Who amongst us hasn’t faced the haphazard juggle of a handbag, a laptop bag and a cotton reusable tote because we still haven’t gotten around to investing in a stylish but solidly practical work bag? Never mind the horror of when you realise you’ve sleepily snagged the wrong handbag in the morning commute rush and are now bereft of your daily essentials.
A good work bag should be a number of things, but first and foremost, it should solve the issue of feeling like a packhorse trussed with enough supplies to last a week. While a work bag needn’t necessarily be designer, it should be office-appropriate and chic enough to take to important meetings or slide next to you at the vibey after-work drinks spot.
The ideal work bag’s size will depend on what tools of the trade you’re transporting, but for optimal functionality, we’d suggest making sure it can at least fit your laptop, notebooks or paper documents, phone, wallet and water bottle. Shape-wise, that means your best work bag bets are going to fall in the carryall tote, satchel, backpack and dedicated laptop bag realm.
Another important work bag consideration? Durability. The cost-per-wear on a work bag should be mere dollars or cents by the end of a year and you’ll want to make sure that your choice is not only stylish but savvily-designed to withstand wear and tear.
Below, the best in stylish and practical work bags to see you through the nine to five.
The Best Work Bags For Women To Shop In Australia
Yvonne Koné Filippo Tote Bag
Classics are classics for a reason. The Filippo bag from Black-owned handbag brand Yvonne Koné is the first functional and roomy tote bag on our list, and it won’t be the last. This piece is crafted from Italian leather with just the right amount of slouch and includes a slight leather strap to fasten the bag closed. Whether a bow or knot, that minimalist detail is up to you to style how you like.
Large Filippo Bag in black, approx. $1,158 AUD from Yvonne Koné.
Avaliable colours: black, camel, olive green, soft peach, light clay.
Cuyana Classic Structured Leather Tote
For a more budget-friendly work bag tote option that doesn’t compromise on quality, we’re recommending this Cuyana Tote. A structured take on the tote bag, this minimalists dream features the brand’s signature Italian leather and the sturdy construction, thoughtfully crafted in a 16-inch size (perfect for all laptops) means the tote can stand on its own.
System Tote, approx. $348 AUD from Cuyana.
Avaliable colours: black, cappucino, olive, burgundy and other neutral colourways.
Vestirsi Scarlett Hobo Bag
Large enough to house a 16″ laptop and all your essentials, this slouchy hobo style of this tote will never feel overwhelming in size, even when it’s packed to the brim. Made from the brand’s signature pebbled Italian leather, it balances affordability, quality and style to make for the perfect work bag.
Scarlett Hobo, $299 at Vestirsi
Avaliable colours: brown, red, cream, olive, blue and more neutral colourways.
Staud Shirley Leather Shoulder Bag
Perennially in-demand with the fashion set, the LA-based label Staud is generally more known for the innovative shapes and unorthodox colourways of their handbags that their work-appropriateness. Enter: the Shirley Leather Shoulder Bag. While it won’t fit a 15″ graphic designer-sized laptop, this shoulder bag will take you and your essentials from home to office in structured style.
Staud Shirley leather shoulder bag, $515 from Staud.
Avaliable colours: black, brown, camel and cream, various jewel tones.
Stella McCartney Perforated Vegetarian Leather Tote
Consciously made from Stella McCartney’s now-signature vegetarian leather, this different-yet-timeless tote is roomy enough for all your workday essentials. A subtle perforated Stella McCartney logo adorns the bag’s front and the work bag’s interior pocket will keep you organised.
Stella McCartney Perforated Vegetarian Leather Tote, $1,655 from Stella McCartney
Avaliable colours: indigo and cream.
Coach Empire Carryall
For those chasing the elusive boardroom-to-bar bag, let us introduce you to Coach’s new silhouette: the Empire Caryall. Leaning into the 2024’s favourite silhouette that was first spawned by The Rowe and their Margeux Bag, this beauty is perfect for the fashion lover who isn’t lugging a laptop around but still wants the luxury of space for daily essentials.
Coach Empire Caryall ’28, $995 AUD from Coach.
Avaliable colours: black and chalk.
Camilla And Marc Fallon Tote
We can always rely on Camilla And Marc for a timeless tote bag. Their Fallon Tote, with its dramatic winged shaped, oversized monogram logo and sleek finish will bring a touch of drama to your everyday commute.
Camilla And Marc Fallon Tote, $550 from Camilla And Marc
Avaliable colours: black.
Lead image via Edward Berthelot/Getty Images.
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