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29 *Actually* Cute Work Bags That'll Fit Everything You Could Possibly Need

Yes, even that giant thermos of coffee.

By Lauren Adhav
streetstyle day 4 milan fashion week womenswear springsummer 2023
Claudio Lavenia//Getty Images

Ah, yes, the grand return to the office. If you weren't already back in your regular pre-COVID working environment, it can be quite the adjustment. But the first step is making sure you have a trustworthy, durable work bag that will fit all the necessities you need five days a week. Oh, and a cute winter work outfit, duh.

What makes a great work bag, you ask? Well first, it needs to be big enough to fit a laptop, yet not so oversized that it's like a weekender bag. It also should look profesh, but not boring. Another must is lots of organizational pockets to hold the miscellaneous items you might need to get through a workday and your possible commute, like books, lip balm, snacks, headphones, etc. You should look for materials that are durable like leather and nylon—the latter of which is easier to clean. However, thicker canvas totes can also hold up over time, and they're less expensive options. Metal feet on the bottom also help protect your bag when you place, or rather, dump it on floor next to your comfortable office chair.

Here, we rounded up 29 of the best work bags for women that are worth carrying, from sturdy totes to crossbody styles to roomy laptop bags with padded protection. Shop them below!

this whipstitch trim one

Calpak Kaya Laptop Backpack

Best Seller
Calpak Kaya Laptop Backpack
this whipstitch trim one

Calpak Kaya Laptop Backpack

Now 20% Off
$102 at Calpak

This top-rated backpack has more than 1,300 reviews and a pretty whipstitch detail that runs along its border. It fits a 15-inch laptop, and securely slides onto any carry-on handle if you're traveling far with it.

this iconic one

L.L. Bean Boat and Tote Zip-Top

L.L. Bean Boat and Tote Zip-Top
this iconic one

L.L. Bean Boat and Tote Zip-Top

The L.L. Bean tote has resurfaced lately as a favorite style, especially when you can monogram something on the nose like "WORK BAG" on it. The zipper closure also keeps the contents secure and out of reach when you're commuting.

this sleek one

Everlane The Gallery Tote

Everlane The Gallery Tote
this sleek one

Everlane The Gallery Tote

The silhouette of this tote is for the minimal fans out there. It also comes in black and brown if you want a more classic neutral hue.

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this elongated one

Santos Dolores Square Tote

Santos Dolores Square Tote
this elongated one

Santos Dolores Square Tote

The shape of this tote will get you so many compliments. It can fit any 13- to 16-inch laptop and the elongated structure keeps your belongings comfortably flat against your side. This baby is also sustainably made with vegan cactus leather, so you can feel good about your purchase.

this paisley one

Call It By Your Name Maxi Cabas Reversible Paisley Tote

Call It By Your Name Maxi Cabas Reversible Paisley Tote
this paisley one

Call It By Your Name Maxi Cabas Reversible Paisley Tote

Now 40% Off

Who knew bandanas of your youth could look so stylish? This guy is reversible and fits any laptop or tablet (and literally anything else you might need) to bring with you to work.

this dual compartment one

Ree Projects Nessa Leather Tote

Ree Projects Nessa Leather Tote
this dual compartment one

Ree Projects Nessa Leather Tote

Now 60% Off

This contemporary design may not seem like it has a ton of storage space, but don't be fooled. It has two deep compartments so you can fit a 13-inch laptop in one, and fit your keys, wallet, notebooks, lip balm, and any chargers in the other.

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this subtle logo one

Off-White Day Off Monogram Canvas Tote

Off-White Day Off Monogram Canvas Tote
this subtle logo one

Off-White Day Off Monogram Canvas Tote

Now 40% Off

The length of the strap ensures it stays perfectly nestled under the crook of your arm, and the logo is more subdued if you want an investment piece that's not too flashy.

this puffy one

MZ Wallace Large Metro Quilted Nylon Tote Deluxe

MZ Wallace Large Metro Quilted Nylon Tote Deluxe
this puffy one

MZ Wallace Large Metro Quilted Nylon Tote Deluxe

MZ Wallace has some of the best totes out there because of their puff texture, like this beautiful quilted style that has pockets on pockets on pockets.

this two-strap one

Cuyana Classic Easy Tote

Cuyana Classic Easy Tote
this two-strap one

Cuyana Classic Easy Tote

Cuyana's leather styles are elegant and ones that'll never go out of style. The double loop strap on this ensures you can carry it multiple ways, and you can even customize it with your initials.

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this woven one

Mansur Gavriel Upcycled Woven Bag

Mansur Gavriel Upcycled Woven Bag
this woven one

Mansur Gavriel Upcycled Woven Bag

Now 60% Off

It's a splurge, but a Mansur Gavriel bag is one you'll likely keep forever. The woven texture on this style is definitely eye catching.

this structured one

Vavvoune Mishe Leather Crossbody Bag

Vavvoune Mishe Leather Crossbody Bag
this structured one

Vavvoune Mishe Leather Crossbody Bag

How slick is this boxy design? The gold hardware and shape definitely bring it up a notch, and you'll stand out from the sea of boring black totes.

this convertible one

Caraa Studio 2Medium

Caraa Studio 2Medium
this convertible one

Caraa Studio 2Medium

Looks like a work tote, yet also functions like a backpack. This one comes with removable straps so you can carry it either way. It also features a hidden shoe compartment, water bottle holder, and waterproof lining.

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this backpack

Brandon Blackwood Portmore Backpack

Brandon Blackwood Portmore Backpack
this backpack

Brandon Blackwood Portmore Backpack

Now 30% Off

The silver hardware and metal feet make this backpack unlike any others. It might not fit a laptop, but it'll fit a tablet and all your other odds and ends.

This do-it-all one

Nubily Computer Tote Bag

Nubily Computer Tote Bag
This do-it-all one

Nubily Computer Tote Bag

Lightweight! Waterproof! Spacious! These are just three great features in a quality work bag.

This commuter one

Madewell The Zip-Top Medium Transport Leather Tote

Madewell The Zip-Top Medium Transport Leather Tote
This commuter one

Madewell The Zip-Top Medium Transport Leather Tote

Love a good bag with a huge external pocket that you can quickly grab things from. This one gets bonus points for its removable shoulder strap, too.

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This distressed olive one

Kattee Genuine Leather Tote Shoulder Bag

Kattee Genuine Leather Tote Shoulder Bag
This distressed olive one

Kattee Genuine Leather Tote Shoulder Bag

Now 20% Off

If you're into more of a vintage feel, then this genuine leather handbag is right for you.

this under-$50 one

EaseGave Laptop Tote Bag

EaseGave Laptop Tote Bag
this under-$50 one

EaseGave Laptop Tote Bag

Yes, this one will fit your 15-inch laptop. And, yes, it will do so stylishly (and affordably!).

This PETA-certified one

Mali + Lili Ashley Vegan Leather Everyday Tote

Mali + Lili Ashley Vegan Leather Everyday Tote
This PETA-certified one

Mali + Lili Ashley Vegan Leather Everyday Tote

For those who don't want to live a full leather life, here's a PETA-approved vegan leather bag that's just too pretty to pass up.

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this simple one

Dagne Dover Signature Tote

Dagne Dover Signature Tote
this simple one

Dagne Dover Signature Tote

This leather handbag promises to hold your laptop and a pair of sneakers—all the while looking sleek and pretty.

this reversible one

Street Level Reversible Faux Leather Tote

Street Level Reversible Faux Leather Tote
this reversible one

Street Level Reversible Faux Leather Tote

You may be paying for one bag, but you're basically getting two. This leather tote is fully reversible, making it easy for you to switch from black to leopard-print whenever the mood strikes you.

Lettermark
Lauren Adhav
Associate Fashion Editor

I'm Cosmopolitan's Associate Fashion Editor and write about any and all trends, major celeb fashion moments, and why wide-leg jeans are basically the best. I originally moved to New York City to audition for RENT, only to find out that the play closed 10 years ago. 

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