’s a perfect match for the sandy beach too, and it folds down to nothing on days when you’re not running for the train.
Betsey Johnson Double Handle Nylon Tote
You may be a corporate lawyer these days, but your personal vibe is still more rock-n-roll than claims and compliance. We think this lightning bolt bag from Betsy Johnson expresses that duality perfectly.
Monos Metro Backpack
This sleek nylon option comes in show-stopping green (and six other colors), opening fully flat so you can get to all the compartments inside. We love the easy-access laptop pocket and the built-in trolley sleeve, so it’s easy to slide it over your suitcase handles when work takes you far from home.
Adidas Women’s All Me Tote Bag
Whether you take this one to the office or the gym after work, you can’t go wrong with the relaxed shape, a plethora of pockets, and pretty amazing price point. Hold by the handles or use the detachable strap to sling over your shoulder or as a cross-body bag – glowing feedback and 450+ 5-star reviews can’t be wrong.
Carhartt Work in Progress Tote
Channel your cool teen’s backpack, but with a grown-up, commuter-friendly tote bag twist. We love this bag’s beige canvas cotton, that you can throw the whole thing in the wash, and that it makes the statement: “Yes, it’s a work bag, but I don’t live to work.”
BOSTANTEN Laptop Backpack Purse
The two-tone leather makes this bag a showstopper, and the gazillions of interior compartments mean it gets an A+ for organization. A slim profile and adjustable nylon straps make it extra comfy on your shoulders.
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