11 Stylish and Functional Work Bags You’ll Want to Bring Everywhere
Updated: Feb. 23, 2024
We found all the best work bags for women. Toting laptops, note pads and other gear stylishly is easier than ever—and at every budget.
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Heading to the office with one of the best work bags for women is an easy way to add style and sophistication to your business attire. Work tote bags, backpacks and laptop bags make carrying heavy gear and other essentials a breeze without sacrificing your look.
“A dedicated work bag is key to keeping yourself organized,” explains Bernadett Vajda, an image consultant and style expert with years in the modeling industry. “A work tote bag should be functional, yet still office-appropriate and able to keep you focused on your weekly schedule so you don’t waste valuable time unpacking and repacking. Having a place to comfortably store necessary items like chargers and other gear gives you peace of mind.”
What to look for in the best work bags for women
Choosing one of the best work bags depends on your lifestyle and daily needs. “Padding may be ideal if you carry delicate tech devices,” says Vajda. “You should also look for a bag that has enough room for extra items. Some days you may need to carry an extra pair of shoes, a makeup organizer or snacks. Added compartments are also important, because you should never carry a water bottle in the same compartment as your laptop. Liquids should be kept separate, and if you do carry a water bottle, you should opt for a nylon or synthetic material.”
Double Compartment Shoulder Bag
If you’re looking for one of the best work bags for women on a tight budget, this impressive double compartment shoulder bag is just the ticket. Designed to hold and protect laptops up to 15.6 inches, it also features ideal spots for tablets, phones and the other tech gifts your boss may bestow on you.
Choose from six modern neutral colors—all with matching handles that look and feel like real leather even though they’re totally vegan-friendly. We also love that this work tote easily transforms into a brilliant weekend accessory, thanks to its classic handbag design.
Beis Work Tote
Move up the corporate ladder and around life in style with the charming Beis Tote, one of the best work bags for women who treasure smart function. With a full zip closure, adjustable shoulder straps and a removable interior zip pouch, it’s easy to love wearing this bag just about anywhere.
A padded medium laptop sleeve, a key ring leash and two small pockets for pens and trinkets have reviewers calling this the “best work tote bag of all time.” Plus, it’s effortless to wipe down and is offered at an affordable price point. Bonus: If you’re an avid traveler, pair it with our favorite picks of Béis luggage, too.
Convertible Daypack Tote
Elevated sporty style is the name of this convertible daypack’s game. It’s a favorite among Amazon shoppers, thanks to its clever design, modern structure and versatile use. It comes in eight color offerings, features waterproof nylon materials and can easily be spot cleaned. Wear it as a backpack or as a single-shoulder work tote.
A built-in USB charging port allows you to conveniently charge phones and other devices when paired with a power bank. This makes it one of the most practical work bags for women, and a brilliant gift for teens heading off to college. There’s also plenty of storage space and velcro-secured pockets for stashing essentials.
Kate Spade Perry Large Work Tote
Timeless style and elevated craftsmanship make the Kate Spade Perry one of the best investment work bags for women. Made of small-grain textured leather with a metal engraved logo on its exterior, this work tote serves serious looks. It wears well with everything from your best jeans to little black dresses. The slightly-oversized 11.5-inch shoulder drop has enough space to layer over the most stylish coats for women.
Interior and exterior slip pockets, zip top closure and space for plenty of tech gear make this a hit. Timeless silhouette you’ll love wearing for years to come makes it a smart, thoughtful investment piece.
Faux Leather Work Tote
By far the least expensive work bag for women on our list, this bestselling faux leather work tote is cheaper than a couple lattes out with colleagues. Choose from over a dozen modern neutral shades and then marvel at how real the vegan leather material looks. It’s painless to wipe down, fun to carry for a range of occasions and easily fits average-sized laptops and other devices. It’s one of the most charming work tote bag options under $20, and a fun gift to give colleagues.
Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote
The Longchamp Le Pliage bag is a favorite work tote, thanks to durable construction that manages to last for years. This classic piece doubles as an underseat luggage, gym bag and brilliant travel accessory, due to its origami-style folding. A water-resistant nylon exterior promises easy maintenance. Choose from three colors, but make sure you protect your tech gear with padding—the Le Pliage is a bare-bones work tote.
Madewell Transport Tote
Soft, buttery leather and easy carrying make the Madewell Transport Tote one of the best work bags for women with lots of stuff to carry. Available in two shades of vegetable-tanned genuine leather, this do-it-all piece promises a long-lasting favorite spot in your wardrobe. The 8-inch strap drop is long enough to sling over your shoulder, but short enough to hold as a top handle with your more sophisticated ensembles. One interior side zip pocket keeps keys, phone and lip balms ready at all times.
Silver & Riley Convertible Executive Bag
This elegant Silver & Riley Convertible Executive Bag just oozes sophisticated charm. It’s an Italian leather luxury piece with plenty of pockets and space for all sorts of needs, including medium laptops and tablets. The rich, forever-fashionable olive green color works well with colorful and all-black work wardrobes alike. Wear it with business casual staples, two-piece wool work suits or just about anything else.
Levenger Business Brieftote
The supple-yet-sturdy leather Levenger Business Brieftote is an exceptionally good-looking hybrid of a work tote and briefcase. It offers all the clever storage and functions of traditional, masculine briefcases with feminine, high-end details, like pen sleeves and protected pockets.
Unzip the back exterior pocket to expose a clever, retractable roll-aboard loop. This provides brilliant hands-free convenience when traveling. Simply loop over your suitcase handle and you’ll instantly be worthy of business class.
Cambridge Satchel Co. 13-Inch Batchel
It’s mostly a satchel, but the spirit of the Cambridge Satchel Co.’s Batchel is inspired by the classic practicality of vintage briefcases. Choose from a range of neutral and bright colors, and then three convenient sizes. The 13-inch and 15-inch options are our favorites, though. They can easily hold small laptops, tablets and multiple other small devices. Add custom letter work to make it one of the best personalized gifts for professionals.
Quilted Laptop Backpack
Those carrying oversized laptops often have a hard time finding work bags with enough space to fit and protect their devices. This oversized quilted laptop backpack is one of the most affordable work bags for women and fits laptops and tablets up to 17 inches. That means even the boldest MacBook Pro models fit inside with plenty of padded security. Plus, it comes in a range of neutral colors and it’s easy to clean.
Source:
- Bernadett Vajda, style expert
