8 Work Bags That Aren't Hideous
Compulsively organized … but make it fashion.
by The Candidly Team
We are not sorry to say that we are “purse people.” There’s something thrilling about having something you grab on your way out the door and carry by your side every day that makes you look incredibly chic. All. By. Itself.
There’s no work involved in a handbag. Just buy one perfect one, and you’re done.
But a handbag for work? That’s kind of something else, isn’t it? Something that requires a little more function than just form.
A work bag needs to fit a little more crap than our usual haul. Expensive crap - like tablets and laptops and planners. What can we say? We went to high school in the 90s. We love a planner.
The point is, we still want our work bags to be beautiful. So we collected our favorites in every category. Some are all business. Some are pure fun. All are deeply practical. And none are hideous.
1. Best Customizable For The Ultra Type As Among Us
Cuyana makes these incredibly luxe, structured leather bags that we lust after every time they announce a new color (though their “core” colors are already stunning). The bag itself is spacious enough to add all kinds of mix-and-match accessories like pouch inserts and laptop sleeves - all made of the same pebbled leather. It’s organization porn at its most sophisticated. And we are wildly on board.
Price: $348
2. Best Casj Tote
Everlane The Recycled Nylon Tote
This is the kind of bag for those of us who wear chunky white sneaks with our long black pants and trenches. Comfy-chic, I believe they call us. The top is zippered. The bottom is padded. But the fact that it’s black and cream means it matches everything we wear, while also elevating it to look effortless and cool.
Price: $85
3. Best Affordable(ish) Bag That Isn't Plastic Garbage
Quince Italian Leather Triple Compartment Shopper Tote
The shape and compartments are perfection for those of us who lose our keys in our purse daily. But it’s also the ideal size. And shape. And color selection. And quality, Italian leather. Just for 3-4x less than designer. The dream.
Price: $150
4. Best Non-Workish Work Bag
Free People Printed Caravan Tote
Of course, there are days when we aren’t all about creamy leathers and structured work bags, and we just want something that feels like an expression of ourselves or just outright sparks joy. For us, this is that bag. We take this straight from work to the Tuesday eve Farmer’s Market where we stuff the exterior pockets with fresh basil. The strawberry stole our hearts, but it also comes in a very French toile.
Price: $88
5. Best For Work Trips
This is one of those “they-thought-of-everything” bags that gives you the same sort of satisfaction as a spending spree at The Container Store. It puts order to all the chaos, especially with the matching (pocketed!) laptop case that’s included. It zips at the top and also has a sleek pocket on the back that makes it easily attach to your roller bag. It’s all so deeply satisfying, you forget how pretty it is. Like so many Calpak things.
Price: $180
6. Best Designer
Chloe Woody Large Tote Bag in Linen
If, and only if, you are going to really invest in a beloved designer work bag, let it be this one from Chloe. It’s that perfect balance of standing out while still being understated. Of matching everything but still elevating any outfit you wear to soaring heights. It fits absolutely everything, and you will love it til you die. The end.
Price: $1550
7. Best Budget Commuter Bag
We adore a Baggu bag. So reliable and affordable, and the prints and colors feel like tiny bits of our personality we get to carry around on the outside. The shape of this one is particularly special. It also thankfully zips shut, and every color looks sporty and cute with all our otherwise boring, neutral outfits.
Price: $54
8. Best Life-Changing Splurge
We might have saved the best for last. And listen, we fully recognize not many of you are out here looking for a bag in this price range. BUT if you are going to spend your money on one, single, timeless, lifetime work bag that will be the envy of all who love organization, here she is. It’s made to endure, from 100% Italian leather that’s both scratch and waterproof. The pockets inside are an actual dream - sort of like a custom walk-in closet for the chaos you carry with you each day. If you’d rather own 2-3 fun, casual everyday bags, we fully get it, but if you want just one that will make you look luxe and commanding on a daily basis, this is probably it.
Price: $735
At The Candidly, we try a lot of stuff so you don’t have to. We only recommend things we truly love, and that we think you’ll love, too. All products are chosen independently by our creative team, and all details reflect the price and availability of products at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to, The Candidly may earn a commission.
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