stylelivingnews#secondhandfirst
December 5, 2024

The 5 Best Work Bags for Women To Elevate Your Office Look

Source: mimagephotography/Shutterstock

Has your tote bag from college seen better days? It might be time to retire old relics.

A polished and functional purse isn’t just an accessory—it’s a necessity. The best luxury work bags for women combine practicality with style so you can tackle your day without compromising your look.

If you’re ready to trade in your old tote, read on to discover the five best work bags for women. This list has everything from sleek designs for the boardroom to multi-pocket options for long commutes. 

5 fashionable work bags to stay office-ready

Elevate your nine-to-five with one of these top handbags for work.

1. Cuyana Classic Easy Leather Transport Tote

The Cuyana Classic Easy Leather Transport Tote is a luxurious tote bag with a spacious interior. It easily fits essentials like a laptop and water bottle without feeling too bulky. You can carry it over your shoulder or by the top handles, giving you flexibility whether you’re in the office or visiting clients on-site. 

The Cuyana Classic Easy Leather Transport Tote sells for $268, but you can find yours for less on ThredUp.

How to style it 

Carry this tote wearing a tailored blazer and your favorite pair of work pants. It also elevates casual yet stylish outfits like straight-leg jeans and a blouse, ideal for team lunches and after-work drinks. 

Pros 

  • Elegant and timeless design 
  • Made of high-quality leather 
  • Roomy enough for large items

Cons 

  • Higher price point
  • No built-in laptop sleeve
  • No zip

Dimensions: 12.5 inches x 20.5 inches x 5 inches 

Colors: Black, cappuccino, caramel, dark olive, ecru, stone, sage, terracotta, deep ocean, and more 

Materials: Soft and smooth Italian leather

2. Madewell The Transport Tote

The Transport Tote is a modern twist on a classic work bag. It has just the right amount of space for your laptop, notebook, tablet, wallet, and smartphone, and it has an interior zip pocket so you don’t lose your keys or lipgloss. The leather finish adds a polished touch, and to personalize your bag, you can opt for monogramming.

Madewell’s Transport Tote sells for $178.

How to style it 

Pair this leather tote with wide-leg trousers and loafers or other shoes that go with anything. The Transport Tote also looks fantastic with dark denim and a crisp white button-up on casual Fridays. 

Pros 

  • Lightweight and versatile 
  • Neutral colors work for all seasons 
  • Large enough for overnights

Cons 

  • No zip closure 
  • Unlined

Dimensions: 14 inches x 13.75 inches x 6.25 inches 

Colors: True black and English saddle

Materials: Vegetable-tanned leather 

3. Longchamp Le Pliage Original L Tote Bag

The Longchamp Le Pliage Original L Tote Bag is popular for a reason. This carry-all is super-stylish and folds flat for easy storage. The lightweight design makes it ideal for commuting and carrying on busy days full of meetings and meals with clients. It has a snap button, a zip closure, and two inside pockets.

The retail price of Longchamp’s Le Pliage Original L Tote Bag is $155. Find it at a more affordable price on ThredUp. 

How to style it 

This work tote suits all sorts of office wear. Pair it with a midi dress and ankle boots for a fashion-forward look or a pencil skirt and white button-up for something more classic. Its basic design also makes it practical for the gym and weekend trips. 

Pros 

  • Durable and lightweight 
  • Easy to store
  • Recycled materials 
  • Large enough for overnights

Cons 

  • Limited internal organization 
  • Somewhat casual for more formal office settings

Dimensions: 12.2 inches x 11.8 inches x 7.5 inches 

Colors: Black, paper, navy, steel, green, marshmallow, and fawn

Materials: Recycled polyamide canvas with Russian leather trim 

4. Everlane The Studio Bag

The Studio Bag is a trendy bucket bag with a structured silhouette. It has eye-catching nickel hardware and a microsuede lining. The internal pocket doubles as a slip and zip pocket, and the shoulder strap is adjustable for various uses. With a convenient snap closure, this bag fits a 13-inch laptop in the main compartment and a smartphone in the external pocket.

Everlane’s The Studio Bag sells for $250. 

How to style it 

Carry this bag to a job interview and pair it with cropped trousers and a blazer. If you’re heading out to a work dinner with clients, it also looks great with a trench coat. The Studio Bag works as a weekender if you’re visiting friends or family and need to carry more than the basics. 

Pros 

  • Minimalist aesthetic 
  • High-quality leather at a reasonable price

Cons 

  • Limited capacity for oversized items
  • No zip closure 

Dimensions: 13 inches x 6.25 inches x 9.75 inches 

Colors: Black, light taupe, cognac, and porcini taupe 

Materials: Premium leather 

5. Maison de Sabré The Backpack

Maison de Sabré’s The Backpack is a luxury bag with hands-free convenience. It’s sleek and sophisticated, so you’ll never feel like you’re carrying a school bag, and it’s made of sustainable leather you can feel good about. 

This backpack has six external and five internal pockets for maximum organization. The straps and back are padded for comfort, and there’s a padded laptop sleeve and priority phone pocket. The bag is lined with premium cotton twill and has gold accent hardware and brass zippers. Additional features include a reinforced base panel, oversized rolled top handle, detachable external leather key bell, and internal key clip.

Maison de Sabré’s The Backpack is a splurge at $359. 

How to style it 

This backpack looks great with culottes and an oversized blazer. If this modern aesthetic isn’t for you, try it with something more basic, like a knit sweater and black skinny jeans or trousers. 

Pros 

  • Made with sustainable DriTan™ leather
  • Engineered to distribute weight evenly 
  • Dedicated laptop compartment with a hidden zipper 

Cons 

  • Smaller capacity than some tote bags 
  • Somewhat casual for more formal office settings

Dimensions: 18.5 inches with handle × 12 inches × 6 inches 

Colors: Black caviar and Pacific blue 

Materials: Full grain sustainable DriTan™ leather

How to choose the best purse for work 

Choosing the best type of purse for you is about more than looks. To find a work tote that fits into your daily routine like a dream, consider these factors.

Capacity and organization 

Think about your workday essentials, like a water bottle, laptop, tablet, smartphone charger, and lunch. You may also bring extras like comfortable shoes and a change of shirt. 

Your work bag needs to accommodate all these items without feeling (or looking) overstuffed. A bag with dedicated compartments and pockets, like a laptop compartment, can help you keep things organized. Inner pockets hold small items so you don’t have to dig around for things like keys and chapstick. 

Material and durability 

Your bag should be durable enough to withstand wear and tear as you carry it to and from work. Leather and vegan leather are stylish, hearty options that can handle basic commuting and some light rain without degrading quickly. If you don’t like leather, canvas and nylon great options that are easy to clean. 

Comfort and versatility 

A comfortable-to-carry work bag is an absolute must. Consider totes with adjustable handles or padded straps. You can also get bags with crossbody straps so you can carry essential items like your coffee simultaneously. If you tend to head straight to events and dinners from the office, choose a more luxurious style that works for day and night, like an affordable designer bag

Find the best work purse on ThredUp

The right work bag can transform your daily routine, complementing your personal style while supporting your weekday needs. The options are endless, from leather totes to lightweight nylon bags, and they’re all available on ThredUp. 

Thrifting with ThredUp makes it fun to shop sustainably. With 50,000 new items dropping daily and thousands of popular brands available, you’re sure to find a bag you love that suits your budget. 

ThredUp is a more eco-friendly way to shop—and it’s easier on your wallet, too. Explore our vast collection today and upgrade your everyday bag.