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Something for the sleek leather lover and the after-hours gym-goer. Briefcase Laptop Bag
However you feel about it, the majority of people are back in the office, be it in a full-time or hybrid format. And what used to be a 10-second commute from the bed to the desk is looking more like a 30-minute stop-and-go car ride or shoulder-to-shoulder, rush-hour train ride to the office. Yes, kissing the additional hour of sleep goodbye can be brutal, but shopping for a stylish work bag that gets you excited to pack it with laptops, lunches, and notebooks just might make up for it (I said might). Personal stylist Kemi Ajibare recommends “functional, minimalist, and stylish bags that have lots of compartments” for a work bag.
For the below list, we asked fellow staffers at InStyle about their favorite work bags and found some who preferred sleek totes, some who flaunted designer bags, and others who focused on laptop bags that fit their 15-inch screens. We considered their responses and prioritized recommendations that were noted for comfort, practicality, and of course, style.
We have to give it to this Cuyana System Tote for being a top-tier office bag. To start, the pebbled Italian leather not only looks and feels luxe, but will withstand the test of time and never fail on you. Writer (and co-author of this roundup) Bianca Kratky finds the size to be just right for the office, fitting her 13-inch work laptop along with her notebook, toiletry pouch, and other miscellaneous items. The shoulder straps fit like a glove under the arm, keeping it comfortably tucked in, while the exterior is very minimal, which looks professional and doesn’t clash with any outfit. There is also a little side pocket where Kratky drops her keys and phone for easy access. Given its plus-$300 price point, we don’t love that coordinated items like shoulder straps, pouches, and sleeves come at an additional cost, but thanks to its quality material, luxe appeal, and ease of use, this bag still deserves our top marks. Material: Leather | Dimensions: 13.25 (W) x 10 (H) x 5 (D) inches | Colors: 6
The faux leather material, minimalistic design, and neutral shades look so simple and elegant, and for under $60, no less. On the inside, you’ll find a padded sleeve in the center to keep a 15.6-inch laptop with additional pockets to hold your phone, keys, and other knick knacks usually rolling around in the bottom of your purse. And to prevent anything from spilling out, a magnetic clasp on the top keeps everything safe.
Reviewers appreciate that the tote stands up on its own, thanks to the sturdy construction and flat bottom, which coincidentally makes it great for flights, too, because it can easily slide under the seat without falling over onto your feet. With adjustable shoulder straps, you can simply increase the length for a more comfortable fit as well.
Material: Faux leather | Dimensions: 16.5 (W) x 11.8 (H) x 5.1 (D) inches | Colors: 5
For those who prefer leather, you can’t go wrong with Madewell’s Transport Tote. It’s made from pebbled leather, which better fends off scuffs and scratches than smooth leather, according to New York City-based personal stylist Beverly Osemwenkhae. InStyle contributor Emily Cieslak used this tote throughout college and can confirm it withstands lots of wear and tear from lugging around books. It’s roomy enough to hold a 13-inch laptop, textbook, and other essentials.
The interior pocket keeps your keys and wallet secure while the slip pocket on the outside gives easy access to essential items, like a phone. The zipper at the top adds extra reassurance that nothing will fall out during a commute. And whenever she wanted to be hands-free, she slipped the long strap over her sounder to wear as a crossbody bag, as the soft construction of the bag wouldn’t allow it to stand on its own.
Material: Leather | Dimensions: 11 (W) x 12.75 (H) x 5 (D) inches | Colors: 4
Kratky owns and adores this tote bag like no other. Ever since the Polène team generously gifted it to her, she has been using it for work and travel all the same. And after three years of owning it, it still looks as good as new. The smooth leather, expertly crafted into an aesthetic basket-shaped tote, simply looks elegant no matter what it’s paired with—be it leggings and a hoodie for a flight or pantsuits and a blouse to the office.
While there are no slits or side pockets, it comes with a removable small leather pouch and ample space, with the ability to fit a laptop, numerous notebooks, a cardigan, a makeup pouch, and other essentials. Two magnets on the sides of the bag clip together, allowing you to invert the ends to create a different shape in the bag. The two strap lengths allow you to throw it over your shoulder or hold it in your hands, again, making this a rather diverse work bag.
Material: Calf leather | Dimensions: 20.5 (W) x 12.6 (H) x 4.1 (D) inches | Colors: 8
While a sturdy, structured bag has its place, sometimes you need a design that is lightweight and packable—cue the MZ Wallace Metro Tote. InStyle contributor Caitlyn Martyn describes the easy-to-clean nylon bag as Mary Poppins’ never-ending bag.
“I really like how flexible the bag is. I've been able to stuff not only work items [into the bag] but a change of clothes and a makeup bag, glasses, sunglasses, water bottle, et cetera, too, and it somehow always fits,” says Martyn. Considering that it has five exterior pockets and six interior pockets, its capacity isn’t that surprising. (Though we do wish there was a designated laptop compartment.) To prevent back pain, the nylon straps on this tote are padded on top of being wider than most. There’s also a detachable crossbody strap.
Material: Nylon, leather | Dimensions: 11 (W) x 11.5 (H) x 9 (D) inches | Colors: 18
Commerce Writer Irene Richardson quickly learned that this was the best work bag she could have asked for. The sleek and smooth vegan leather looks professional, and the many interior slits are perfect for organizing laptops, notebooks, wallets, and even a water bottle without them turning into a messy pile in a black hole. She even finds enough space for her workout outfit inside, and with all of these items in, the bag doesn’t look bulky or awkward the way her backpack did during her college years. Needless to say, it’s a great upgrade for your first big-girl job in the city.
Material: Microfiber vegan leather | Dimensions: 15.2 (W) x 12 (H) x 7.2 (D) inches | Colors: 4
Hawaii-based writer Nicol Natale swore off backpacks after college until she saw her aunt wearing the Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack and decided to give it a chance. The neoprene fabric, which comes in stylish colors immediately impressed her because it cushions the straps and back, preventing it from feeling too heavy. It’s also easy to clean—just wash it with warm water and detergent and it’ll look as good as new.
But perhaps best of all, the neoprene is water resistant. “I live on an island where we get a ton of rain,” says Natale. “Whether I'm caught on a hike or out running errands, the exterior absorbs the rain and my belongings stay dry inside.” Despite its compact size, the Dakota holds all of Natale’s essentials she uses as a reiki and yoga instructor. There’s a laptop sleeve, shoe bag, and smaller pockets on the outside to hold your phone, headphones, and keys. “This is an adult backpack that compliments my outfits while still holding my things and feeling so comfortable to carry around. I use it every day and would buy it again and again,” adds Natale.
Material: Neoprene, air mesh, Repreve | Dimensions: 11.5 (W) x 17 (H) x 5 (D) inches | Colors: 7
After taking the Fifth Avenue Weekender Bag, which the brand kindly gifted to Cieslak, on a business trip where both business and party clothes were required, she was impressed with how much could fit into the roomy compartments—including a 13-inch laptop, two bags of toiletries, a magazine, a book, and a laptop charger. A separate compartment for shoes can be found at the bottom to keep them from soiling any valuables in the main compartment. A padded compartment cushioned electronics as well, providing ease of mind through each bout of turbulence.
The four pockets on the outside made it easy to store things she needed on hand. When filled to the brim, it of course did not feel weightless, but it sat securely on her suitcase using the luggage sleeve, where it spent the majority of its time, rather than on her shoulder. When it came time to board, the duffle shape easily fit under her seat, standing upright, so nothing moved around. While the nylon looks a little utilitarian, it’s waterproof, lightweight, and durable. It doesn’t scuff or tear easily and you can wipe it clean with a damp cloth.
Material: Nylon | Dimensions: 17 (W) x 12 (H) x 6.5 (D) inches| Colors: 3
We've seen the queen of quiet luxury and sleek fashion, Meghan Markle, carry around this bag through her travels, promptly convincing us to try it ourselves. Sure enough, ever since we got our hands on it we’ve been using it for work, business trips, and everyday outings all the same.
The minimalist exterior makes it easy to style with absolutely any outfit, but we think it pairs extra well with business attire. That’s because the leather looks smooth and luxurious, complementing the business pants and button-downs as if they were made to go together. There aren’t too many compartments on the inside, but the bag is spacious enough to carry a laptop, a cardigan, some notebooks, and a few pens. We just wish there was a zipper to close and secure it all.
Material: Leather | Dimensions: 20.8 (W) x 12.8 (H) x 7 (D) inches | Colors: 3
Whether you have a little one or not, a modern diaper bag like this design from Dagne Dover makes one incredible work bag. In fact, plus-size model and actress Kelsie Nick swears by the Indie Backpack. “I know a diaper bag isn't the first thought when working or traveling, but it is so comfy and can fit anywhere,” says Nick. “All the compartments make it so easy to organize my things, from shoes to make-up brushes. My favorite part is the clip for a pacifier. I use it for my car keys.”
Made from the brand’s signature neoprene fabric, the material is water-resistant and easy to clean. New parents love the way you can clip the backpack to a stroller and that it comes with a mini changing mat. But when playtime is over and you need to head to work, the 15-inch laptop sleeve has you covered.
Material: Neoprene, air mesh, Repreve | Dimensions: 12.25 (W) x 13.75 (H) x 6 (D) inches | Colors: 6
If you'd prefer something that doesn't scream "work bag" immediately, we recommend this vegan leather tote from AAPI-owned brand Freja. Considering the fine craftsmanship of this bag, you would never guess that the material is vegan leather—even the interior suede is made of vegan microsuede.
The exterior is water and scratch-resistant, and the impressive interior packs an abundance of perks. Overall, the tote is quite large, fitting a 16-inch laptop in any of the three compartments, one of which can be zipped closed. Despite the size, you never have to worry about losing your essentials, given the multitudes of pockets for your phone, pens, sunglasses, and more.
Material: Vegan ultrafiber leather | Dimensions: 18 (W) x 11.5 (H) x 6 (D) inches | Colors: 5
Messenger bags make great work bags as well, thanks to their hands-free nature. We featured this option in our best laptop bags roundup because of its handy, padded sleeve that comfortably fits a 13-inch laptop. With the laptop remaining flush against one of the sides, we found it easy to fit a plethora of everyday items, too. The compartments (three exterior and four interior pockets) didn’t take away space from the large middle compartment, making it easy to fit bulkier items, like sweaters.
We particularly loved the adjustable shoulder strap, which had ample padding to make us feel extra comfortable. Lastly, the waterproof canvas made it a safe option for when we had to schlepp ourselves into the office on rainy days.
Material: Polyester | Dimensions: 14.75 (W) x 11 (H) x 5.5 (D) inches | Colors: 1
Bet you’re not surprised to learn that a good chunk of the InStyle team has or has had the iconic Longchamp Le Pliage Tote. It’s one of our favorite tote bags—not just because it seemingly holds just about anything or because of the chic leather detailings, how it zips all the way, or how the water-resistant lining keeps it stain-free—but because it folds into a tiny compact version of itself making it easy (and lightweight) to travel with. The nylon exterior is near-indestructible and many can agree that their tote bags have survived years of heavy schleppings. Just keep in mind that there are no adjustable features on the bag.
Material: Nylon, leather | Dimensions: 12.2 (W) x 11.8 (H) x 7.5 (D) inches | Colors: 7
Ajibare recommends this Cos Quilted Crossbody Bag to the fashionably-forward gym-goer. Truth is, most gym bags don’t look professional enough for the office, nor do they comfortably fit a laptop. This option is large enough to fit a change of clothes and shoes while still fitting a laptop, notebook, and all your other work essentials. “It’s extra large and great for travel, recreational, and everyday activities,” she says. However, you should invest in a padded laptop sleeve for this one, as the loose construction offers little protection against drops on hard surfaces.
The quilted exterior is simultaneously professional and sporty, a balance not easily achieved. It’s the type of bag that chameleons with whatever outfit you pair it with, making it look high-end with a blazer and slacks and casual with leggings and a sports bra.
Material: Recycled polyester, recycled cotton | Dimensions: 9.45 (W) x 9.25 (H) x 3.35 (D) inches | Colors: 6
Now that you have a bag you love, you’ll want to make it last as long as possible. First things first, don’t hang your bags; it ultimately wears down the straps. Angeles recommends keeping them on a shelf, ideally in a dust bag with some sort of stuffing inside to maintain the shape. As a serious online shopper, I like to reuse all the tissue paper that comes in packages for stuffing my bags. You also want to keep your bags in a cool, dry place and away from sunlight which can fade the color, especially if it’s leather.
Before cleaning your bag, check the label for any specific instructions. Angeles says you can usually clean a nylon or faux leather bag with a warm, damp towel and mild detergent or soap. Follow up with another damp towel to wipe off the soap and be sure you dry the bag completely with a dry towel. Unfortunately, cleaning real leather can be tricky, so Angeles recommends taking it to the professionals.
First and foremost, the bag has to be big enough to fit your work laptop. Here it’s important to note the size of your laptop, as some popular tote bags can only accommodate up to a 13-inch style. Ajibare prefers a “mid-size to tote size because I like to make sure there’s space for personal items,” beyond just a laptop. She also mentions that materials like leather and calf leather look the most professional and are extra sturdy, lasting through daily use for years to come.
Bag Laptop To find the best work bags, we spoke with contributors, plus fashion stylists Joanna Angeles, Beverly Osemwenkhae, and Kemi Ajibare.