51 Best Work Bags For Women That Aren't A Stuffy Briefcase
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When it comes to finding the best work bags, combining functionality and style is crucial. But, with a plethora of sizes, designs, and prices, just where do you begin? The answer could be as simple as identifying the use. Will you be using this bag only for the office or do you want a bag that you can use everyday?
Perhaps you need the functionality of a hands-free option, such as a backpack, to give you the flexibility to ride your bike to work (or to a coffee shop). How much are you willing to spend? These are all answers that can help point you to the work tote that is going to be right for you.
How much should I spend on a work bag?
Much like many products on the market, there is a wide range of prices to suit any style and budget. More durable, quality materials, such as leather, will often be priced at the higher end of your budget, while more casual, relaxed fabrics, such as canvas, can offer a lower-cost option. What you want to spend is up to you, but that’s why we have chosen a wide variety of options—whether you prefer work totes, office bags, backpacks, or briefcases—to suit any style.
Ultimately, the best work bag will seamlessly blend functionality, durability, and style to accommodate the demanding requirements of a modern career.
Price Reference (average price):
$ | Under $50
$$ | Between $50-$100
$$$ | Between $100-$200
$$$$ | More than $200
Work Totes
When it comes to finding the perfect bag for all of your professional needs, a work tote stands out as an excellent choice. This versatile accessory combines functionality and style in a way that no other bag can. With its spacious interior, a work tote allows you to carry all of your everyday essentials like a laptop, documents, and even a water bottle or snacks for those long days. Its sturdy construction ensures durability—especially leather and nylon—while various compartments help you to stay organized and keep everything easily accessible.
Moreover, a work tote adds a touch of professionalism to just about any outfit, making you look polished and put-together (no matter how tired you are). Whether you have a corporate job or run your own business, investing in a work tote is a smart decision that will not only make your daily life more efficient, but also elevate your overall aesthetic.
Structured
Image: Amazon
Laptop Office Bag
LoveVook
Price: $
A durable computer tote, this bag also features a protective foam pad and velcro strap to keep your laptop or tablet safe. With enough space to hold a 15.6 inch laptop, there’s plenty of room, too!
Image: Amazon
Waterproof Nylon Tote Bag
Montana West
Price: $
This bag is spacious and lightweight (just under 2 lbs), with enough room to fit a 15.6 inch laptop. With zippered pockets, water-repellent nylon fabric, and plenty of room, this is the perfect work bag for women looking to find a high-quality bag for just under $20 (yes, you read that right!).
Image: Amazon
15.6 Inch Shoulder Briefcase
Telena
Price: $$
This waterproof briefcase has a large capacity with internal slip pockets that can hold anything from credit cards to lipsticks to an umbrella. The structured style is reminiscent of higher-end brands, but this affordable option won’t break the bank!
Image: Amazon
Charging Laptop Bag
Lovevook
Price: $
Did someone say functionality? This office bag has a built-in USB charger that connects to a power bank of your choice to give you convenient, chic charging on the go!
Image: Leatherology
Alex Work Bag Set
Leatherology
Price: $$$$
If you want a matching set to complement your professional attire, this beautiful leather duo is perfection. The supple leather has been lightly coated to protect against scratches and water stains, while the structured style will continue to soften over time. With options for personalization, this set might be an investment, but it is a classic pair that you will use for years and years to come.
Image: Amazon
Leather Work Bag
Bostanten
Price: $$$
For those looking for a leather briefcase for under $200, this large work bag from Bostanten might be the perfect choice. With an adjustable strap, padded laptop pocket, and a zip top enclosure, this bag is an affordable must-have. Plus, it comes with a wide variety of matching accessories!
Image: Beis
Work Tote
Beis
Price: $$$
Beis is a leader in quality travel accessories and durable designs. This faux leather croc embossed tote has a back pocket that slips over the handle of your luggage, allowing you to easily stroll through the airport without the discomfort of carrying a heavy bag on your shoulders.
Image: Calpak
Haven Laptop Tote Bag
Calpak
Price: $$$
Calpak is known for their travel gear, but this laptop tote bag combines the best of both worlds! It has an adjustable shoulder strap, a removable laptop sleeve (that fits up to a 16 inch computer), and an ultra-lightweight design that makes it a perfect addition to your wardrobe, whether you use it as a travel tote or everyday commuter bag (or both!).
Image: Nordstrom
Ella Nylon Tote
Tory Burch
Price: $$$$
A perennial favorite, this Tory Burch tote is chic and classic. Made from nylon, it’s a durable option for the businesswomen who is always on the go.
Image: Nordstrom
Veronica Pebbled Leather Tote
Kate Spade
Price: $$$$
Barbie lovers rejoice! Kate Spade has done it again with this pink pebbled leather tote bag! While most totes have an open top, this structured bag has a zippered closure to keep all of your belongings safe inside.
Image: Nordstrom
Tripp Leather Tote
HOBO
Price: $$$$
This work tote is all around elegance. With sleek leather and a large front pocket, this is one classic design that you will never get tired of wearing.
Non-Structured
Another option for a work day bag is a non-structured tote. These bags offer a similar style and aesthetic as a structured work bag, but they have a more laid-back, relaxed design than a briefcase or hard-sided tote. Many of these large tote bags still provide ample space for laptops and notebooks, while also being perfect to use on a long weekend or for everyday use. A less formal option can also be more cost-effective, allowing you to stretch your budget to other areas of your work wardrobe. Look for extra-durable materials, such as faux leather or coated canvas, which can be water-resistant and extend the life of your bag.
Image: Nordstrom
Waterproof Tote Bag
Rains
Price: $$
Why not add a little color to your work wardrobe? This waterproof tote bag can be taken to work, but just as easily used on the weekends for a beach trip or short getaway.
Image: Amazon
Big Capacity Tassel Shoulder Bag
Dreubea
Price: $
If you love the look of the more expensive tote bags on this list but your budget doesn’t, this affordable PU leather bag is under $20! (Yes, we can’t believe it, either!)
Image: Nordstrom
The Large Tote Bag
Marc Jacobs
Price: $$$$
It couldn’t be any more clearer than this! A viral sensation, Marc Jacobs’ “The Tote Bag” has been a fan favorite, no matter which size you choose!
Image: Nordstrom
Le Pliage Tote
Longchamp
Price: $$$
The Longchamp brand has had a longstanding following for years, and it’s easy to see why. The classic designs haven’t went away and this day tote is a welcome breath of fresh air in a sea of neutral colors.
Image: Madewell
Transport Tote
Madewell
Price: $$$
Perhaps one of the most quintessential tote bags on this list, Madewell can do no wrong. Made from soft, exquisite leather, this slouchy tote is as minimal as they come—perfect for storing absolutely everything from the office to the farmers market.
Image: Nordstrom
Megan Leather Tote
Rebecca Minkoff
Price: $$$$
This simple leather tote has classic styling and gold hardware for just a touch of shine.
Image: Nordstrom
Willow Leather Tote
Coach
Price: $$$$
Smaller than other totes on this list, this work handbag is perfect for the woman who only needs to keep the essentials with her.
Image: Anthropologie
The Hollace Tote
Anthropologie
Price: $$
This slouchy tote comes in two sizes: a large, perfect for the office, and a mini for when the day ends and the night begins!
Image: Everlane
The Italian Leather Studio Bag
Everlane
Price: $$$$
Made by one of our favorite sustainable brands, Everlane, the leather Studio Bag is made from premium Italian leather with enough room to fit a 13 inch laptop.
Image: Free People
Daybreaker Tote
Free People
Price: $$
This large, slouchy tote is perfect for anyone who wants a simple bag that can fit the office essentials and an extra set of clothes to hop onto a plane for a long weekend trip when Friday rolls around.
Image: Quince
Italian Shopper Tote
Quince
Price: $$$
Another winning choice from a sustainable brand, Quince makes a timeless, leather bag that is both durable and affordable. With plenty of room for a 13 inch laptop and all of your essentials, this work tote is made in Sedex-certified factories to ensure quality working conditions throughout the entire supply chain. And did we mention it’s under $200?
Image: Nordstrom
Passenger Leather Tote
Price: $$$$
Rag & Bone
A brand known for their cool, yet classic style, this leather tote is supple, slouchy, and just the right hue of dark olive green to match with your entire capsule wardrobe.
Casual
Even when choosing a casual work bag, there are still a few key factors to consider. Firstly, functionality is paramount. Look for a bag that offers ample storage space—with compartments and pockets to keep your belongings organized—as well as adjustable straps or handles that are comfortable for all-day use. Consider the material as well; durable fabrics like canvas, nylon, or leather are both practical and stylish. But most importantly, find a bag that aligns with your personal style and reflects your personality, not just an office tote that matches your work attire. A cute casual work bag should transition seamlessly from the office to after-work social events. By keeping these aspects in mind, you can easily find a casual bag that not only meets your practical needs, but also adds a touch of personal flair to your daily routine.
Image: Amazon
Laptop Canvas Tote
Bag Wizard
Price: $
Want a no-frills canvas tote that lasts? You can’t get any better than this!
Image: Nordstrom
Southbank Quilted Tote
Kurt Geiger London
Price: $$$
Who says that work totes have to be boring and bland—spice up your work wardrobe with bright, bold colors and unique designs.
Image: Dagne Dover
Vida Cotton Tote Bag
Dagne Dover
Price: $$$
Another minimalistic, classic design, this cotton tote bag from Dagne Dover is an everyday go-to bag for any activity, whether you’re headed to the office or to the beach!
Image: Lulus
Checkered Woven Straw Tote
Shiraleah
Price: $$
This tote takes summer vibes to a whole new (read: chic) level. With a design that feels much more like a grown-up beach bag, you can carry this all year round to keep the good times going.
Image: Calpak
Luka Expandable Laptop Tote
Calpak
Price: $$
Part of their Luka line, this expandable laptop tote is like a soft, puffy cloud. Not only is it roomy enough to fit a 15 inch laptop, but it has hidden pockets to safely store your belongings inside a sporty aesthetic.
Image: Amazon
Oversized Travel Bag
ODODOS
Price: $
With a 36L carrying capacity, this is one tote bag that can do it all. Use it as a convenient gym bag, to carry all of your presentation supplies, or stock it full of groceries for a healthy after-work dinner. Whatever you use it for, there is plenty of room!
Work Messenger Bags
Efficiency, style, and practicality all collide to form a messenger bag, making it an ideal investment for anyone traveling to and from the office daily. More casual than a structured work tote, a messenger bag is primarily designed with convenience in mind, with a roomy interior, large zippers, plenty of pockets, and storage compartments that standard totes just don’t have. The ergonomic design of the shoulder strap also helps to distribute the weight evenly across your shoulder, minimizing strain and discomfort throughout the day. Whether you commute by bike, public transportation, car, or on foot, a messenger bag is an indispensable tool to keep all of your work essentials organized and easily accessible.
Image: Amazon
Office Briefcase Tote
EaseGave
Price: $$
With its generous size, this briefcase combines form, function, and a fresh, unique style. If you need even more storage, the larger size can fit up to a 17 inch laptop!
Image: Amazon
Striped School Workbag
Matein
Price: $
This colorful school bag brings together a slim laptop sleeve with the organizational capacity of a messenger bag. Don’t let the pink bows fool you, there’s plenty of storage to be found here.
Image: Amazon
Messenger Bag Backpack
Ecosusi
Price: $
Combining a backpack and a messenger bag? Say no more! With room to store a 15.6 inch laptop, there’s still space leftover for pens, notebooks, a tablet, and more!
Image: Amazon
Convertible Backpack Messenger Bag
CoolBELL
Price: $
Another messenger backpack that converts into a backpack? Yes please! This is the ideal work bag for those looking for a simply designed, understated bag that can hold a 17 inch laptop and still have room to pack away your office or commuter necessities!
Image: Amazon
Crossbody Messenger Tote
Matein
Price: $
Made from durable, water-resistant fabric, this messenger tote can store textbooks, papers, notebooks, and more with ease. Have a larger laptop? There are two sizes!
Work Backpacks
If efficiency and practicality is what you value in your professional life, a backpack can’t be beat. In fact, chic, elevated designs are proving that backpacks don’t just belong on college campuses or in high school hallways anymore; instead, they provide unparalleled convenience and bring necessary functionality to a work bag, allowing you to store everything from laptops and tablets to pens and sticky notes in a well-organized manner. More than other work bags on our list, backpacks often have dedicated compartments and pockets for each of your items, ensuring easy access and efficient storage—no more rummaging through a bottomless tote bag!
Plus, for those who commute daily on bikes, by foot, or by public transportation, a backpack not only evenly distributes the weight and provides support for your back, it’s a comfortable, hands-free option that looks both professional and put-together.
Image: Nordstrom
Grand Ambition Convertible Backpack
Cole Haan
Price: $$$$
A backpack that is all grown up, this is the perfect size for daily use, commuting, or school. Plus, it easily converts into a crossbody or tote when you need it!
Image: Amazon
Slim Travel Daypack
Yodala
Price: $
A backpack with a designer feel (but without the designer price tag), it’s made from lightweight, tear-resistant fabric that has a classically vintage style. With a USB charging port outside (and built-in cable inside), you can easily charge your laptop or tablet as you walk to class!
Image: Amazon
Business Travel Backpack
LoveVook
Price: $
An under $40 option that is perfect for books, this large capacity backpack can also fit a 15.6 inch laptop for hands-free convenience. Need to stash something valuable? The anti-theft pockets protect your items from thieves!
Image: Nordstrom
Dakota Neoprene Backpack
Dagne Dover
Price: $$$
If you’ve never tried Neoprene, now is the time. This water-resistant, 100% vegan commuter bag is perfect to take with you from the gym to the office. With a sleeve that fits up to a 13 inch laptop, there’s still plenty of room to fit your lunch and water bottle, too.
Image: Samsonite
Executive Convertible Backpack
Samsonite
Price: $$$$
A staple in durable luggage, did you know that Samsonite also makes tailored daily workwear bags? Made from durable Saffiano leather, this bag can be worn as a backpack, shoulder bag, or crossbody to give unsurpassed versatility in an upgraded package.
Image: Target
Soft Utility Square Backpack
Universal Thread
Price: $
A casual backpack that doesn’t look like your traditional backpack, this roomy cotton bag can be carried as a tote or hands-free as a backpack for the best of both worlds.
Image: Calpak
Kaya Laptop Backpack
Calpak
Price: $$$
With a laptop sleeve that can fit up to a 15 inch laptop and multiple interior pockets, this structured backpack feels rich and elegant. With classic Calpak styling, this durable backpack is ready for college campuses or business adventures galore.
Image: Lululemon
Cruiser Backpack 23L
Lululemon
Price: $$$
If you love to start your day with a trip to the gym, why not make your work bag also your gym bag? With tons of storage and space, we love the unique features of this backpack—including the protective sunglasses pocket on the front!
Image: Target
Signature Commuter Backpack
Open Story
Price: $
Streamlined to perfection, this durable water-resistant nylon bag is functional and an all-around great option for someone looking for affordability.
Image: Cuyana
Leather Backpack
Cuyana
Price: $$$$
If you want a backpack centered around luxury, you can’t pass this one up. Meticulously designed with high quality materials, this classic leather backpack is also Leather Working Group-certified, ensuring that the leather is tanned in an environmentally responsible way.
Image: Lo & Sons
Celina Backpack
Tumi
Price: $$$$
This truly is a backpack that can do it all! Not only does it effortlessly slide onto your luggage’s handle for easy airport travel, it also includes Tumi Tracer®. This exclusive (and complimentary) program uses a one-of-a-kind 20-digit number on each bag to help you to locate it if it is lost or stolen!
Image: Everlane
ReNew Transit Backpack
Everlane
Price: $$
If you travel frequently for work, listen up! This laptop backpack has an exterior pocket for easy TSA access, as well as zippered pockets and interior storage to carry everything that you might need on your travels—water bottle, wallet, notebook, or even a sleep mask. As part of their No New Plastic commitment, Everlane has also eliminated 90% of the virgin plastic from the production of this backpack in order to reduce their environmental impact.
Laptop Carrying Cases / Sleeves
If minimalism is your goal in a work bag, a slim laptop carrying case might be all that you need. These laptop bags can be as simple as an insulated sleeve or padded envelope that provides protection to your laptop. Some maybe function as messenger bags, with additional pockets or compartments for storage, while others may be an accessory to a bag that you already own. Whether you carry it on its own or with another bag, a laptop carrying case is an effective, minimal, and very cost-effective way to carry your work essentials with you all of the time.
Image: Amazon
Laptop Sleeve Briefcase
Mosiso
Price: $
Slim and lightweight, this bag has taken everything that is great about a traditional laptop sleeve and combined it with the storage and functionality of a messenger bag. Ideal for the person who only needs a few items and their laptop, the under $30 price can’t be beat!
Image: Coach
Quilted Cloud Tote
Coach
Price: $$$
This isn’t just any cloud tote. This bag is made from recycled polyester to create a closed-loop system of environmentally-friendly fashion. Not only is it incredibly functional as a multi-purpose bag, but you can return it to Coach when it’s not longer usable and they will turn it into a new Coachtopia Loop product!
Image: Target
Laptop Crossbody Workstation
Vera Bradley
Price: $$
Take a laptop sleeve and make it better? Already on it! This simple workstation bag keeps your laptop safe with water-resistant polyster and a shoulder strap for hands-free carrying.
Image: Baggu
Puffy Laptop Sleeve
Baggu
Price: $
We all need a reason to smile, right? This puffy laptop sleeve comes in two sizes (13” and 16”) to accommodate a wide variety of computers, and is made from recycled ripstop nylon. And did we mention that it’s machine washable?
Image: Cuyana
Tech Carryall
Cuyana
Price: $$$
A matching companion to the Cuyana backpack on this list, this envelope carryall is made from Italian leather in a woman-owned factory in Turkey. It can be carried like a large clutch and elevates an often casual laptop case. While it might be a splurge, it’s a classic piece that is well worth the investment.
