Your work bag is one of the hardest working pieces in your bag collection (no pun intended). So, when it comes to choosing your office arm candy it’s important you get it right.
If you split your time between working from home and working in the office, you’ll need a style that works extra hard. Think an expensive-looking bag that’s smart enough for office days, but roomy enough to fit all your essentials in: laptop, charger, travel mug and a host of other office-related paraphernalia that you obviously can’t be caught without. We’ll tell you from experience: whether you use a small Windows laptop or a large 15-inch MacBook, a tiny shoulder bag simply won’t cut it.
Sadly, chic laptop bags are surprisingly hard to come by so we thought we’d scour the shops for you. These are styles that are not laptop-specific, but will fit the bill. There are a whole host of traditional bags, from elevated totes to oversized shoulder bags that can totally be office appropriate.
(Image credit: @threadsstyling)
If you’re worried about your laptop being on show with any of these styles, simply add a dust bag inside, it will act like a closure keeping everything disguised and organised.
Alternatively, if you are dead set on showing off your new (small) designer handbag to the office, you could always double up – a trend that we’re seeing more and more on the catwalk.
A chic tote will allow for added practicality and maximum comfort alongside your mini bag or pair with a backpack to keep things completely hands free.
So, without further ado, read on for our carefully curated selection of shoulder bags, totes and backpacks that are the perfect balance of chic and practical.
Shop stylish work bags
Le Cambon 35 Deep Brown Suede
The Row fans listen up! This bag is still an investment piece but it comes in at a fraction of the Margaux. The timeless brown suede is a keeper and will look beautiful against your Autumn/Winter wardrobe. It’s been such a hit for Manu Atelier that it’s now on pre-order for November.
If you’re looking for a stylish work bag on the high street, you can’t go far wrong with Mango. This vegan leather shopper is roomy enough for all the essentials and also features a handy tie closure for added security. Plus, look at that warm chocolate tone, the ideal alternative to classic black.
Polene, Cyme in Textured Cognac
If you opt for something simple in colour, why not try a more unusual shape. This banana bag from Polene ticks that box feeling both unique and elegant in equal measure.
Dragon Diffusion Basket big woven leather tote
We’re big fans of a hardworking bag here at MC and you’re sure to get plenty of wear out of this Dragon Diffusion style. Not only will it look great in the office but you can also carry it on holiday and at the weekend too.
Martha printed canvas tote
This month Turkish label Misela is celebrating 15 years of creating beautiful bags including the Martha. Each is handmade to order in their workshop and can be personalised with initials and preferred colour trim. It’s perfect for carrying your laptop and other daily essentials to the office and is great as a carry-on when travelling.
Yuzefi Large Mochi Butter
Trapeze totes are big news right now, and are the perfect shape for disguising your laptop when heading straight to dinner from work. Buttery yellow is still a huge trend, so now’s the time to invest.
Massimo Dutti Nappa Leather Bag
We already have the tan version of Massimo Dutti’s woven style, which was perfect for summer, so we’re buying in black for winter. It offers the look and feel of a relaxed raffia style yet is made of nappa leather for a more durable finish.
Loewe Large Fold Puzzle Tote Bag
While the original Loewe Puzzle Tote won’t fit most laptops in comfortably, the mens large style is the perfect size and offers no differences from the original aside from it’s spaciousness. This one is definitely worth borrowing from the boys.
CH By Carolina Herrera printed tote bag
Deep tote bags are having a renaissance, and this monogram version with scarf trim handles from CH By Caroline screams uptown chic.
Demellier, The New York Forest Green & Suede Tote
The New York bag offers a modern yet timeless silhouette and is one of Demellier’s best-selling styles. It’s also made of sustainable materials and has multiple pockets for all your essentials.
Chloe, Woody Textured-Leather Tote Bag
If you’re looking for a tote bag with a twist, this sleek leather style from Chloe is a winner. The minimal colour palette and discreet logo make it perfect for more formal offices.
Khaite Zoe suede and leather tote
There are so many reasons to love this patchwork tote bag from Khaite. The unique contrasting colour combos, the scalloped edging, the subtle animal print – it’s perfection in bag form.
JW Anderson Leather Corner Tote Bag
Featuring JW Anderson’s now iconic chain detailing, this simple black tote is anything but basic. With a magnetic fastening, interior pocket and soft leather exterior, it’s elegant and elevated.
Aspinal, East West Leather Tote Bag
Just because you’re heading too the office, colour doesn’t have to be off the cards. This burnt orange tote from Aspinal will add the perfect punchy hit of colour to dreary early mornings.
Reiss, Vigo Grained Leather Tote Bag
For a more relaxed bag style, try Reiss’ grained leather tote bag, which has a lovely slouchy shape. It features an internal zipped pocket for important items, like keys and money, while the slouchy shape will fit your laptop or notebooks with ease.
Marie Claire Junior Shopping Editor Valeza Bakolli owns a similar style to this Coach bag and is a huge fan, “It has the same classic Coach shoulder bag shape as my beloved original (including the handy sections and zip fastening), and the medium size makes it perfect for smaller laptops and weekend errands alike—it’s probably the most versatile bag I’ve seen.”
Prada Buckle large leather handbag with belt
While Prada’s it-buckle bag unfortunately won’t fit large laptops, it’s too chic not to include on this list. A true investment piece you’ll love for years to come.
The Row Green Margaux 17 Leather Tote Bag
Kate Shoulder Bag – Black
For years, small cross-body bags have topped the most sold lists from the high street to the catwalk, but the Kate shoulder bag from influencer-turned-designer Anine Bing is the perfect example of why we’re so happy that big bag energy is showing staying power this season. It’s stylish and practical – our favourite combo.
For professionals and commuters who carry a lot to the office, the Metro Backpack is a game-changer. It’s sleek, water-resistant, and packed with so many pockets and hidden compartments that it fits everything you need, from your laptop to your makeup bag. The thoughtfully designed pockets keep all your essentials organised and easy to find. The standout feature? The 15-inch laptop sleeve at the back provides quick and easy access to your device. It’s functional yet stylish—truly a chic way to carry your daily essentials. Our Social Media Editor Dionne has found it perfect for her daily commute, keeping her organised, and most importantly, still looking chic.
