A work bag is one of the hardest working pieces in any handbag collection (no pun intended)—so when it comes to choosing your office arm candy, it's important you get it right. And with 2025 bringing in so many great handbag trends,there are countless fabulous styles to choose from.
If you split your time between working from home and commuting into the office, you'll need a bag that works extra hard. Think an expensive-looking bag that's smart enough for work days and cool enough to go out with your afterwards, but also roomy enough to fit all your essentials. We're talking a laptop, charger, water bottle, travel coffee cup, and a whole host of other office-related paraphernalia that you obviously can't be caught without. We'll tell you from experience: whether you use a small Windows laptop or a large 15-inch MacBook, a tiny shoulder bag simply won’t cut it.
Sadly, chic laptop-friendly bags are surprisingly hard to come by—unless you know where to look, that is. So, we've decided to scour the shops for you, and find styles that are not laptop-specific, but will still fit the bill. There are a whole host of traditional bags, from elevated totes to oversized shoulder bags that can totally be office appropriate.
If you're worried about your laptop being on show with any of these styles, simply add a dust bag inside—it will act like a closure, keeping everything disguised and organised.
Alternatively, if you are dead set on showing off your new (small) designer handbag in the office, you could always double up—a trend that we're seeing more and more of on the catwalks. A chic tote will allow for added practicality and maximum comfort alongside your mini bag, or pair with a backpack to keep things completely hands-free.
So, without further ado, read on for our carefully curated selection of shoulder bags, totes and backpacks that are the perfect balance of chic and practical for all of your office outfits.
Shop stylish work bags
The Row fans, listen up! Manu Atelier's cult Le Cambon bag is still an investment piece, but comes in at a fraction of the Margaux, and has all the same quiet luxury vibes. The tan suede fabrication is timeless while also being particularly on-trend right now. This will look beautiful against your SS25 wardrobe, paired with tiered skirts and soft dresses for a boho feel.
While the influencer-favourite Andiamo tote won't fit most laptops comfortably, the large version is an ideal size that could easily double up as the perfect airport or office bag. Shun convention and go bright and bold to really make a statement.
If you opt for something simple in colour, why not try a more unusual shape? This banana-style bag from French-girl-favourite brand Polène ticks that box, and feels both unique and elegant in equal measure.
This is actually our Fashion Writer, Sofia Piza's work bag and probably one of the best she's tested. "I've used this bag everywhere from the office to the airport, and can confirm it's incredibly comfortable and stylish whilst being fully functional. It even fits my 16-inch laptop." Even better, it's one of the hottest, influencer-loved bags of the moment, so it gets extra cool points, too.
Just because you're heading to the office, colour doesn't have to be off the cards. This merlot tote from Aspinal will add the perfect punchy hit of colour to dreary early mornings.
Demellier's classic New York bag is a viral success that is rarely in stock. If you, like us, have been eyeing it for a while, now is the perfect time to invest. Coming in an impressive eight colourways, there's a shade to suit every workwear vibe.
For a softer touch, opt for Loewe's Flamenco tote bag. Featuring a slouchy silhouette and subtle detailing, it's a timeless style that will last for years.
You can tell that Neer London bags are designed by an experienced traveller. This beautiful leather tote has a dedicated compartment inside to keep your water bottle upright, as well as two internal pockets, and a recycled clear TPU slip pocket for your keys, cards and phone. What really sells this bag are the long shoulder straps and discreet luggage loop at the back, so you can easily attach it to your hand luggage when travelling, too.
Drawing inspiration from a 1950s archival Gucci style, this ultra-chic shoulder bag is a great luxury investment that screams uptown chic—and it's big enough to fit all your office essentials, too.
This statement Zara shoulder bag is the perfect example of why we're so happy that big bag energy is a major trend this season. It's stylish, practical and durable—our favourite combo.
Slouchy totes are big news right now, and are the perfect shape for disguising your laptop when heading straight to dinner from work. Brown suede is still a huge trend, so now is the time to invest.
While Prada's it-buckle bag unfortunately won't fit large laptops, it's too chic not to include on this list. A true investment piece you'll love for years to come, that's giving officecore in all the best ways.
Opting for a burgundy work bag is a great way to incorporate a colourful yet elegant hue into your everyday wardrobe. This maxi bag from luxury Scottish leather brand C.Nicol features long straps that will comfortably fit on your shoulders, it will fit a small laptop, too.
A perfect trans-seasonal bag, this Massimo Dutti number in crinkled Nappa leather has a relaxed feel with a touch of sleekness for the office.
We're big fans of a hardworking bag here at Marie Claire and you're sure to get plenty of wear out of this Dragon Diffusion style. Not only will it look great in the office but you can also carry it on holiday and on the weekends too.
Made from orange leather, this ultra-comfortable tote bag is sleek, functional, and the perfect size for all of your office needs, including a 13-inch laptop.
There are so many reasons to love this patchwork tote bag from Khaite. The unique contrasting colour combos, the scalloped edging, the subtle animal print, its capacious size... It's perfection in bag form.
If you want to keep things classic and affordable, I'm a big fan of Mango's simple faux leather tote. Alongside off-white, it also comes in black and red depending on how bold you want to go.
