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In the famous words of Dolly Parton, “workin’ 9 to 5, what a way to make a livin’.” But before you pour your cup of ambition–no matter what your day-to-day schedule looks like–you still need the work essentials that help you conquer the day, like the best work bags for women. If you’re a dress-for-success-type fashionista like yours truly, nailing down the perfect work wardrobe along with your most comfortable heels may be crucial for your office visits. However, your office look isn’t complete without something to tote around all your things—hence the need for the perfect work bag.
There are a few components I consider when searching for the perfect work bag: It must fit my 13-inch MacBook, be sturdy enough for me to run around NYC, serve as eye candy, contain organizational compartments, zippers for security, and go with all my ’fits (of course). And for a major bonus, have the ability to be worn as a crossbody bag.
Best Day-to-Night Bag
Everlane The Italian Leather Studio Bag
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Best bag for organization
Fréja New York Paloma Tote
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Best Quilted Bag
MZ Wallace Large Metro Quilted Nylon Tote Deluxe
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Best Convertible Bag
Cole Haan Grand Ambition Convertible Luxe Backpack
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Best Nylon Bag
Longchamp Le Pliage Green Large Tote bag
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Best Leather Bag
Madewell The Zip-Top Medium Transport Tote
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Buying a new bag should be exciting, so we’ve saved you some time by rounding up the most functional yet stylish bags that’ll take you from your morning commute to the boardroom and beyond. Here, discover some of the best, top-rated works bags–from Amazon finds to designer splurges—that’ll make your job a tad bit easier. Now go get ’em, girl boss.
Best Day-to-Night Bag
Everlane The Italian Leather Studio Bag
Best Day-to-Night Bag
Everlane The Italian Leather Studio Bag
Pros
- Many color options
- Durable
- Adjustable strap
- Sustainable
Cons
- Leather can be stiff
- Only has two pockets
- Doesn’t zip closed
- Won’t fit laptops larger than 13”
This leather tote is spacious enough to use as a work bag without looking like it belongs in an office. Use it to tow your laptop and legal pads Monday through Friday, then as a regular purse on the weekends.
What people are saying: “It is the perfect size for my laptop and notebook without being too oversized/heavy. It’s simple and sleek and something I will have for a long time.”
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 13” x 6.25” x 9.75” |
|---|---|
| Color | Cognac and Light Taupe |
| Material | 100% Leather |
Best bag for organization
Fréja New York Paloma Tote
Best bag for organization
Fréja New York Paloma Tote
Pros
- Can fit up to 16” laptops (diagonally)
- Three expandable compartments
- Interior pockets
- Ultrafiber is easy to clean and maintain
Cons
- Sharp bottom edges
- Magnetic closures harder to close the more you have inside
I have to give some love to my current work bag. She’s very reliable and trés chic. Containing three expandable compartments and several interior pockets, this tote is basically keeping my whole life together.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | Zip compartments: 19” (top) & 13” (base) x 10” x 5”;Side compartments: 14.5” (top) & 16” (base) L x 11” H; 10.5” handle drop |
|---|---|
| Color | 5 Options |
| Material | Pebbled vegan ultrafiber leather |
Best Vegan Leather
Dagne Dover Daily Tote
Best Vegan Leather
Dagne Dover Daily Tote
Pros
- Available in medium or large
- Large fits a 16” laptop
- Plenty of compartments
- Sustainable
Cons
- Strap is not adjustable
The organization and storage this bag offers will give you that extra peace of mind. It’s the simple things in life.
What people are saying: “I love the organizational components in the inside and that it can easily slide over my luggage.”
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 15” x 12.25” x 5.5” |
|---|---|
| Color | Pinto and Onyx |
| Material | Vegan Leather |
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Pros
- Staple colorways
- Suitcase trolley pass-through
- Full zip closure
- Removable shoulder strap and pouch
- Padded laptop sleeve
- Key ring leash
Cons
- Thin straps
Sacrificing style for function? Couldn’t be me.
What people are saying:“I haven’t enjoyed a work bag in a long time. This one keeps things compact and organized, and everything I need is easy to find.”
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 14.25” x 11” x 6” |
|---|---|
| Color | Black Croc, Brown Croc, Black, Beige |
| Material | Faux Croc PU and Polyester |
Pros
- Comfortable to wear
- Customizable organization
- Soft leather
- Sustainable
Cons
- Cost adds up when purchasing accessories
Cuyana’s collection of bags and matching accessories allows you to tailor your purchase to your exact organizational needs. Looking for a zipper pouch to hold charging cords? Want to forgo a laptop sleeve? Prefer a thick attachable strap? The choice is yours.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 13-inch: 10” x 17.25” x 5” 16-inch: 11” x 19” x 5.5” |
|---|---|
| Color | 9 Options |
| Material | Italian Leather |
Best Quilted Bag
MZ Wallace Large Metro Quilted Nylon Tote Deluxe
Best Quilted Bag
MZ Wallace Large Metro Quilted Nylon Tote Deluxe
Pros
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Spacious with pockets
- Removable crossbody strap
- Luggage trolley pass-through
Cons
- No designated laptop compartment
The quilted nylon of this MZ Wallace bag is super lightweight and it has plenty of room for all your odds and ends.
What people are saying: “This is a great bag for weekends, [as a] carry-on or for everyday use!”
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 14.5” x 14.5” x 11” |
|---|---|
| Color | 5 Options |
| Material | Nylon and Calf Leather |
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Best Tote Bag
Kate Spade All Day Large Zip-top Tote
Best Tote Bag
Kate Spade All Day Large Zip-top Tote
Pros
- Several interior pockets
- Padded center divider
- Zip-top closure
Cons
- Straps aren’t adjustable
You’ll look poised and polished with a Kate Spade tote, even on days you feel anything but.
What people are saying: “Very stylish and sturdy...Will keep it for years to come.”
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 11” x 15” x 5.5” |
|---|---|
| Color | 5 Options |
| Material | Crossgrain Leather |
Best Convertible Bag
Cole Haan Grand Ambition Convertible Luxe Backpack
Best Convertible Bag
Cole Haan Grand Ambition Convertible Luxe Backpack
Now 48% Off
Pros
- Convertible
- Adjustable shoulder strap
- Zip top closure
- Fits a 15” laptop
- Waterproof lining
- Secure back pocket for valuables
Cons
- Pricey
Is anyone else partial to the hands-free aspect of backpacks? This option can be used as a backpack or a crossbody tote bag.
What people are saying: “I love how it easily converts, has a trolley sleeve, and tons of great pockets.”
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 13” x 5” x 14” |
|---|---|
| Color | 5 Options |
| Material | Genuine leather with washable nylon interior |
Best Nylon Bag
Longchamp Le Pliage Green Large Tote bag
Best Nylon Bag
Longchamp Le Pliage Green Large Tote bag
Pros
- Zip and snap closure
- Interior slip pocket
- Foldable, packable design
Cons
- Straps not adjustable
- Only one pocket
I’ve been supporting Longchamp bags for as long as I can remember. And this stunning forest color for a monochrome moment? Say less.
What people are saying: “An absolute classic.”
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 19“ x 7.5“ x 12“ |
|---|---|
| Color | Forest |
| Material | Nylon |
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Best Leather Bag
Madewell The Zip-Top Medium Transport Tote
Best Leather Bag
Madewell The Zip-Top Medium Transport Tote
Pros
- Adjustable strap
- Customizable straps
- Zip closure
- Interior and exterior pocket
- Sustainable
Cons
- Straps could be thicker
Whether you’re chugging along your morning commute or jet-setting on your next trip, you’re going to love this versatile leather bag. Plus, the straps can be customizable with Madewell’s new bag straps.
What people are saying: “This is a very well-constructed bag.”
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 12.25” x 11” x 5.5” |
|---|---|
| Color | Forest, True Black, English Saddle, True Black Brown |
| Material | Leather |
Best Charging Bag
Lovevook Laptop Backpack for Women with USB Port
Best Charging Bag
Lovevook Laptop Backpack for Women with USB Port
Pros
- Pockets galore
- Available in 14”, 15.6”, and 17” laptop sizes
- Variety of patterns and colors
- Suitcase trolley pass-through
- Thick, padded straps
- Rave reviews
- Affordable
Cons
Modern technology might not be advanced enough for flying cars yet, but we do have backpacks that can charge your phone, and that’s pretty cool.
What people are saying: “This bag exceeded my expectations in every way.”
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 16.5“ x 12.5“ x 7.8“ |
|---|---|
| Color | 22 Options |
| Material | Nylon |
Best Briefcase Bag
EaseGave Laptop Bag for Women
Pros
- Variety of colors
- Adjustable strap
- Padded electronics pocket
- Many compartments
Cons
- Won’t fit laptops larger than 15.6”
If you’re a fan of the classic work bag style, you can get the look without a hefty price tag with this Amazon pick.
What people are saying: “I’ve gotten so many compliments.”
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 15.1” x 4.13” x 12.4” |
|---|---|
| Color | 9 Options |
| Material | Nylon |
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Best Designer Bag
Saint Laurent Icare Maxi Shopping Bag in Quilted Lambskin
Best Designer Bag
Saint Laurent Icare Maxi Shopping Bag in Quilted Lambskin
Pros
- Ample room for everything you need
Cons
- Expensive
- No laptop sleeve
Hailey Bieber and Miley Cyrus aren’t your co-workers (they’re not...right?), but you can still sport the same bag as them. Style points to you.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 22.8” x 16.9” x 3.1” |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Material | 90% Lambskin, 10% Brass |
Best Two-in-One Bag
Monstina Lunch Tote Bag with USB Port
Best Two-in-One Bag
Monstina Lunch Tote Bag with USB Port
Pros
- Leakproof lunch compartment
- Mesh pockets
- USB charging port
- Affordable
Cons
- Bottom could be sturdier
When it comes to bonus features, this bag seriously has it all. You’ll never forget your lunch on the counter again!
What people are saying: “Best all in one bag I’ve found!”
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 14.25” x 6.1” x 2.64” |
|---|---|
| Color | Black, Gray, L-Grey |
| Material | Aluminum and mesh |
Best Laptop Bag
Bagsmart 17.3 Inch Laptop Bag
Pros
- No extra bulk
- Many pockets
- Padded section fits a 17” laptop
- Padded shoulder strap
- Water-resistant
Cons
- Only available in black or pink
The best part about keeping it simple with a laptop bag is that there’s no room for extra clutter to accumulate. That’s right, no random gum wrappers and hard candies at the bottom of this bag.
What people are saying: “This is a very nice, feminine-looking bag, even in black, with lots of room for a laptop, portfolio, files, and whatever else a woman on the go needs.”
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 17” x 4.5” x 12.5” |
|---|---|
| Color | Pink and black |
| Material | Water-resistant polyester |
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Best Organizational Bag
Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack
Best Organizational Bag
Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack
Pros
- Lots of separated compartments
- Sleeve fits a 15” laptop
- Sustainable
- Luggage trolley pass-through
- Lightweight
Cons
- Sells out quickly and can be slow to restock
For those who live by “there’s a place for everything, and everything’s in its place,” this bag is for you.
What people are saying: “Stylish and practical!”
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 17.5” x 7.25” x 12” |
|---|---|
| Color | 5 Options |
| Material | 100% Recycled polyester with a water-resistant finish |
Best Budget Bag
A New Day Work Tote Handbag
Best Budget Bag
A New Day Work Tote Handbag
Pros
- Center zippered compartment
- Fits a 15” laptop
- Adjustable removable strap
- Easy access to side sections
Cons
- Side compartments don’t close securely
Criminally underpaid? Put your paychecks toward the things that really matter and save money on accessories with a budget-friendly option.
What people are saying: “Looks and feels expensive.”
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 11.88” x 16.5” x 5.25” |
|---|---|
| Color | Black, Taupe, Camel |
| Material | Polyurethane |
Pros
- Exterior back sleeve pocket
- Fits a 13” laptop
- Adjustable detachable strap with shoulder pad
- Detachable key strap
- Interior zipper pocket with puller
- Metallic feet at base
- Sustainable materials
Cons
- Boxier feel
- On heavy side
Need a bag you can take from day to night? Turn heads with this classy briefcase bag that also doubles as a purse. This structured beauty can fit your 13” laptop and makes getting everything in and out a breeze.
What people are saying: “I, a Virgo, did leagues of research. This is the most fabulous model in our world. Do not hesitate to transform your life with its divine powers.”
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 14.5” x 11” x 6.5” |
|---|---|
| Color | Navy, Black, Saddle Brown |
| Material | Smooth Italian Full Grain Leather |
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Pros
- Structured
- Spacious
- Fits a 15” laptop
- Available in various sizes, prints, colors, and limited editions
- Sturdy removable strap
Cons
- Expensive
- No pockets or designated laptop sleeve
- Doesn’t securely close
Your cubicle might feel drab and boring, but this high-end shopper will remedy that in an instant.
What people are saying: “Simply gorgeous.”
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 13.8“ x 8.46“ x 15.94“ |
|---|---|
| Color | Black, Brown, Pink |
| Material | 100% calfskinInterior: 60% polyamide, 40% polyurethane |
Best Wheeling Bag
Francine Collections Croco Overnight Laptop Roller
Best Wheeling Bag
Francine Collections Croco Overnight Laptop Roller
Pros
- Padded sleeve can fit up to 17” laptop
- Multiple pockets
- Removable adjustable strap
- Stylish vegan crocodile
- Chic
- Efficient
Cons
- Only has 2 wheels
- Bottom might scuff
- Heavy
- Weighs nine pounds
- Only available in two colors
Work smarter not harder with a bag on wheels. Efficiency at its finest.
What people are saying: “It is great looking, durable and highly functional. All of the pockets are useful for storing and getting at whatever you need quickly and easily.”
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 17“ x 8.75“ x 13.75“ |
|---|---|
| Color | Brown Crocodile and Black Crocodile |
| Material | Croc Vegan Leather & Nylon |
