Going Back to the Office in Style—These Work Bags Are Functional and Fashionable (2024)

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Material: Leather | Colors: Black, Caramel, Cappuccino, Dark Olive +more | Dimensions: 10 x 17.25 x 5 inches (13-inch); 11 x 19 x 5.5 inches (16-inch)

You can't have a conversation about work bags without talking about Cuyana. Their offerings are so sleek, functional, and, therefore, easy to justify. This style is made out of luxurious Italian pebbled leather but still offers a design-forward structure, as it is, in fact, an organizational dream. Plus, with 13- and 16-inch size options, it can hold all your stuff, no matter how big your laptop is. For more personalization, there's an option to monogram it.

Material: Pebbled leather | Colors: Black, Watercolor Blue | Dimensions: 11 x 15.75 x 5 inches

Consider this bag the equivalent of the most organized person you know: Reliable, efficient, and prepared for anything. Peeking inside the tote’s large interior you’ll find it lined with the brand’s signature spade print, two slip compartments, and enough room to stow away tech such as your laptop and all its accessories. And two exterior pockets give you easy access to smaller items like your phone and lip gloss.

Despite having more pockets than a pair of cargo pants, the bag still manages to look super sleek with its compact design—it zips up neatly and features top handles so you can wear it on your arm, or sit it comfortably on your shoulder with the thick long strap. Don’t be shy about carting it with you on long commutes since it's constructed with durable pebble leather that withstands scuffs and scrapes better than other materials.

Material: Polyurethane | Colors: Black, Beige, Blue, Brown, Pink, Purple +more | Dimensions: 16.7 x 5.7 x 12.6 inches

This waterproof bag is the solution for the indecisive and accident-prone among us. It's available in over a dozen colors from a peppy pink and an eye-catching lavender to more muted neutrals like khaki and dark green. But where’s the fun in choosing just one? The lower price point also makes this pick hard to resist or keeps us from adding a couple of color shades to our carts. And rest assured that a bevy of internal pockets will keep all of your valuables from rolling around the bottom.

Material: Leather | Colors: Olive Green | Dimensions: 15.5 x 10 x 5.5 inches

For a bag that truly accomplishes it all, look no further than the Silver & Riley Convertible Executive Bag. Its charming design looks similar to a mini duffle bag, but the quality leather and gorgeous straight stitching set it leaps and bounds above anything you carted to summer camp. What really piqued our interest is how you can wear it three different ways: Carried by the top handles, across your body, and as a backpack utilizing the two back straps.

Don’t let the compact size fool you—you’ll be amazed how much you can store inside thanks to thoughtful organizational features like pen slots and a laptop pocket that keeps tech secure with a snap closure. What’s more, it will hold everything without feeling too heavy since the structured design and flat bottom evenly distribute the weight of your items.

Material: Vegan leather and polyester | Colors: Black, Beige, Plaid +more | Dimensions: 14.25 x 11 x 6 inches

The bigger the bag, the more likely you are to overpack, so that's why we appreciate this compact design that still holds all that you need for a day's work. It offers room for a 13-inch laptop, keys, a water bottle, and much more. Other features include a removable zippered pouch and a suitcase sleeve for easy traveling.

Material: Leather | Colors: Black, Cappuccino, Soft Rose +more | Dimensions: 9.8 x 13.8 x 3.9 inches (13-inch); 10.4 x 15 x 3.9 inches (16-inch)

Available in both 13- and 16-inch versions, this messenger bag gives you options based on the laptop you have or how much storage you need. Along with a built-in laptop sleeve, it also has a thick, adjustable shoulder strap for maximum comfort while carrying. Though, its best feature is perhaps that it looks nothing like a work bag.

Material: Nylon, Leather | Colors: 17 | Dimensions: 11.6 x 9.4 x 12.7 inches

If you travel a lot for work and are looking for a work bag that can double as a carry-on, we highly recommend the metro deluxe tote from MZ Wallace. Made from quilted nylon, the bag expands to hold a ton of objects yet remains impressively lightweight. It comes with six interior pockets and five exterior pockets to ensure all you knick knack have a place. Plus, there's a luggage sleeve as well as a detachable crossbody-strap if you want to go hands-free. The signature quilted design and vivid colors are so chic, you'll be happy to tow this around your trip.

Material: Polyamide canvas | Colors: Black, Red, Turquoise +more | Dimensions: 12.2 x 11.8 x 7.5 inches

Looking for a bag you can stuff into another bag until you need it? This one's for you. The Le Pliage Tote folds into the size of a paperback book, then unfolds into a full-sized travel tote big enough to fit a laptop and letter-sized folders.

Material: Nylon, polyester jacquard, and leather | Colors: Black, Deep Navy | Dimensions: 18.5 x 5 x 12.5 inches (13-inch), 20 x 5 x 13 inches (15-inch)

The nylon body of this tote is built for durability. It also has a huge selection of inner pockets (including a laptop sleeve) to help you stay as organized as possible. To suit as many shoppers as possible, it comes in both 13- and 15-inch versions. The zipper top also means everything stays organized, secure, and tucked away from the elements.

Materials: Vegan leather | Colors: Pecan, Taupe, Black, Oat, Cappuccino | Dimensions: 19 x 11 x 5.5 inches

With subtle panel accents and a double magnetic closure, this luxurious tote keeps all your items safe and secure. What's more, it contains one main compartment and three slot pockets and offers enough interior space to fit an up-to a 16-inch laptop.

Material: Neoprene and recycled lining | Colors: Dark Moss, Heather Gray Storm +more | Dimensions: 11.5 x 5 x 17 inches

For those who prefer wearing a backpack but don't want to feel like they are back in grade school, let us introduce you to this stylish design from Dagne Dover. It includes a padded laptop compartment to keep your electronics safe, while its eco-friendly neoprene material made from plastic bottles is lightweight and comfortable to carry throughout the day.

Materials: Vegetable-tanned leather | Colors: English Saddle, True Black, True Black/Brown | Dimensions: 12 x 11 x 6 inches

A top handle, zip-top, and adjustable strap mean you can carry this bag cross-body or by holding it the classic way. It contains both an exterior and interior pocket and we also love the material—a semi-vegetable-tanned leather with a softly worn waxed finish that deepens into a distinctive patina over time.

Materials: Organic cotton canvas | Colors: Onyx, Natural + more | Dimensions: 18.5 x 6.25 x 14 inches

Sometimes, it's the simple things that surprise you. In this case, it's this 100% organic cotton tote that seems rudimentary but is oh, so practical. With multiple inner and outer pockets (including one made for laptops up to 16 inches), it holds a ton of stuff. So, if your job is on the more casual side, this would be a great option.

Materials: Leather | Colors: Black, Light Taupe, Cognac | Dimensions: 13 x 6.25 x 9.75 inches

If you're looking for a work bag that holds all the essentials but strays away from the traditional work bag silhouette, this Everlane option would be a great pick for you. The elongated silhouette is large enough to hold an 18-inch laptop, and it also boasts multiple pockets and a comfortable, adjustable strap. Minimalists will appreciate its simple elegance for transit from the office to, well, just about anywhere.

Materials: Vegan leather | Colors: Storm, Latte, Onyx +more | Dimensions: 16 x 10.25 x 6.75 inches

Though this work bag is a bit of an investment, it's worth it if you're looking for a stylish and high-quality vegan leather work bag. The crossbody style also converts to a tote or backpack bag, giving you added value in the form of versatility.

Materials: Leather | Colors: Black, Bistro Brown, New Cream | Dimensions: 11.6 x 14.3 x 6 inches

With two exterior slip pockets, six interior slip pockets (including a 13-inch laptop sleeve), and an interior zip pocket, this tote gives you no reason to be disorganized. The classic silhouette, which comes from a collection named for the designer's parents, Budy and Reva Robinson, combines quality, convenience, and style.

Materials: Leather | Colors: Stone | Dimensions: 11.5 x 7 x 13.5 inches

Whether you want to wear it as a tote, crossbody, or backpack, this bag has enough storage for all your work needs. Its features include a laptop sleeve that fits a 15-inch laptop, side pockets for items as big as drink bottles, and a waterproof and scratch-proof exterior, making for a versatile bag that's built to last.

Materials: Nylon | Colors: Carbon Black, Oxford Blue, Juniper Green, Dover Grey,Ivory +more | Dimensions: 16.3 × 11.2 × 7.2 inches

What sets the Monos Metro Duffel apart from other bags is its modular system, which is interchangeable and easy to swap out based on what you need (or don't need) that day. The attribute makes it an ideal choice for moms who may be shuffling between multiple obligations and settings throughout the day.

Materials: Vegan leather and recycled polyester | Colors: Onyx, Bleeker Blush, Graphite | Dimensions: 13.7 x 11 x 4.5 inches

If you're looking for lots of places to store post-its, pencils, and various office gear, you'll find them inside this tote, which is equipped with a padded compartment with a magnetic closure to keep a 13-inch laptop or tablet safe, as well as pockets that can hold a wallet, phone, credit or metro card, and lip balm or mints.

Materials: Canvas | Colors: Blue Pixel Gingham, Chartreuse Pixel Gingham, Pistachio, Black +more | Dimensions: 15.75 × 11 × 4.75 inches

This bag is fairly no frills on the inside, making it ideal for everything from a grocery run to your daily 9-to-5. The real fun comes via the interesting patterns and prints available on the exterior. We also love the addition of a long strap, which allows you to go hands-free as needed, and the single interior zipped pocket.

Material: Recycled nylon | Colors: Black, Popsicle Red, Fuchsia Pink, Bold Plaid +more | Dimensions: 12.2 x x 4.33 inches

We spotted the LeSportSac sling bag almost everywhere last spring and now we’re ready to upgrade to its even more functional cousin, whose trim, slim design will pair well with anything you own. The thick woven straps ensure it sits comfortably on your shoulders even as you navigate crowded sidewalks and terminals, and its recycled nylon fabric can handle a lot of abuse. It also has several internal and external pockets to keep all of your essentials organized, but the area in which it outshines its competition is the top zipper gusset. You can expand it to add over two inches of interior room, allowing you to easily convert this into an overnight bag if need be.

Material: Leather | Colors: Black Onyx, Bordeaux, Navy Blue, Cognac | Dimensions: 15.5 x 14.75 x 3.5 inches

If you're a fan of genuine leather totes, Leatherology is the way to go. This sizable satchel is buttery-soft yet durable and long-lasting, with plenty of room for all the essentials, plus three organizational pockets. Though it doesn't have a designated laptop compartment, it's certainly big enough to fit one. And you can always buy a laptop sleeve separately.

Material: Faux leather | Colors: Black, Gunmetal Black, Caramel, Navy +more | Dimensions: 15.5 x 11.5 x 4.5 inches

This compact yet spacious, vegan-friendly backpack is the perfect balance of stylishness and sophistication. With a laptop compartment and multiple interior pockets, it's super functional too. Heading on a business trip? You can slide it over your suitcase handle with the handy trolley sleeve on the back.

Material: Leather | Colors: Multi | Dimensions: 17 x 22 x 6 inches

When you’re carrying a Mifland tote on you’re arm, there’s a slim chance of showing up to work with the same bag as anyone else. A little like the couture of handbags, every bag is handpainted with impeccable detail and made of leather cut and assembled by hand, so each one varies in its final look and ensures that yours is truly unreplicable. Its careful construction, in which the brand employs a figure eight stitching method that uses a strong, waxed thread for a sturdy finish, also translates to a super durable design able to withstand years of wear and tear.

FAQ

• What should you pack in a work bag?

  When packing your bag for work, it's best not to overcomplicate things. The worst work bag is the one that's overly full or causing you pain or discomfort to carry because it's so heavy. Focus first on the essentials: laptop, water bottle, snacks, and other items you'll surely need. Then, add in some extras from there based on how much room you have left.

  "Besides obvious personal items when packing your bag for work, I also recommend a journal for any downtime you might have during your day or if you need five minutes to de-stress," Mosee suggests.
  

• How do you clean a work bag?

  Cleaning a bag depends largely on what it's made from. So, if it's nylon, try gently washing it with mild soap and water and pressing it dry with a towel. If it's leather, use a solution of warm water mixed with dish soap, gently wiping the surface and patting dry.