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 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.
Marie Claire's Fashion Editor, Clementina Jackson, snapped wearing the Prada Re-Nylon Tote
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—yes, there's a bag with it's own water bottle compartment.
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.
Shop the Most Stylish Work Bags That Actually Fit a Laptop
Best for: reversibility
Me+Em's bag might be the ultimate multitasker. Bored of brown? Simply reverse the receptacle to—hey presto!—create a black work bag. As well as shape-shifting depending on your outfit's desires, it's also big enough to fit everything you might need in the office, from your laptop to a paperback for your lunch break.
Material: Cotton, linen and leather
Colours: Brown/black
Dimensions: 34.5 x 40 x 18cm
Why it's good for work: Reversible for multiple looks, fits most laptops with ease
Best for: chic shape
Now, very few work bags are as strikingly chic as this Yuzefi style, the go-to pick for public relations agency founder Flo Van Der Spek. "I was looking for an everyday bag that was chic but also fit a lot in, and found it with the Yuzefi Large Mochi," she shares. "I love the pebble effect of the leather, it means it doesn’t look easily worn and adds some texture to my outfits, and everything easily slots inside—my laptop, book, gym kit, bottle of water, and more. Plus, I always get complimented on it and feel it really elevates any look."
Material: Leather
Colours: Espresso, black, pine, cranberry, taupe, and more
Dimensions: 26 x 13 x 31cm
Why it's good for work: More spacious than it appears, durable leather outer
Best for: making a statement
The Prada Buckle bag is a future heirloom, so whilst it is an investment, the cost per wear when carrying it every day, helps balance the books. The multiple compartments inside help keep your laptop, papers an personal items organised and it will earn you mega style points from anyone in the know.
Material: Leather
Colours: Black, caramel, clay grey
Dimensions: 27.5cm x 37.5cm x 14cm
Why it's good for work: Multiple compartments and quite structured
Best for: high street
Who says a work bag has to be "sensible"? M&S's printed tote is big enough to carry all your essentials—even a lunch box if you're feeling virtuous—while also making a statement. With an internal pocket for your lanyard and lipstick, as well as those roomy dimensions, it will keep your kitchen-sink contents perfectly organised.
Material: Leather
Colours: Animal print
Dimensions: 31 x 45 x 15cm
Why it's good for work: Spacious interior, internal pocket, durable leather outer
Best for: Trend-led simplicity
Suede bags are big news this season and they make a chic choice if you're looking for a work bag that delivers on both practicality and style. This woven bag from Charles & Keith features both long and short straps for multiple ways to wear. Plus, an interior zip pouch so all your important documents can stay safe and secure.
Material: Suede leather
Colours: Sahara sand, chocolate, noir
Dimensions: 33-47 x 14 x 27cm
Why it's good for work: Multiple straps for easy wearing, internal zip pouch
Best for: under £100
Weekday's faux-leather bag doesn't just have space for your laptop but possibly for your gym kit, too, with a capacious interior that means you'll never have to forgo a brolly again. It's faux-leather, recycled-polyester exterior also looks more premium that its £55 price tag so it's perfectly suited to office environments.
Material: Recycled polyester
Colours: Black
Dimensions: 45 x 35 x 26cm
Why it's good for work: Affordable price point, spacious enough for a laptop and other necessities
Best for: wear and tear
Our Fashion Editor, Clementina Jackson, is regularly spied around the office sporting a particularly cool Prada tote. "I picked up my Prada tote bag in the brand's outlet outside Tuscany more than 10 years ago, and it's been my work bag practically ever since. It fits a laptop, umbrella, chargers, water bottle, as well as all the other essentials, and despite being packed to the brim almost daily, it's still in great condition. You can't be too precious about a work bag because it will inevitably suffer wear and tear over time, so the nylon exterior makes this the perfect choice—while the signature Saffiano leather details and gold hardware add a touch of designer chic."
Material: Recycled nylon and Saffiano leather
Colours: Black, beige
Dimensions: 43 x 15 x 31cm
Why it's good for work: Fashion editor-approved, extremely roomy
Best for: quiet luxury vibes
If you're a fan of The Row, Manu Atelier deserves a spot on your radar when it comes to work bags. The cult-favourite Le Cambon bag still qualifies as an investment piece but it comes in at a fraction of the price of the Margaux. In a soft taupe shade of suede, it feels both timeless and in step with the season’s quiet luxury mood that will suit an office wardrobe of neutrals to perfection.
Material: Suede
Colours: Deep brown, tobacco green, cachemire, camel, navy, sughero
Dimensions: 35 x 22.5 x 21.5cm
Why it's good for work: Timeless design, secure closure
Best for: Under £50
Coming in at just £49.99, you'd be hard pressed to find a chicer work bag for a more affordable price point than Mango's shopper. Alongside a wipe-clean faux leather outer, it also features multiple compartments (for optimum organisation), and a zip closure for all the important bits.
Material: Faux leather
Colours: Black, brown
Dimensions: 36 x 28 x 12cm
Why it's good for work: Affordable price, wipe-clean outer, multiple compartments
Best for: minimal bells and whistles
Liffner's suede tote is one of the biggest work bags we've come across, with enough room for your laptop and a spare pair of shoes if the notion strikes you. It's also low on bells and whistles, making it a luxe but lo-fi addition to your wardrobe that won't date. Just be sure to spray it thoroughly with a protector before leaving the house. You never know when rain might strike on your commute!
Material: Suede
Colours: Tan, dark brown, black
Dimensions: 42 x 34 x 24cm
Why it's good for work: Simple design, long strap for added comfort
Best for: changing shape
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
Best for: An elegant look
Strathberry's Georgia Tote is a lesson in understated elegance. This beautiful leather tote has sturdy, structured shape, as well as a large internal pocket, roomy enough for all the office essentials. What really sells this bag, however, are the long shoulder straps and sleek gold music bar details, which elevate this sleek style above your simple black work bag.
Material: Leather
Colours: Black, brown
Dimensions: 40.5 x 26.5 x 17cm
Why it's good for work: Secure closure, stylish understated design
Best for: bucket shape
Arket's work bag has a bucket silhouette that means it has enough room for all your essentials without taking up too much space (important if you have to stand on a packed commuter train for an hour). It fits a laptop, although perhaps a smaller-sized device, and has a zipped inner compartment to keep things tidy.
Material: Leather
Colours: Brown and black
Dimensions: 35 x 32 x 13cm
Why it's good for work: Understated design, spacious enough for a tablet or notebooks
Best for: adding colour to your work wardrobe
Just because you're heading to the office, colour doesn't have to be off the cards. This khaki tote from JW Anderson will add the perfect dose of colour to dreary early mornings, and it will hold the clunkiest of laptops, too.
Material: Canvas
Colours: Khaki, red, blue
Dimensions: 38 x 27 x 19cm
Why it's good for work: Fits a laptop, durable leather straps
Best for: a unique shape
For a tote bag with a twist, Ferragamo's star-shaped bag comes out on top. Simple in its execution with a structured shape and clean dappled leather finish, it looks sleek and timeless. Where this tote differs, however, is through its statement cinched in sides, which offer a playful twist on classic design. Opt for the large size for heading to the office and you won't be left squeezing things in at the end of the day.
Material: Leather
Colours: Stone, black, leopard print
Dimensions: 30 x 42 x 11cm
Why it's good for work: Elegant design, Also comes in XL if you need to carry a laptop
Best for: influencer-led fashion fans
Look inside the chicest influencer or celebs wardrobes and I'm sure you'll find a selection of pieces from Scandi fashion house, Toteme. While they have an array of chic bags that are perfect for the office, it's their belted tote that takes our top spot. In a maxi size with three slip pockets, it'll fit a macbook air with ease as well as all your notebooks, too.
Material: Leather and wool
Colours: Brown, black, grey
Dimensions: 37 x 29 x 26cm
Why it's good for work: Looks great for both the office and at home, long straps allow for comfortable carrying
Best for: timeless design
For stylist Bee Newham, her go-to work bag is a longtime fan-favourite. "I've been using the the Longchamp Le Pliage for work and travel for over 10 years. It comes in a variety of colours, is spacious and really durable," she says. "I can easily fit in my laptop, make-up and water bottle and it’s also very lightweight, meaning my shoulders don’t ache after a long day of shopping with my clients."
Material: Recycled polyamide
Colours: Brown, black, paper, navy, eucalyptus, and more
Dimensions: 31 x 19 x 30cm
Why it's good for work: Secure closure, easily folds down when not needed
Best for: statement style
DeMellier's 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 if you're looking for a work bag that will last. Coming in an impressive fourteen colourways, there's a shade to suit every workwear vibe, and enough room for a small laptop, your make-up bag and diary (if you're still analogue).
Material: Leather
Colours: Grey, black, tan, off-white, burgundy, and more
Dimensions: 36-58 x 14 x 27cm
Why it's good for work: Stylish statement look, roomy enough for a small laptop
Best for: boardroom to bar
"I absolute love my chocolate suede bowling bag from COS," says fashion journalist, author, and content creator Stephanie Yeboah. "I have the oversized version, which is roomy enough to fit my laptop as well as several notebooks and space for electrical accessories, and it’s versatile enough to be worn with any outfit without overshadowing what I’m wearing. It’s definitely a statement piece that takes me through all seasons."
Material: Suede
Colours: Brown, grey
Dimensions: 40 x 18 x 27cm
Why it's good for work: Sleek look, secure closure
Best for: eye-catching design
For anyone searching for a more sculptural work bag, creative consultant Amber Siegel has a particularly chic suggestion. "Both the Neous Pavo and Aries bags comfortably hold a laptop without compromising on aesthetics," she shares, noting both feature prominently in her office bag rotation. "The Pavo doesn’t have intensive zips or external pockets but is instead crafted with fluid clean curves that make it deceptively big—like a perfect contemporary Mary Poppins bag!" Plus, it's gotten her countless compliments.
Material: Leather
Colours: Black
Dimensions: 33 x 21 x 16.5cm
Why it's good for work: More spacious than it looks, comfort-first straps
Best for: celebrity-approved style
Seen hanging on the arm of Katie Holmes, Iris Law, and Bella Hadid, Dune's Deliberate bag carries serious style points among those in the fashion know. While it's chic enough for carrying every day, when it comes to its office worthiness, it's incredibly spacious with a multiple zip pouches and popper closure.
Material: Leather
Colours: Black, brown, khaki, cream and more
Dimensions: 38 x 50 x 10cm
Why it's good for work: Incredibly spacious, secure zip pouches
Best for: logo lovers
"As a freelancer working in public relations, I carry a whole portable office with me every time I leave the house, so the bigger the bag the better," says Melissa Mert. "I treated myself to a Celine Louise Bucket Bag for my birthday and it’s honestly not left my side since. It slings perfectly on my shoulder and fits all the essentials into it perfectly. It also has a longer strap, so it sits comfortably on my shoulder, even when it’s weighed down with my laptop and notebooks."
Material: Leather
Colours: Tan, black, burgundy and khaki
Dimensions: 23.5 x 24 x 16cm
Why it's good for work: Doesn't look too worky, multiple straps for easy wearing
Best for: carrying everything
While you may not want to squeeze a laptop, your running shoes, and your trusty Tupperware into a chic Bottega Veneta Sardine bag, the Hop Large Intrecciato Leather Tote offers a more practical alternative. It's so big, in fact, that it can carry all of the above (and more) while still looking perfectly polished.
Material: Leather
Colours: Black, light brown, dark brown, green, indigo
Dimensions: 58 x 8 x 35cm
Why it's good for work: A true fits everything bag, luxe woven finish
Best for: luxury bag lovers
True luxury lovers, allow us to introduce you to the Delvaux L’Airess bag (unless you're already well acquainted, of course), the go-to style of senior publicist Letitia O'Neill. "This bag is so good. It's the perfect size for a laptop and all those random things you need to throw into a bag, of which I have plenty. It also has shoulder straps for easy carrying, but the handle is especially cool."
Material: Leather
Colours: Sesame
Dimensions: 45 x 39 x 21cm
Why it's good for work: Fashion-insider approved, easily fits a laptop
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 holiday look, 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.
