Need a New Office Tote? These Are the 19 Best Work Bags Fashion Experts Swear By
Spacious and stylish in equal measure
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 carryall, it's important you get it right. And with this season introducing so many great new handbag trends, there are countless styles to choose from to get you to work and back in the most stylish way possible.
If you split your time between working from home and commuting into the office, you'll need a bag that works extra hard this year. Think: an expensive-looking holdall that's smart enough for work days and cool enough to go out with afterwards, but also roomy enough to fit all your essentials—yes, we're asking for a lot.
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 source them for you, roping in our chicest fashion industry expert friends to share what styles they actually take into the office. Think: statement-making suede shapes, uber-luxury labels, and clever design details that may of otherwise passed you by.
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 and totes that are the perfect balance of chic and practical for all of your work outfits for the year ahead.
Shop the Most Stylish Work Bags That Actually Fit a Laptop
Strathberry
Best for: Complete classic
Strathberry's Georgia Tote is a lesson in understated elegance. This leather tote has a sturdy, structured shape, as well as a large internal pocket, making it roomy enough for all the office essentials. What really sells this bag, however, are the long shoulder straps and refined hardware, which elevate this style above your average black work bag.
Material: Leather
Colours: Black and brown
Dimensions: 40.5 x 26.5 x 17cm
Why it's good for work: Secure closure, stylish understated design
DeMellier
Best for: Year-round style
DeMellier's latest release, the Stockholm, has already been spotted on a number of the best-dressed women we know. With a bowling bag silhouette with a full-zip closure and both shoulder and crossbody straps, it's an easy win for work. And while eight shades are available, it's the chalk grain that feels the most elegant.
Material: Leather
Colours: Black, dark taupe, chalk, and more
Dimensions: 34.5 x 20.5 x 10cm
Why it's good for work: Full-zip closure, multi-way carry
Me + Em
Best for: Carry-all tote
With a resin top handle, detachable crossbody strap and soft, slouchy olive-tone leather, this tote sits separately to the ultra-stiff traditional work styles. Not only will is slightly soften any ultra-formal outfit, it's also roomy enough to carry more than just the essentials.
Material: Cow leather
Colours: Olive
Dimensions: 29cm x 36.5cm x 18cm
Why it's good for work: Removable crossbody strap, zipped inner pocket and magnetic closure
Toteme
Best for: Quiet luxury lovers
Totême's T-Lock bag is a firm favourite among quiet luxury devotees, with its simple logoed closure and dimpled silhouette. While the smaller sizes are incredibly popular, the large option will hold a laptop, water bottle, notebook and more.
Material: Leather
Colours: Brown, black, grey, red and more
Dimensions: 35 x 17 x 12cm
Why it's good for work: Spacious, multi-way carry, secure closure
Dune
Best for: Celeb-loved high street style
Bella Hadid has been spied in the brown faux leather version of Dune's Deliberate bag a handful of times, making it a celebrity-approved high street style. Crafted from faux leather—or suede, in this case—with a woven design, snap closure and detachable crossbody strap, it certainly sits apart from your everyday tote.
Material: Faux suede
Colours: Brown, black, grey, red and more
Dimensions: 46 x 16 x 12cm
Why it's good for work: Spacious, multi-way carry, secure closure
Khaite
Best for: Luxury lovers
Khaite's Lotus bag has become so synonymous with the label that it now creates earrings, pendants and bag charms in the same recognisable shape. Inside you'll find a detachable pouch and ample room for the essentials, making it even more suitable for the office.
Material: Calfskin suede
Colours: Midnight, black, cedar, mud and more
Dimensions: 55.9 x 39.4 x 21.6 cm
Why it's good for work: Spacious, internal pouch
Zara
Best for: Colourful work bag
Searching for something a little more statement-making in a sea of black and brown bag styles? Take a look at Zara's bold purple suede tote, sure to satisfy even the most maximalist of dressers.
Material: Suede
Colours: Purple
Dimensions: 33 x 25 x 8.5 cm
Why it's good for work: Double shoulder strap, zipped inside pocket
Polène
Best for: Unusual tote
Our contributing fashion editor, Lauren Cunningham, is rarely spotted without this trending taupe Polène Cyme bag, which is great if your work is on-the-go and you need something adaptable. "I'm a carry everything but the kitchen sink kind of girl while my girlfriend prefers to fly light—aka, shove all of her belongings into my tote, too—and this Polène offers the perfect solution. It has two handle lengths, meaning you can carry it on both your shoulder and in your hands, and magnets that help create different shapes. Plus, the chic colourway has earned me plenty of compliments."
Material: Leather and suede
Colours: Camel, cognac, black cherry, taupe, ebony, root, black and more
Dimensions: 38 x 17 x 32cm
Why it's good for work: Two handle lengths, durable leather outer, spacious
Mulberry
Best for: Effortless style
Mulberry's Bayswater is a classic for a reason, with a silhouette as recognisable as its name. Finished off with the brand's signature postman's lock, this bag is secure, reliable, and a classic that will make everyday life easier.
Material: Leather
Colours: Poplin blue, linen green, marina blue, Mulberry green, night sky, oak, out of the blue, pink and Salcombe sand
Dimensions: 26.5 x 36 x 16.5cm
Why it's good for work: Secure lock, multiple zip pockets
Bottega Veneta
Best for: Investment option
Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato leather is an instantly identifiable design detail, positioning its bags as highly desirable in a market that prizes craftsmanship. The Andiamo is hard to beat for office environments thanks to its structured shape (think modern briefcase), size and full-zip closure.
Material: Leather
Colours: Yellow, burgundy
Dimensions: 34 x 42 x 19cm
Why it's good for work: Extra-large interior, internal zip pouch, magnetic closure
Longchamp
Best for: Timeless design
Forget Longchamp's long-loved Le Pliage for just a moment as there's a new bag on the block of the luxury French label: Le Cadence. Designed as an everyday grab-and-go, practicality underpins every element—the adjustable strap, magnetic closure and roomy shape, included.
Material: Cow leather
Colours: Vanilla, dolce, mocha, black
Dimensions: 28 x 31 x 17 cm
Why it's good for work: Secure closure, easily adjustable
Cos
Best for: Lightweight work bag
If you struggle with sore shoulders (who doesn't at this point?) from toting around too much stuff, may I suggest a lighter load? This silk-effect fabric provides exactly that. No heavy leather, buckles or hardware, and no load-baring capabilities meaning you actually have to pack light.
Material: Polyester
Colours: Brown
Dimensions: 35 x 30 x 10cm
Why it's good for work: Lightweight, spacious enough for a laptop
Loewe
Best for: Suede lovers
Revived from the archives, Loewe's Amazona bag is as good for work as it is for garnering street-style attention. And although its one-handled design is often photographed hanging open, don't worry—you can zip it firmly closed while you're on your commute. There's also a hidden compartment large enough to hold your laptop should you wish to tap into the open bag trend.
Material: Calf leather
Colours: Dark brown and black
Dimensions: 15 x 26 x 35cm
Why it's good for work: Two internal compartments with a card slot, zip fastening
Charles & Keith
Best for: High street Hero
Charles & Keith often seek inspiration from luxury labels, offering similar shapes with a high street price tag. This extra-large Cala tote can be adjusted using magnetic fastenings to fit different sized items or simply to switch up the silhouette.
Material: Faux leather
Colours: Wineberry red, brick, stone grey, espresso brown
Dimensions: 30 x 22-50 x 11.6 cm
Why it's good for work: Adjustable size, top handles, inner pouch
Miu Miu
Best for: Classic black bag with a twist
A classic black tote may seem like the safest work bag to reach for. Yes, they are truly timeless. But this Miu Miu option offers a number of twists on the staple: a rounder shape, tie sides and elongated top handles, to name just a few.
Material: Lamb leather
Colours: Black
Dimensions: 20 x 31 x 40 cm
Why it's good for work: Spacious, zipper inner pocket, soft shape
Celine
Best for: Classic tote
This Celine shopper bag comes with crossbody and shoulder-carry functionality for all your different needs. Along with the snap-button closure, there is also an inner removable zip-pouch for your personal items that always seem to go missing in the kind of totes with one big compartment.
Material: Canvas and leather
Colours: Tan and sand/soft lime
Dimensions: 32.5 x 24.5 x 14cm
Why it's good for work: Fits 13-inch laptop and A4 documents
Liffner
Best for: Abstract shape
If you're already a little bit bored of classic rectangular bag shapes, perhaps a bucket will take your fancy? Specifically one large enough to hold a laptop and all the essentials that come with it. While the classic black and tan shades are sleek, it's the navy that's nabbed my eye
Material: Cow leather
Colours: Black, beige, navy, cream and more
Dimensions: 39 x 35 x 7.5cm
Why it's good for work: Fits a 13-inch laptop, conversation starting design
Victoria Beckham
Best for: Timeless tote
This Victoria Beckham tote is geometrically crafted to create a "V" shape, which means it can fit your phone, keys, wallet, and other daily essentials, as well as lending your work 'fits interesting angles. Crafted in Italy, it's one you'll reach for year in, year out.
Material: Leather
Colours: Burgundy
Dimensions: 32 x 32 x 15cm
Why it's good for work: Classic leather tote to fit all of your needs
Mango
Best for: Slouchy shape
Not all offices are ultra-formal—just come and take a peek at ours here at Marie Claire—and so a casual, slouchy work bag works perfectly, so long as it fits a laptop. This suede Mango shopper offers exactly that.
Material: Cow leather
Colours: Medium brown and chocolate
Dimensions: 43 x 56 x 12 cm
Why it's good for work: Spacious, shoulder straps, slouchy shape
How We Chose The Best Work Bags
Luckily, as fashion editors, we’ve honed the art of finding the perfect piece for every occasion—be it a wedding guest dress, a trench coat, or an office-appropriate bag. You know the kind: roomy enough to fit all your essentials, stylish enough to elevate any outfit, and secure enough not to spill everything across the tube floor.
But alongside our own obsession with well-crafted bags, we’re surrounded by an equally discerning circle of industry insiders, from designers to PR leads, each with a sharp eye for pieces that are both beautiful and practical. So, we tapped into that network to help curate a definitive edit of the best work bags out there. The kind that withstand daily wear, heavy loads and still look effortlessly pulled-together.
