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25 Best Work Bags for Women That Make Commuting Easy

A great day at the office is in the bag with these everyday styles.

By Samantha Lawyer and Kate Franke
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Bostanten / Tory Burch

A work bag is an essential for anyone who works outside of their home. Whether it’s to run to the local coffee shop for a change in scenery or for a full-on commute into the city to sit at your office desk, a durable, stylish work bag is a must-have. It provides a home for the day-to-day basics, such as your phone, wallet, and keys, as well as work essentials like your laptop, charger, and ID.

To make sure you invest in the right work tote for you, we’ve compiled a list of the best work bags. We enlisted the help of two style experts, because the bag you take to the office can (and should) be both stylish and practical. Ideally, it should have ample pockets for little things that tend to get lost at the bottom of a bag, and large compartments for bigger items such as paperwork and shoes — because women's walking shoes and dress shoes for work are often two very different pairs!

Meet the Experts: Allison Berlin is the founder of the private styling consultancy Style Made Simple and a prominent New York-based stylist who works with everyone from social figures to philanthropists and industry leaders. Samantha Brown is a world-renowned celebrity and personal stylist, also based in New York, who has over a decade of experience in the business.

The best work bags to buy in 2023:

  • Vida Cotton Tote Bag

    Best Overall Work Bag

    Dagne Dover Vida Cotton Tote Bag

    $155 at Dagne Dover
    Read more
  • Laptop Tote Bag

    Best Work Bag on Amazon

    Laptop Tote Bag

    Read more
  • Professional Multi-Compartment Computer Bag

    Best Work Bag With Compartments

    Professional Multi-Compartment Computer Bag

    Read more
  • Mizuki Modern-Style Leather Briefcase

    Best Leather Work Bag

    Bostanten Mizuki Modern-Style Leather Briefcase

    Read more
  • Convertible Organizational Nilah Tote Bag With Lunch Bag

    Best Work Bag for Teachers

    Convertible Organizational Nilah Tote Bag With Lunch Bag

    Read more

In short, a work bag needs to be the bag of all bags because it essentially carries your livelihood to and fro. We've done the research and sourced 25 of the best work bags on the market, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs.

      Best Overall Work Bag

      Dagne Dover Vida Cotton Tote Bag

      Vida Cotton Tote Bag
      Best Overall Work Bag

      Dagne Dover Vida Cotton Tote Bag

      $155 at Dagne Dover
      Credit: Dagne Dover

      There's pretty much nothing that this roomy Dagne Dover tote can't do. With three interior pockets, four exterior pockets, and a water bottle holder, it can easily fit all of your work gear, plus it can also double as a gym, grocery, beach, or picnic bag.

      Material100% organic cotton canvas
      ColorsOnyx, Natural, Heron (Seasonal)
      Dimensions14.25” L x 5.5” W x 11” H (Small size); 18.5” L x 6.25” W x 14” H (Large size)

      When it comes to Amazon, our top-choice work bag is this stylish laptop tote. With a price just under $40 and a pocket for nearly everything, it's easy to see why this bag rises above the rest. It has sleeves for both laptops and iPads and comes in 10 colorways.

      MaterialLeather
      Colors10 options including Brown, Wine Red, Green
      Dimensions16.9" x 12.2" x 5.5"
      Best Work Bag With Compartments

      Professional Multi-Compartment Computer Bag

      Professional Multi-Compartment Computer Bag
      Best Work Bag With Compartments

      Professional Multi-Compartment Computer Bag

      Credit: BAIMAY

      At the end of the day, it's really about the pockets. The ideal work bag has a place for everything — laptop, keys, work ID, wallet — to help you stay organized as you tote back and forth from work. This bag checks all the boxes. It has three main compartments, plus two large zipper pockets and one small exterior pocket for a phone or ID.

      MaterialFaux Leather
      ColorsBlack, Purple, Pink
      Dimensions15.6"L x 12.6"H x 4.72"W
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      Best Leather Work Bag

      Bostanten Mizuki Modern-Style Leather Briefcase

      Mizuki Modern-Style Leather Briefcase
      Best Leather Work Bag

      Bostanten Mizuki Modern-Style Leather Briefcase

      Credit: Bostanten

      Bostanten knows how to create a stunning leather bag, and their Mizuki briefcase is only further proof. The bag is made from genuine cow leather with two main compartments and ample pockets. The traditional flap-close design immediately classes up any ensemble while the accordion flare on the sides adds a touch of color.

      MaterialsLeather
      ColorsBeige with brown, Black with brown
      Dimensions16.75"L x 11.75"H x 5.3"W
      Best Work Bag for Teachers

      Convertible Organizational Nilah Tote Bag With Lunch Bag

      Convertible Organizational Nilah Tote Bag With Lunch Bag
      Best Work Bag for Teachers

      Convertible Organizational Nilah Tote Bag With Lunch Bag

      Now 40% Off
      Credit: Minkeeblue

      Teachers need a bag that fits their needs — one that can hold 100+ papers for grading, a water bottle, lunch, and more. Minkeeblue's Nilah Tote is the answer to that wish. It comes with a laptop sleeve that fits laptops up to 15", a shoe bag (12"W x 17"H), pouch (7"W x 4"H), and insulated lunch box (11"W x 5.5"H x 5"D). Plus, it's cute — jackpot!

      RELATED: 49 Best Teacher Gift Ideas

      MaterialFaux Leather
      ColorsTaupe, Plum
      Dimensions16"W x 13"H x 6"D
      Best Work Bag for Lawyers

      Julie Canvas Briefcase

      Julie Canvas Briefcase
      Best Work Bag for Lawyers

      Julie Canvas Briefcase

      Now 47% Off
      Credit: Ecosusi

      The Julie Canvas Briefcase is the perfect middle ground between vintage and modern. It has the look of a 1950s book bag but is made from contemporary materials — 100% recycled canvas and vegan leather. The timeless briefcase can be worn as a backpack, crossbody, or carried as a purse. This is particularly great for lawyers who need something professional but don't want to sacrifice style.

      RELATED: 20 Law School Graduation Gift Ideas

      MaterialCanvas made from 100% recycled plastic bottles; vegan leather
      ColorsTan Canvas
      Dimensions16.5" L x 12" H x 6" W
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      Best Crossbody Work Bag

      BÉIS The Work Tote

      The Work Tote
      Best Crossbody Work Bag

      BÉIS The Work Tote

      Credit: BÉIS

      This best-selling BÉIS tote truly has all the bells and whistles. It includes exterior zip and slipper pockets, a padded laptop sleeve with velcro closure, a removable interior zipper pouch, and a thick removable shoulder strap that's ideal for long commutes.

      MaterialFaux Croc PU Leather
      ColorsBlack Croc, Brown Croc, Black, Beige, Plaid
      Dimensions14.25" W x 11"H x 6"D
      Laptop Sleeve Dimensions12.5"W x 9"H
      Best Laptop Work Bag

      Calpak Haven Laptop Tote Bag

      Haven Laptop Tote Bag
      Best Laptop Work Bag

      Calpak Haven Laptop Tote Bag

      Credit: Calpak

      Besides the sleek look, our favorite part of the Calpak Haven Tote is the removable laptop sleeve. Yes, you read that right! The laptop sleeve completely detaches. When taken out, the bag is a roomy tote. When in, the laptop sleeve provides pocketed space for a computer, charger, notepad, pens, and more.

      MaterialPU exterior, Polyester interior
      ColorsToffee, Black, Birch, Petal
      Dimensions16" x 12.5" x 5"
      Best Statement Work Bag

      Ted Baker Paricon Paint Brush Print East West Icon Tote

      Paricon Paint Brush Print East West Icon Tote
      Best Statement Work Bag

      Ted Baker Paricon Paint Brush Print East West Icon Tote

      Now 31% Off
      Credit: Ted Baker

      Although a neutral bag is great to have on hand, sometimes you need to mix it up and go bold! This Ted Baker tote is just the thing. The paint-like design matches any outfit because of its wide range of hues. The debossed logo adds an extra sense of luxury, incorporating the label into the design without taking centerstage.

      MaterialPolyurethane/polyester
      ColorsBlack
      Dimensions18"W x 5.3"D x 13.7"H
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      Best Designer Work Bag

      Tory Burch Perry Triple Compartment Leather Tote

      Perry Triple Compartment Leather Tote
      Best Designer Work Bag

      Tory Burch Perry Triple Compartment Leather Tote

      Credit: Tory Burch

      If you want a long-lasting piece that's classy yet subtle, try this Tory Burch tote. It has three interior compartments with a zipped divider. It has a lot of open space, which is great for chucking in larger items such as a lunch box, sneakers, or makeup bag.

      MaterialLeather
      Colors7 options including Shell Pink, Black, Light Umber
      Dimensions14"W x 11.5"H x 4"D
      Best Budget Work Bag

      Tote Bag

      Tote Bag
      Best Budget Work Bag

      Tote Bag

      Credit: Zara

      This simple, yet spacious tote gets the job done and costs less than $40. It includes two front pockets for functionality, as well as two side straps for some understated flair.

      MaterialPolyurethane
      ColorsTan
      Dimensions11.8"H x 16.1"L x 4"W
      Best Transitional Work Bag

      Clare V. Simple Tote

      Simple Tote
      Best Transitional Work Bag

      Clare V. Simple Tote

      Now 19% Off
      Credit: Clare V.

      Stylist Samantha Brown loves Clare V. bags because they "can seamlessly transition from work to weekend," which helps justify their more expensive price tag. They also come in a variety of colors and sizes, so if this tote isn't your bag, you can find the style that's perfect for your needs.

      MaterialSuede
      ColorsCamel Suede w/ Stripes
      Dimensions15"W x 12.5"H x 4.5"D
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      Most Durable Work Bag

      Parker Thatch Large Mimi

      Large Mimi
      Most Durable Work Bag

      Parker Thatch Large Mimi

      Credit: Parker Thatch

      One material that stylist Samantha Brown recommends for durability is canvas, and one of her favorite brands for canvas work bags is Parker Thatch. This option is roomy enough to fit your laptop and personal essentials, plus it comes in several fun strap colors.

      MaterialCanvas
      ColorsPink Stripe, Blue Stripe
      Dimensions12.5"H x 14.5"W x 7"D
      Best Travel Work Bag

      Away The Everywhere Bag

      The Everywhere Bag
      Best Travel Work Bag

      Away The Everywhere Bag

      Credit: Away

      If your job requires a lot of travel, it's worth investing in a chic, compact bag to take on flights. The Everything Bag easily fits under the seat in front of you and can hold essentials for a short trip. The trolley sleeve is great for sliding over the handle of a carry-on or checked bag for longer trips.

      RELATED: 15 Most Stylish Travel Backpacks for Women

      MaterialNylon, Leather
      Colors6 options including Sand, Black, Navy
      Dimensions16.3" x 10.2" x 7.3"
      Best Sustainable Work Bag

      Everlane The Cactus Leather Hobo

      The Cactus Leather Hobo
      Best Sustainable Work Bag

      Everlane The Cactus Leather Hobo

      This Everlane tote is made with the brand's first plant-based leather alternative, sourced from prickly pear cactus. It uses zero irrigation and regenerates soil, plus, half of the byproduct is used to support the food industry and feed cattle. As for the bag itself, the adjustable strap makes it comfortable to carry while commuting.

      MaterialDesserto® bio-based cactus "leather" (18%), Woven Cotton Backing (35%), Solvent-free PU Coating (47%)
      ColorsBlack, Honey, Pepper, Cashew
      Dimensions11.8"W x 10.8"H
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      Best Monogram Work Bag

      Leatherology Alex Work Bag

      Alex Work Bag
      Best Monogram Work Bag

      Leatherology Alex Work Bag

      Credit: Leatherology

      If you want to look official and well put-together, opt for this monogramed Leatherology tote. It has three options for personalization: debossed, handpainted, or trapunto (otherwise known as stuffed work). The work bag is great for travel too. The back pocket easily slides over suitcase handles. Plus, the monogram helps ensure you never lose your bag at the airport.

      MaterialLeather
      Colors6 options including Mocha, Oxblood, Tan
      Dimensions10.75"H x 17.75"W x 4.25"D
      Best Work Bag for Nurses

      Nurse Bag

      Nurse Bag
      Best Work Bag for Nurses

      Nurse Bag

      Credit: SHYLERO

      For the nurse who practically lives at the hospital, this 21 pocket duffle bag has space for everything — drinks, sanitizing wipes, comfortable shoes, and more. Its waterproof exterior is easy to wipe clean. Plus, it comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns.

      RELATED: 45 Best Graduation Gifts for New Nurses

      MaterialNot listed
      Colors21 options including Field Chamomile, Solid Black, Spring Flowers
      Dimensions18"L x 7"W x 14"H
      Best Lightweight Work Bag

      Rebecca Minkoff Megan Leather Tote

      Megan Leather Tote
      Best Lightweight Work Bag

      Rebecca Minkoff Megan Leather Tote

      Now 40% Off
      Credit: Rebecca Minkoff

      Reviewers of this Rebecca Minkoff bag have praised its lightness, size, and the softness of the leather. It doesn't offer as much organizational structure as other options, which makes it better suited for those looking for something easy and simple.

      MaterialLeather
      ColorsSand Dune, Black, Dune
      Dimensions13.5"W x 12"H x 6"D
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      Best Machine-Washable Work Bag

      VIVAIA Hallie Tote

      Hallie Tote
      Best Machine-Washable Work Bag

      VIVAIA Hallie Tote

      Credit: VIVAIA

      This VIVAIA tote can easily be cleaned on a cold wash cycle and hung dry, which makes it ideal for a bag that will get lots of wear and is potentially prone to scuffs. It's also a sustainable choice, since it's made from recycled plastic.

      MaterialsMade from recycled plastic bottles
      ColorsDiamond, Polka Dots
      Dimensions13.4"L at base, 22.4"L at top x 9.2"W x 12.2"H
      Best Rolling Work Bag

      Rolling Laptop Case

      Rolling Laptop Case
      Best Rolling Work Bag

      Rolling Laptop Case

      Credit: Amazon

      If your bag weighs more than your shoulder is willing to take, or you frequently have your hands full, this rolling briefcase will be the answer to your prayers. It has a laptop sleeve and adjustable handles, for carrying on-the-go or rolling when needed. With over 10,000 ratings on Amazon, this bag rounds out at a stellar 4.7/5 stars.

      MaterialPolyester
      ColorsBlack
      Dimensions16" x 15.25" x 7.5"
      Headshot of Samantha Lawyer
      Samantha Lawyer

      Sam Lawyer is a lifestyle writer and television producer based in New York City. She’s been contributing to Woman’s Day for nearly five years, and covers a variety of topics from gifting, to health, and entertainment. Her work has additionally been featured in Cosmopolitan, Country Living, and Good Housekeeping. When she’s not writing or producing, you can find her binging her favorite Bravo shows or getting walked by her French Bulldog.

      Headshot of Kate Franke
      Editorial Assistant

      Kate Franke (she/her) is the editorial assistant at Woman’s Day. She loves all things lifestyle, home, and market related. Kate has a BAJMC in Magazine Media and BA in Writing from Drake University. She is a proud ASME alum whose work has appeared in Food Network Magazine, The Pioneer Woman Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Modern Farmhouse Style, Beautiful Kitchens & Baths, and more. Next to writing, Kate’s two favorite things are chai lattes and pumpkin bread!

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