Picking out a new outfit for work every day can be quite the headache, but if there’s one thing that makes our mornings easier, it’s a trusty work bag that stands up to long commutes, meetings, mountains of paperwork and more. From stylish work bags you can take from the boardroom to the bar to functional work bags that keep all your documents (and meal-prepped lunches) safe and secure, there’s no shortage of work bag options on the market that’ll actually make getting — and being — at your day job that much more of a breeze. We spoke to folks who go into the office every day about their favorite work bags from top brands like Beis, Cuyana, Frank & Oak and Ted Baker, and you can shop them all right here.
PacSafe Women’s Citysafe CX Backpack
Don’t sleep on backpacks that get you to and back from work pain-free. “I love that it’s versatile … and easy to clean so if anything spills it’s easy to wipe off,” says Margaret Simonelli, a clinical counselor. “As an added bonus, it has a cup holder for that morning brew.”
$170
Cuyana Tall Easy Tote
“I was lost in the internet world of totes and crossbodies when I finally found this perfect tote,” says Rachel Lubitz, Underscored senior lifestyle editor. “Made of supple textured leather and featuring two straps, a snap closure and plenty of room for my laptop and essentials but not the entire kitchen sink too, it’s been a dream to carry these past few weeks. It feels elevated and a little fancy without screaming that you spent too much, and I just love the bright color coral too.”
$248
Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM
The Louis Vuitton Neverfull might be out of budget for most, but given how “the LV Neverfull is the best,” says Ashley Mosseri, a podiatrist, it may just be worth the splurge. “It can fit everything, including my laptop, so the name is very appropriate, and it’s super sturdy and doesn’t get dirty. It comes with a little pochette inside and I wear it to travel too. It’s expensive and I got it as a gift, but it’s amazing. Definitely worth it.”
$2030
Ted Baker Knot Bow Bag
Work bags with functionality are a must, but bonus points for a playful design. “This Ted Baker lunch bag is my ultimate go-to for work,” says Roxanne Stein, an administrative/executive assistant. “I use it daily as a lunch bag and as my carryall. It’s spacious for a smaller bag and it’s easy to clean because of its material, but it’s also really, really pretty.”
$44
Cuyana Small Easy Zipper Tote
“It’s surprisingly difficult to find a work bag that 1) fits a laptop, 2) has a zip top and 3) can be worn crossbody, but Cuyana has managed to nail all three requirements with its newly released Easy Zipper Tote,” says Chelsea Stone, Underscored senior editor. “And on top of all that, the bag comes in three sizes, the leather is super smooth and you can choose from a range of great colors. I opted for the small, and it still fits my computer and wallet and water bottle and more.”
$248
The Convertible Mini Weekender
Whether in the office or an overnight trip with your colleagues, this professional bag makes for the perfect plus-one. “I love my Beis Convertible Mini Weekender bag for work trips,” says Rachel Rappaport, a senior consultant. “It’s a perfect carry-on size and easily doubles as a purse. I love the zip-off compartment on the bottom to stash my work pumps, plus the wire frame opening makes it easy to see exactly what you’ve got packed. My little secret: For bigger trips, I just zip off the bottom and carry it on board as my purse. It’s the perfect ‘personal item’ size for most airlines.”
$108
Lotuff Leather Small Tote
“I live in a small apartment in Boston, so everything in my closet needs to be able to do double, triple, quadruple duty,” says Todd Plummer, a writer and avid traveler. “This tote comes with a durable crossbody strap and is just large enough to carry my laptop, a notebook and some papers, but is also a great carry-on for airplanes or a grocery bag if I’m picking up a few things at the store. It’s an investment for sure, but it’s made by a New England company that, in my opinion, produces leather that rivals any luxury brand.”
$750
Timbuk2 Spire Backpack
With a design this practical, you’ll find yourself reaching for this bag every morning. “It is the perfect bag,” says Geneviève Guertin, vice president of life sciences at a venture capital firm. “My laptop fits in it perfectly, you can tuck it under the seat of an airplane, it can be used as a backpack and you can wash it in the machine.”
$109
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