Best stylish work bags for women
Widely regarded as the “best bag” for work, school, uni and everything in between, this classic style fits everything you could ever need (and then some).
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One of the most important elements of your workwear wardrobe is your work bag.
It’s got to be practical, holding everything you need to complete your journey from home to work and look stylish against all your outfit combinations.
According to Nicole Adolpe, head stylist at The Iconic, the bag’s material and colour should be the first thing you consider.
“Leather or vegan leather offers structure and durability for day-in-day-out wear. For a work bag, I always suggest sticking with classic black, or neutral tones like brown or cream, which can be matched back with a variety of outfits and always looks polished,” Nicole tells news.com.au.
We’ve rounded up the best work bags for women on the market right now. From tote bags to backpacks to over-the-shoulder bags, here’s what’s worthwhile adding to your nine-to-five collection.
EDITOR’S PICK: BEST STYLISH WORK BAGS
Prene The Brighton Neoprene Tote Bag, The Iconic, $99.95 at The Iconic
If you’re looking for a multi-use bag that you can take to work, the gym, the beach and to the shops, this is the bag for you. The Brighton Neoprene Bag from the brand Prene offers size, ease and convenience, and it’s under $100.
There’s plenty of space to store your everyday essentials – your phone, wallet, laptop, lunch, water bottle and more. The perforated neoprene is breathable and also super easy to clean.
Take your pick from black, a light grey marle or a gorgeous navy blue – whatever you think will match most with your closet.
The bag also comes with a matching smaller pouch, so you can separate items in your bag and keep your necessities in something that’s easy to reach.
Best Of’s editor Hannah Paine is a fan of Prene and particularly loves how the brand’s bags are machine washable. “The other day I spilt my coffee cup inside my bag … all I had to do when I got home was chuck it in the washing machine on a gentle wash and it came out looking brand new!”
Designed to hold anything and everything, the July Everyday tote is meant to go with you everywhere. It comes complete with a laptop sleeve, luggage pass-through band and top zip closure, plus internal d-rings so you can add a strap if you’d like.
I’ve been testing it as my work bag for the last few months, and I love it. I use it to carry my laptop, food and drinks, umbrella – all those bigger and heavier items that can’t really fit into my normal everyday handbag.
I will say that the straps are quite small, so I can’t carry it over my shoulder. Luckily July gives you the option to purchase an extra strap though.
Bonus points because it’s machine washable and super easy to clean.
Take your pick from a range of classic colours like black and beige. And if you’re looking for something a bit bigger, you can see the large version here, priced at $165.
Longchamp Le Pliage Original Shoulder Bag, $125 (down from $265) at OZSALE
On the hunt for an easy to wear canvas bag? This style from the brand Longchamp is a classic style, offering clean lines and sophisticated structure.
We love the blend of canvas (choose from black, brown or beige) with chocolate brown leather-look features.
The top zip closure enables easy access and the fixed top handles means you can carry this with your hands or on your shoulder.
This perfect bag is loved by millions and Best Of Editor Hannah Paine has been using it for the last five years.
“Don’t be fooled by the fact that it’s made from canvas, this bag is sturdy and can hold a lot more than you think while still looking very stylish. It can also be folded away when you’re not using it, making it easy to store.”
BEST TOTE WORK BAG
Madewell Zipper Transport Tote, $294.43 at Shopbop
When on the market for a new work bag, you can’t go wrong with a classic black leather tote.
Maddison from the Best Of team has loved this bag from Madewell for years.
“I’ve had mine for going on six years and it’s still in very good condition – it can take the wear and tear of daily (or now, biweekly!) commuting, it has an interior pocket for essentials and is roomy enough to fit a laptop, a pair of shoes, a water bottle and snacks.”
She uses this zippered version to keep your belongings safe inside, but there’s also a non-zipped option if that’s more your style.
MARC JACOBS The Large Tote, $435 at The Iconic
There’s a good chance you’ve seen this tote bag somewhere on your Instagram feed, as it’s held immense popularity ever since it dropped on the scene. The Tote by Marc Jacobs is crafted from a durable canvas material, made into a convenient tote bag style.
The classic silhouette is complimented by a gorgeous range of colours – black, beige, blue denim and more.
If you love to wear your designer brands loud and proud, you’ll be happy to know the logo is printed on the front of the bag. We also love that the main compartment is zip-fastened, and there’s multiple zip and slip pockets on the outside and inside.
Guess Vikky Black Snap Closure Tote Bag, $179 at Myer
This tote bag from Guess is a simple style work bag that’s also super spacious. It is made from faux leather, but it promises to be durable and sturdy, which is all we could really ask for. It also features a removable matching interior pouch and a magnetic closure for security.
The Guess Vikky Bag has racked up an average rating of 4.9 out of five on Myer, with one five-star reviewer commenting it’s a “good size for everyday use.”
Ted Baker Soocon Tote Bag, The Iconic, $109
Ted Baker is a much loved UK fashion brand and it’s easy to see why. The Soocon Tote Bag is a structured tote made from a textured faux leather, and features subtle branding points. The open main compartment isn’t secured by a zipper or button, so this is a great pick if you like to just throw stuff in your bag and not worry about looking too hard for it later.
Add a pop of colour to your work bag collection with this fabulous bubblegum pink shade. Of course if you’re not feeling that daring, the Soocon Tote Bag also comes in classic black, which is a lot more wearable.
BEST BACKPACK FOR WORK
Trent Nathan Lucia Black Zip Top Backpack, $229.95 at Myer
With an average rating of 4.9 out of five rating on Myer, it’s safe to say this is one of the most popular work-appropriate backpacks on the market. It’s been described as being “well made, functional and beautifully designed.”
The leather backpack offers plenty of space with a zippered main compartment, interior pockets, a grab handle top and adjustable shoulder straps. In terms of looks, we love the smooth leather finish combined with the gold-toned hardware.
Longchamp Le Pliage Club Backpack, $230 at The Iconic
An elevated version of the trusty backpack, the Le Pliage Club Backpack by Longchamp is great for those who want a supportive work bag but don’t want to compromise on style.
The canvas shell is supported with leather-look detailing for that sense of sophistication, plus the adjustable straps means you don’t have to worry about finding the right level of support.
A zip and flap closure means your essential everyday items stay secure in your backpack.
BEST OVER-THE-SHOULDER WORK BAG
Status Anxiety Force Of Being Black Shoulder Bag, $319.95 at Myer
The Status Anxiety Force Of Being shoulder bag is loved by many on the Myer website, with an overwhelming amount of positive reviews and an average rating of 4.8 out of five.
Described countless times as the “perfect black handbag”, this pebble leather bag offers a wide main opening for easy access, plus a secret zipper stash on the outside panel to keep your phone or wallet in an easy-to-reach spot.
BEST CANVAS WORK BAG
C & M Camilla & Marc Dino Tote, $280 at The Iconic
An upgraded version of your standard canvas bag, the Dino Tote bag from C & M Camilla & Marc oozes cool sophistication. This downplayed designer work bag may just be your new everyday companion, with a sleek open top and handy internal zip pocket.
The cotton canvas material is complemented with smooth leather-look trims.
BEST AFFORDABLE WORK BAGS: UNDER $100
KROSER Laptop Tote Bag, $50.99 at Amazon Australia
Who knew you could update your work bag for just $50? It’s all thanks to Amazon, and you can get it delivered to your home within just a few days.
The KROSER Laptop Tote Bag has gathered over 3600 five-star reviews and it’s been described as being “sturdy, lightweight and comfortable” and a “great work bag”.
It promises to be suitable for your 14”-15.6” laptop, and it’s made from a water-repellent canvas.
Tony Bianco Burke Tote Bag, The Iconic, $99.95
If you’re looking for a vegan version of a gorgeous leather tote bag, the Tony Bianco Burke Bag is a great choice. The leather-look outer offers a loose structure to keep your belongings inside while still feeling comfortable enough to carry all day.
The Burke Bag provides a magnetic closure and an internal snap buttoned strap to ensure your belongings are secure. Bonus points because it also comes with a cute little matching pouch to help separate your essentials in your work bag.
BEST HIGH-END DESIGNER WORK BAGS
Michael Kors Voyager Tote, $412 (down from $434) at OZSALE
Keen to splash some cash on a new designer work bag? The Voyager Tote from Michael Kors is a great pick, as it offers subtle branding in a classic shape and design.
The textured black leather is fully lined and comes with adjustable carry straps, plus zippered closures on the top and the inside.
The structured shape ensures your laptop will fit nicely and not move around. As a nice touch, Michael Kors have also included a gold emblem that dangles down the side of the tote bag.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT WORK BAG?
Let’s face it, there’s an overwhelming amount of fashionable handbags on the market, so it can be difficult to choose the right one for you.
Head stylist at The Iconic, Nicole Adolpe, says looks aside, a workbag needs to seamlessly fit into your work day routine and be functional.
“When I’m running around between meetings, I personally prefer to have my work bag open at the top with a clip clasp or zipper, rather than an envelope flap, which can be more difficult to open and close while juggling a phone and coffee,” she says.
“A lot of us have started returning to the office, so investing in a larger tote or satchel style bag is perfect if you need to carry your laptop between work and home.”
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If you know your bag is going to be heavy, choose supportive and comfortable straps. Nicole also mentioned that internal zip pockets can be very helpful, especially in larger bags.
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