The Best 15 Designer Work Bags for Summer 2021

A good work bag should be a number of things, but first and foremost, it should solve the issue of feeling like a packhorse trussed with enough supplies to last a week. While a work bag needn’t necessarily be designer, it should be office-appropriate and chic enough to take to important meetings or slide next to you at the vibey after-work drinks spot.

1. Cuyana Structured Leather Tote

Look to Meghan Markle-approved brand, Cuyana, for the perfect architectural twist on the classic tote. Crafted from buttery smooth Italian leather,  the Classic Structured Leather Tote is the effortlessly chic tote bag you’ll buy now and rely on forever. Put-together, poised and totes amazing — kind of like you. 

You’ll look like a major lady boss carrying this sleek, simple, and sustainable bag — and support a female-owned business while you’re at it. #womenempowerment 

For added organisation, combine it with Cuyana’s Tote Organization Insert with compartments for everything, including keys, a 15-inch laptop, and a water bottle. Hello, Marie-Kondo-meets-Mary-Poppins-carryall.

2. Senreve Maestra Leather Bag

But beyond fashion, perhaps one of the coolest features of this 100% Italian leather bag is its super versatility: You can wear the convertible Senreve leather Maestra bag in four different styles: as a tote, satchel, crossbody, or backpack.

The Maestra bag has a well-designed organisation system with its eight interior compartments including a padded sleeve that can fit a 13″ laptop (while the central compartment fits up to a 15″ laptop). The bag comes in 13 different colour options to fit every style and a lifetime warranty. The Maestra is designed to withstand the wear-and-tear of daily use with its metal feet, stain-resistant micro-suede interior and water-resistant exterior.

This thoughtfully designed, versatile and well-structured tote by RIMOWA works even harder than you do. Made in Italy from canvas and full-grain leather, this work bag is spacious enough for all your daily essentials and is the perfect travel companion. You can easily fit in a 15” laptop plus an extra set of clothes for the gym or an overnight stay. RIMOWA’s Never Still Tote is the perfect work bag for women on the go.

The business bag also features a handy strap at the back so you can easily attach it to your suitcase when travelling. An innovative double-handle system allows for adaptable toting (over-shoulder or as a handbag). You’ll definitely be toting around this chic carryall on repeat. Check our review of RIMOWA’s Never Still collection to see the other bags from the same line.

4. Bellroy Tokyo Tote Premium

We love Bellroy for their smartly designed accessories and daily essentials. The Australian brand is now turning its attention to premium bags for women with this Tokyo Tote. Available in black or desert, this bag is made with premium, environmentally certified leather and woven fabric with a dedicated pocket for a 13” laptop or a tablet.

The inside packs a ton of little pockets to help keep things organised. There’s a pop-out pocket to safely store your water bottle or a pair of shoes. On the outside, you’ll find the brand’s Aquaguard zipper to protect valuables from the rain.

5. Givenchy Antigona Tote

Practicality meets elegance with this roomy Givenchy Antigona Tote. This bag reached icon status after being seen on the shoulders of Khloe Kardashian and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, among many other celebrities.

With its sleek silhouette and minimalist designs, the Antigona Tote lends a look of ageless sophistication. The work bag is available in a large range of sizes and colours. A great minimal and understated tote bag that will fit all your work essentials (and miscellany you don’t need but carry anyway).

6. Kate Spade Margaux Tote

If you’re looking for a stylish work tote at an affordable price, it’s always a good idea to take a look at what Kate Spade has in store. The brand’s Margaux collection of bags is our preferred choice for bags that are simple yet elegant and spacious enough to carry your laptop or iPad.

The Kate Spade Margaux Tote features two compartments separated by a zipper pouch, so you can store your computer on one side and your daily essentials on the other. The bag is made from refined grain leather and is available in a range of colours to fit your outfit.

7. Celine Mini Luggage Handbag

A favourite of Hollywood celebrities and boss ladies alike, you know the Celine Mini Luggage is a must-have. It’s structured, refined, and timeless with a simple and chic Parisian allure.

Surprisingly spacious, this work bag in drummed calfskin actually works with your urban lifestyle and instantly elevates your office looks.

8. Senreve Voya Tote

Used by Angelina Jolie and a myriad of Instagram influencers, the Senreve Voya Tote is the bag for you if you don’t want to compromise style for space. Its minimal design will make you forget how big the inside really is. The Voya easily fits laptops up to 15″ inches. It even comes with a removable micro-suede laptop compartment that fits up to a 14” laptop. You’ll also find eight pockets on the inside to organise your essentials.

Like all of the other bags from Senreve, the Voya is handmade in Italy from structured textured-leather. The slim top handles mean it can be worn on the shoulder, too.

9- Yvonne Koné Filippo Tote Bag

Classics are classics for a reason. The Filippo bag from Black-owned handbag brand Yvonne Koné is the first functional and roomy tote bag on our list, and it won’t be the last. This piece is crafted from Italian leather with just the right amount of slouch and includes a slight leather strap to fasten the bag closed. Whether a bow or knot, that minimalist detail is up to you to style how you like.

10- Cuyana Classic Structured Leather Tote

For a more budget-friendly work bag tote option that doesn’t compromise on quality, we’re recommending this Cuyana Tote. A structured take on the tote bag, this minimalists dream features LWG Gold certified leather, meaning the leather is tanned responsibly against metrics like traceability and resources consumption. The sturdy construction means the tote can stand on its own and the design includes two interior ties to cinch the bag into a a different silhouette when you feel like changing it up.

11- A_C Official Tote Modern II

For a vegan and sustainably-minded take on the work bag, the selection at A_C Official should be top of your list. The Tote Modern II is their chic take on the work tote, with a number of subtle functional features. Large enough to house an 11″ laptop and all your essentials, this work bag also features a concealed outer pocket, internal pockets, gunmetal feet for protecting its base, top handles and a detachable strap. Made from the brand’s signature innovative Cactus Leather, this tote will be one you want to keep on top of your desk.

12- Staud Shirley Leather Shoulder Bag

Perennially in-demand with the fashion set, the LA-based label Staud is generally more known for the innovative shapes and unorthodox colourways of their handbags that their work-appropriateness. Enter: the Shirley Leather Shoulder Bag. While it won’t fit a 15″ graphic designer-sized laptop, this shoulder bag will take you and your essentials from home to office in structured style.

13- Stella McCartney Perforated Vegetarian Leather Tote

Consciously made from Stella McCartney’s now-signature vegetarian leather, this different-yet-timeless tote is roomy enough for all your workday essentials. A subtle perforated Stella McCartney logo adorns the bag’s front and the work bag’s interior pocket will keep you organised. 

14- Baggu Horizontal Duck Bag

From the makers of some of our favourite packable, stuffable reusable totes comes a simple take on the cotton tote with a few more functional features. The Baggu Horizontal Duck Bag is big enough for a 15″ laptop and the recycled cotton canvas material won’t weigh you down.

15- Khaite Circle Medium Leather Tote

New York label Khaite makes more than just that cashmere bra and sweater set made famous by Katie Holmes. Ideal as a work bag and for overnight jaunts, this circle tote can fit a laptop, a change of clothes and features a detachable internal pouch for items of import.

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