The 24 Best Work Bags That Will Make You Look Chic and Professional

The humble work bag has undergone quite the rebranding process from the styles of yore. Designs now excel at styling your outfit with gorgeous finishes, interesting silhouettes, and plenty of eye-catching accessories that will spark office chatter. And while the outside certainly matters, it’s what’s on the inside that counts since these bags need to be functional enough to carry a day’s (or weekend’s) worth of everyday items from tech accessories to makeup essentials.

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Before you start your search, you need to quiz yourself on your priorities. Are you commuting a long distance that requires a bigger or more durable bag? Do you need something oversized that can store gym essentials for an after-work sweat session? How likely are you to punch up your outfit with a bright colorway? 

To answer your questions, we conducted hours of research on the best work bags, evaluating them on the quality of design, while taking into account comfort, aesthetics, and durability. After consulting with a handbag designer, too, we landed on these top-rated picks.

Best Overall

Cuyana System Tote

Cuyana

View On Cuyana.com

You can’t have a conversation about work bags without talking about Cuyana. Their offerings are so sleek, functional, and, therefore, easy to justify. This style is made out of luxurious Italian pebbled leather but still offers a design-forward structure, as it is, in fact, an organizational dream. Plus, with 13- and 16-inch size options, it can hold all your stuff, no matter how big your laptop is. For more personalization, there’s an option to monogram it.

Price at time of publish: $278

Material: Leather | Colors: Black, Caramel, Cappuccino, Dark Olive +more | Dimensions: 10 x 17.25 x 5 inches (13-inch); 11 x 19 x 5.5 inches (16-inch)

Best Large

Kate Spade Knott Commuter Laptop Bag

Kate Spade

View On Katespade.com

Consider this bag the equivalent of the most organized person you know: Reliable, efficient, and prepared for anything. Peeking inside the tote’s large interior you’ll find it lined with the brand’s signature spade print, two slip compartments, and enough room to stow away tech such as your laptop and all its accessories. And two exterior pockets give you easy access to smaller items like your phone and lip gloss.

Despite having more pockets than a pair of cargo pants, the bag still manages to look super sleek with its compact design—it zips up neatly and features top handles so you can wear it on your arm, or sit it comfortably on your shoulder with the thick long strap. Don’t be shy about carting it with you on long commutes since it’s constructed with durable pebble leather that withstands scuffs and scrapes better than other materials.

Price at time of publish: $348

Material: Pebbled leather | Colors: Black, Watercolor Blue | Dimensions: 11 x 15.75 x 5 inches

Best Budget

Nubily Laptop Bag

Amazon

View On Amazon

This waterproof bag is the solution for the indecisive and accident-prone among us. It’s available in over a dozen colors from a peppy pink and an eye-catching lavender to more muted neutrals like Khaki and Dark Green. But where’s the fun in choosing just one? The lower price point also makes this pick hard to resist or keeps us from adding a couple of color shades to our carts. And rest assured that a bevy of internal pockets will keep all of your valuables from rolling around the bottom.

Price at time of publish: $46

Material: Polyurethane | Colors: Black, Beige, Blue, Brown, Pink, Purple +more| Dimensions: 16.7 x 5.7 x 12.6 inches

Best Structured

Silver & Riley Convertible Executive Bag

Nordstrom

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For a bag that truly accomplishes it all, look no further than the Silver & Riley Convertible Executive Bag. Its charming design looks similar to a mini duffle bag, but the quality leather and gorgeous straight stitching set it leaps and bounds above anything you carted to summer camp. What really piqued our interest is how you can wear it three different ways: Carried by the top handles, across your body, and as a backpack utilizing the two back straps.

Don’t let the compact size fool you—you’ll be amazed how much you can store inside thanks to thoughtful organizational features like pen slots and a laptop pocket that keeps tech secure with a snap closure. What’s more, it will hold everything without feeling too heavy since the structured design and flat bottom evenly distribute the weight of your items. 

Price at time of publish: $695

Material: Leather | Colors: Olive Green | Dimensions: 15.5 x 10 x 5.5 inches

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Best Packable

Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote

Nordstrom

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Looking for a bag you can stuff into another bag until you need it? This one’s for you. The Le Pliage Tote folds into the size of a paperback book, then unfolds into a full-sized carrier big enough to fit a laptop and letter-sized folders.

Price at time of publish: $155

Material: Polyamide canvas | Colors: Black, Red, Turquoise +more | Dimensions: 12.2 x 11.8 x 7.5 inches

Best Value

Béis The Work Tote

Revolve

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This bag was designed for all the true boss ladies out there, or the aspiring boss ladies, according to Shay Mitchell’s brand BÉIS. It offers room for a 13-inch laptop, keys, a water bottle, and much more. Other features include a removable zippered pouch and a suitcase sleeve for easy traveling.

Price at time of publish: $128

Material: Vegan leather and polyester | Colors: Black, Beige, Plaid +more | Dimensions: 14.25 x 11 x 6 inches

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Best Messenger

Cuyana 13-Inch Messenger Bag

Cuyana

View On Cuyana.com

Available in both 13- and 16-inch versions, this messenger bag gives you options based on the laptop you have or how much storage you need. Along with a built-in laptop sleeve, it also has a thick, adjustable shoulder strap for maximum comfort while carrying. Though, its best feature is perhaps that it looks nothing like a work bag.

Price at time of publish: $378

Material: Leather | Colors: Black, Cappuccino, Soft Rose +more | Dimensions: 9.8 x 13.8 x 3.9 inches (13-inch); 10.4 x 15 x 3.9 inches (16-inch)

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Most Durable

Lo & Sons Seville Aire Tote

Lo & Sons

View On Loandsons.com

The nylon body of this tote is built for durability. It also has a huge selection of inner pockets (including a laptop sleeve) to help you stay as organized as possible. To suit as many shoppers as possible, it comes in both 13- and 15-inch versions. The zipper top also means everything stays organized, secure, and tucked away from the elements.

Price at time of publish: $478

Material: Nylon, polyester jacquard, and leather | Colors: Black, Deep Navy | Dimensions: 18.5 x 5 x 12.5 inches (13-inch), 20 x 5 x 13 inches (15-inch)

Best Sustainable

Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack

Saks Fifth Avenue

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With thousands of positive reviews across several e-retailers, this neoprene backpack is a customer favorite, to say the least. It includes a padded laptop compartment to keep your electronics safe, while its eco-friendly neoprene material made from plastic bottles is lightweight and comfortable to carry throughout the day.

Price at time of publish: $195

Material: Neoprene and recycled lining | Colors: Dark Moss, Heather Gray Storm +more | Dimensions: 11.5 x 5 x 17 inches

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Best Canvas

Dagne Dover Vida Cotton Tote Bag

Dagne Dover

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Sometimes, it’s the simple things that surprise you. In this case, it’s this 100% organic cotton tote that seems rudimentary but is oh, so practical. With multiple inner and outer pockets (including one made for laptops up to 16 inches), it holds a ton of stuff. So, if your job is on the more casual side, this would be a great option.

Price at time of publish: $175

Materials: Organic cotton canvas | Colors: Onyx, Natural + more | Dimensions: 18.5 x 6.25 x 14 inches

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Best Vegan

Senreve Maestra Bag

Neiman Marcus

View On Senreve.com

Though this work bag is a bit of an investment, it’s worth it if you’re looking for a stylish and high-quality vegan leather work bag. The crossbody style also converts to a tote or backpack bag, giving you added value in the form of versatility.

Price at time of publish: $1,045

Materials: Vegan leather | Colors: Storm, Latte, Onyx +more | Dimensions: 16 x 10.25 x 6.75 inches

Best Classic

Tory Burch Robinson Tote

Amazon

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With two exterior slip pockets, six interior slip pockets (including a 13-inch laptop sleeve), and an interior zip pocket, this tote gives you no reason to be disorganized. The classic silhouette, which comes from a collection named for the designer’s parents, Budy and Reva Robinson, combines quality, convenience, and style.

Price at time of publish: $313–$448

Materials: Leather | Colors: Black, Bistro Brown, New Cream | Dimensions: 11.6 x 14.3 x 6 inches

Best Modern

Everlane The Italian Leather Studio Bag

Everlane

View On Everlane.com

If you’re looking for a work bag that holds all the essentials but strays away from the traditional work bag silhouette, this Everlane option would be a great pick for you. The elongated silhouette is large enough to hold an 18-inch laptop, and it also boasts multiple pockets and a comfortable, adjustable strap. Minimalists will appreciate its simple elegance for transit from the office to, well, just about anywhere.

Price at time of publish: $250

Materials: Leather | Colors: Black, Light Taupe, Cognac | Dimensions: 13 x 6.25 x 9.75 inches

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Best Convertible

Pond Los Angeles Transform Tote

Pond Los Angeles 

View On Pondla.com

Whether you want to wear it as a tote, crossbody, or backpack, this bag has enough storage for all your work needs. Its features include a laptop sleeve that fits a 15-inch laptop, side pockets for items as big as drink bottles, and a waterproof and scratch-proof exterior, making for a versatile bag that’s built to last.

Price at time of publish: $285

Materials: Leather | Colors: Stone | Dimensions: 11.5 x 7 x 13.5 inches

Best Statement

Mifland Utility Tote

Mifland

View On Mifland.com

When you’re carrying a Mifland tote on you’re arm, there’s a slim chance of showing up to work with the same bag as anyone else. A little like the couture of handbags, every bag is handpainted with impeccable detail and made of leather cut and assembled by hand, so each one varies in its final look and ensures that yours is truly unreplicable. Its careful construction, in which the brand employs a figure eight stitching method that uses a strong, waxed thread for a sturdy finish, also translates to a super durable design able to withstand years of wear and tear. 

Price at time of publish: $595

Material: Leather | Colors: Multi | Dimensions: 17 x 22 x 6 inches

Best for Moms

Monos Metro Duffel

Monos

View On Monos.com

What sets the Monos Metro Duffel apart from other bags is its modular system, which is interchangeable and easy to swap out based on what you need (or don’t need) that day. The attribute makes it an ideal choice for moms who may be shuffling between multiple obligations and settings throughout the day.

Price at time of publish: $210

Materials: Nylon | Colors: Carbon Black, Oxford Blue, Juniper Green, Dover Grey, Ivory +more | Dimensions: 16.3 × 11.2 × 7.2 inches

Best Rated

Madewell The Transport Tote

Madewell

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Functionality and style combine in Madewell’s Transport Tote which, as its name suggests, is roomy enough for travel or just the daily work commute. We love the interior pocket and that the leather is sourced from a tannery that achieved a Gold Rating from the Leather Working Group, which works to promote sustainable environmental practices in the leather industry.

Price at time of publish: $178

Materials: Vegetable-tanned leather | Colors: English Saddle, True Black, True Black/Brown | Dimensions: 13.5 x 14 x 6.5 inches

Best Adjustable

Madewell The Zip-Top Medium Transport Tote

Amazon

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A top handle, zip-top, and adjustable strap mean you can carry this bag cross-body or by holding it the classic way. It contains both an exterior and interior pocket and we also love the material—a semi-vegetable-tanned leather with a softly worn waxed finish that deepens into a distinctive patina over time.

Price at time of publish: $188

Materials: Vegetable-tanned leather | Colors: English Saddle, True Black, True Black/Brown | Dimensions: 12 x 11 x 6 inches

Best Storage Options

Dagne Dover Signature Legend Tote

Dagne Dover

View On Dagnedover.com

If you’re looking for lots of places to store post-its, pencils, and various office gear, you’ll find them inside this tote, which is equipped with a padded compartment with a magnetic closure to keep a 13-inch laptop or tablet safe, as well as pockets that can hold a wallet, phone, credit or metro card, and lip balm or mints.

Price at time of publish: $255

Materials: Vegan leather and recycled polyester | Colors: Onyx, Bleeker Blush, Graphite | Dimensions: 13.7 x 11 x 4.5 inches

Best Splurge

Freja New York Lafayette Tote Cappuccino

Verishop

View On Frejanyc.comView On Modesens.comView On Verishop.com

With subtle panel accents and a double magnetic closure, this luxurious tote keeps all your items safe and secure. What’s more, it contains one main compartment and three slot pockets and offers enough interior space to fit an up-to a 16-inch laptop.

Price at time of publish: $378

Materials: Vegan leather | Colors: Pecan, Taupe, Black, Oat, Cappuccino | Dimensions: 19 x 11 x 5.5 inches

Best Everyday Tote

Baggu Duck Bag

Baggu

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This bag is fairly no frills on the inside, making it ideal for everything from a grocery run to your daily 9-to-5. The real fun comes via the interesting patterns and prints available on the exterior. We also love the addition of a long strap, which allows you to go hands-free as needed, and the single interior zipped pocket.

Price at time of publish: $42

Materials: Canvas | Colors: Blue Pixel Gingham, Chartreuse Pixel Gingham, Pistachio, Black +more | Dimensions: 15.75 × 11 × 4.75 inches

Best Expandable

LeSportsac Everyday Zip Tote

Urban Outfitters

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We spotted the LeSportSac sling bag almost everywhere last spring and now we’re ready to upgrade to its even more functional cousin, whose trim, slim design will pair well with anything you own. The thick woven straps ensure it sits comfortably on your shoulders even as you navigate crowded sidewalks and terminals, and its recycled nylon fabric can handle a lot of abuse. It also has several internal and external pockets to keep all of your essentials organized, but the area in which it outshines its competition is the top zipper gusset. You can expand it to add over two inches of interior room, allowing you to easily convert this into an overnight bag if need be. 

Price at time of publish: $110

Material: Recycled nylon | Colors: Black, Popsicle Red, Fuchsia Pink, Bold Plaid +more | Dimensions: 12.2 x x 4.33 inches

Best Leather

Leatherology Uptown Vertical Tote

Leatherology

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If you’re a fan of genuine leather, Leatherology is the way to go. This sizable satchel is buttery-soft yet durable and long-lasting, with plenty of room for all the essentials, plus three organizational pockets. Though it doesn’t have a designated laptop compartment, it’s certainly big enough to fit one. And you can always buy a laptop sleeve separately.

Price at time of publish: $185

Material: Leather | Colors: Black Onyx, Bordeaux, Navy Blue, Cognac | Dimensions: 15.5 x 14.75 x 3.5 inches

Best Faux Leather

Calpak Kaya Laptop Backpack

Calpak

View On Calpaktravel.com

This compact yet spacious, vegan-friendly backpack is the perfect balance of stylishness and sophistication. With a laptop compartment and multiple interior pockets, it’s super functional too. Heading on a business trip? You can slide it over your suitcase handle with the handy trolley sleeve on the back.

Price at time of publish: $138

Material: Faux leather | Colors: Black, Gunmetal Black, Caramel, Navy +more | Dimensions: 15.5 x 11.5 x 4.5 inches

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