12 Best Work Bags for Women That Will Stylishly Withstand Your Daily Commute

Available in four sizes and six hues, L.L.Bean’s boat and tote is a preppy staple that first made its debut as an ice carrier nearly 70 years ago. Content creator and designer Clare Sullivan cites the extra large canvas tote as a versatile, capacious pick that can accommodate more than just her workday essentials. “Even with a laptop and iPad inside, I can still use it after a long day to hold groceries on my way home,” Sullivan says of the bag, which can accommodate a whopping 500 pounds of items. Sullivan appreciates the many customization options L.L.Bean offers, too. “You don’t have to do your initials, which is the fun part,” she explains. “Mine says ‘MORE IS MORE,’ as it’s usually stuffed to the brim with samples, art supplies, or even decor I’ve picked up.” Nan Philip, lifestyle blogger and founder of Nan Philip Consulting, echoes similar sentiments. “I seem to never be able to travel light—even just for a day of work—as I might have my laptop, an extra pair of shoes, a jacket, and more, and I love that I know I can always fit everything in this big canvas tote,” she says. Built to last for decades on end, the tote is made to withstand wear and tear—Philip simply tosses hers in the washing machine and lets it air dry when it's in need of a refresh.

The Cuyana System Tote, which comes in seven leather colorways and two sizes, offers an array of customization options, too. It’s Julia Dzafic’s “number-one recommendation for a work bag.” Adds the lifestyle influencer and founder of the website Lemon Stripes, “You can snap in their large pouch and their laptop sleeve to keep everything organized.” Plus, Dzafic says, “You're able to add a strap as well to make it a cross-body bag for an easy, hands-free commute.”

For years, Nora Massey, executive assistant and creator of the blog Purely Nora, has sworn by another Cuyana offering, the Classic Structured Tote, for everyday purposes as well as travel. “It fits a laptop, water bottle, breastmilk cooler, and daily essentials, holds up super well—it is still structured—and has survived all of New York City’s seasons as well as being shoved under the seat on airplanes,” Massey comments. “I like the open top for easy access—plus the interior leather is lighter in color, which makes everything easy to see/find.” This tote can be customized to include an organization insert and can be kept up to snuff with Cuyana’s leather spot cleaner.

Featuring both double handles and crossbody straps, this medium-sized bag from Black-owned brand Telfar is both “colorful and classic,” according to LIBBY & MY owner Libby Rasmussen. The faux leather bag—which comes in practically all of the colors of the rainbow, and beyond—is substantial enough to hold a laptop and features a magnetic snap closure. A small zippered compartment inside comes in handy for storing keys, hand sanitizer, and other small goods.

Ailsa Emmel, a certified nurse midwife and lifestyle influencer swears by her Alem Backpack from Able, a luxe looking leather bag that contains plenty of interior and exterior pockets, adjustable straps, and padded shoulder support. “I love that it has two big compartments to fit my notebooks, computer, and iPad,” Emmel states. “I love how inclusive it is and it grows with you,” she adds, noting that the backpack could serve as a diaper bag, too. Customers can select among three hues: cognac, black, and whiskey. Emmel reflects, “I never leave home without my backpack, and I love that it adds a little edge to my style.”

Carly Ritt, a digital marketer, author, and mom, appreciates MZ Wallace’s Metro Tote Deluxe, while traveling or simply taking a short journey to the office. “I have yet to master the art of packing lightly… because of that, I need a bag that's lightweight and durable with a flexible silhouette,” she comments. The tote can be worn over the shoulder but also comes with a crossbody strap, making it an excellent convertible option. A zipper closure keeps items safe and sound, and the bag also boasts a grand total of 11 different pockets. It’s a versatile bag that can be used for work, but also as a gym bag.

For those who like to keep their belongings zipped up and secured, Emily Coyne recommends Tory Burch’s Ever-Ready Zip Tote, which comes in six colorways and is made from coated canvas and faux leather. “After using so many open totes, I was tired of having my belongings potentially spilling out when traveling or on the go,” the content creator and founder of emilyOandbows comments. “The purse also is a reasonable price point for a designer bag and most importantly looks good year round.” Coyne also appreciates the bag’s interior compartments, brass hardware, and removable zippered pouch, which can be carried on its own as a small clutch.

There are a lot of laptop bags for women on the market, but you don’t necessarily have to buy one that’s marketed as a laptop. Samantha Sheinson considers Banana Republic’s Vida Bag, sold in both brown and camel, to be “an absolute gem for laptop needs.” Says the style blogger behind The New York Blonde, “Not only is it spacious with a chic design, it offers excellent protection and padding, ensuring my laptop stays safe and secure on the go.” But the bag isn’t just ideal for tech gear—it offers plenty of pockets to tuck away other small essentials while remaining chic looking. “It is truly a fashionable and functional handbag,” Sheinson comments. The 100% leather bag (the interior is ultrasuede made from polyester) requires professional cleaning and has a polyester interior.

Coyne finds her Goyard Saint Louis GM Tote Bag—the larger of the two Saint Louis styles—“is the tote I reach for daily.” She’s relied on the bag, which is available in 11 colorways, to house her laptop, water bottle, books, and more, and has been impressed with its performance over time. “With its flexible canvas material and durable straps, the tote can hold so much weight and not even be affected,” Coyne reflects. She is confident that the bag will continue to serve her changing needs well into the future, stating, “As I grow older, I know the purse will be there to shift for every new stage of life. It is an investment, but I love the consistency the bag provides.”

Despite having owned her Dagne Dover Signature Tote for seven years now, content creator and director of client development Emily Bell says that the bag is still in great condition. Bell relies on the tote for housing her items including her laptop and lunch and notes that it tucks under an airplane seat wonderfully, too. The tote comes in two sizes, which include the smaller Classic and larger Legend, both of which boast a coated canvas body and vegan leather trim that can be spot cleaned. Good to know: Dagne Dover also has a great line of wallets for women.

• Materials: Coated canvas and vegan leather trim
• Colors: Three color choices (Onyx, Bleecker Blush, Graphite)
• Size:
  • 13.75 inches x 11 inches x 4.5 inches (bag)
  • 13 inches x 8 inches x .75 inches (padded laptop sleeve)
  • 17 inches (top opening)
  • 9 inches (handle drop)
• Maintenance: Spot clean as needed with mild soap, warm water, and a clean, soft cloth.
• Waterproof: No
• Style and design: Classic

As a mom of two herself, Ritt appreciates the Naghedi St. Barths Tote for weekdays and weekends alike. “Designed by a mom of three, this tote is timeless and durable throughout the seasons,” she shares. Ritt has found the tote, available in a wide range of solid hues as well as some graphic options, to be lightweight, as well as wipeable and easy to clean. When Ritt isn’t toting the bag to work, she’ll use it as a diaper or beach bag during her days off. The bag also comes with a removable zip pouch that’s excellent for holding cosmetics, loose change, bandages, and more.

Photographer, writer, and brand consultant Emily Byrski relies on her Dagne Dover backpack for travel. “The material is neoprene, so it’s lightweight, durable, and machine washable, plus it has a ton of pockets for organizing.” The water-resistant backpack comes in three sizes. Byrski notes, “The large-sized bags are massive—perfect for a carry-on personal item!” Choose from a range of solid colored styles, which range from peppy to more subdued in color, and rinse away any stains or residue by hand washing the bag in cold water with a mild detergent.