The best work bags for women should always meet two criteria: function and style. When searching for your own, ask yourself, is it durable? Will it be sizable enough to fit all of your essentials—laptop, notebooks, planners, wallet, keys, and beauty staples? Is it lightweight and comfortable enough to wear over your shoulders (and jacket!), especially during a daily commute?
I’ve learned the hard way—purchasing work bags that are too heavy to start with, only to find them almost impossible to lug around once filled. Not a smart investment, and it put me back straight back to square one.
Vogue’s Favorite Work Bags
The one silver lining of all my trial and error? I can now intuit which work bags will check my proverbial boxes of style and durability; of spaciousness and lightweight portability.
Whether it be a classic leather tote or a lightweight suede bucket bag that won’t cause shoulder pain, all of the work bags on this list are versatile enough to go from morning meetings to evening drinks. You’ll find timeless, investment buys, such as Bottega Veneta’s Hop bag, designed with a slouchy silhouette and signature intrecciato leather, or The Row’s Agnes top-handle bag, a new-on-our-radar design crafted from the softest, Italian leather.
Don’t sleep on the more affordable options either, like L.L.Bean’s iconic Boat & Tote or Alex Mill’s colorful monogramed canvas carryall (bonus points if you nab one of the new limited edition Dogue styles!), which you won’t feel too precious about placing on the subway floor during an overpacked morning commute.
Whichever work bag you choose, I recommend paying close attention to the materials and all the little extras—internal pockets, zippers, and other functional add-ons (think key leashes, a dedicated laptop sleeve, an adjustable shoulder strap)—that take a bag from just good to really great.
The Structured Tote
Photographed by Jancarlo Cortez