Your work bag is one of the hardest working pieces in your bag collection (no pun intended). So, when it comes to choosing your office arm candy it’s important you get it right.
If you split your time between working from home and working in the office, it’ll not only have to be smart enough for in-office days but, as you’ll regularly be swapping your work space, it’ll also have to be roomy enough to carry your laptop, charger, travel mug and a host of other office-related paraphernalia that you obviously can’t be caught without. In short: whether you use a small Windows laptop or a large 15-inch MacBook, a tiny shoulder bag simply won’t cut it.
Sadly, chic laptop bags are surprisingly hard to come by so, if you are in the market for a stylish work bag, it’s worth not limiting your search just to laptop-specific styles. There are a whole host of traditional bags, from elevated totes to oversized shoulder bags that can totally be office appropriate. If you’re worried about your laptop being on show with any of these styles, simply add a dust bag inside, it will act like a closure keeping everything disguised and organised.
Alternatively, if you are dead set on wearing your favourite new crossbody bag to the office (and we wouldn’t blame you), you could always double up. A chic tote will allow for added practicality and maximum comfort alongside your mini bag or pair with a backpack to keep things completely hands free.
SHOP STYLISH WORK BAGS
Shopper Bag With Buckle
£49.99 at Mango
If you’re looking for a stylish work bag on the high street, you can’t go far wrong with Mango. This vegan leather shopper is roomy enough for all the essentials and also features a handy tie closure for added security. Plus, look at that warm chocolate tone, the ideal alternative to classic black.
Polene Cyme – Black Canvas
£330 at Polene
If you opt for something simple in colour, why not try a more unusual shape. This banana bag from Polene ticks that box feeling both unique and elegant in equal measure.
Dragon Diffusion Basket big woven leather tote
£362 at NET-A-PORTER
We’re big fans of a hardworking bag here at MC and you’re sure to get plenty of wear out of this Dragon Diffusion style. Not only will it look great in the office but you can also carry it on holiday and at the weekend too.
Martha printed canvas tote
£755 at Misela
This month Turkish label Misela is celebrating 15 years of creating beautiful bags including the Martha. Each is handmade to order in their workshop and can be personalised with initials and preferred colour trim. Its perfect for carrying your laptop and other daily essentials to the office and is great as a carry-on when travelling.
Le Cambon 35 Deep Brown Suede
£580 at Manu Atelier
The Row fans listen up! This bag is still an investment piece but it comes in at a fraction of the Margaux. The timeless brown suede is a keeper and will look beautiful against crisp summery whites now and with more autumnal palettes in September.
Yuzefi Large Mochi Butter
£525 at Yuzefi
Trapeze totes are big news right now, and are the perfect shape for disguising your laptop when heading straight to dinner from work. This buttery yellow is divine.
Massimo Dutti Nappa Leather Bag
£369 at Massimo Dutti
The perfect summer work bag, Massimo Dutti’s woven style offers the look and feel of a relaxed raffia style yet is made of nappa leather for a more durable finish.
Loewe Large Fold Puzzle Tote Bag
£1750 at Harrods
While the original Loewe Puzzle Tote won’t fit most laptops in comfortably, the mens large style is the perfect size and offers no differences from the original aside from it’s spaciousness. This one is definitely worth borrowing from the boys.
CH By Carolina Herrera printed tote bag
£890 at CH By Carolina Herrera
Deep tote bags are having a renaissance, and this monogram version with scarf trim handles from CH By Caroline screams uptown chic.
Demellier The Miami
£445 at Demellier
The Miami bag is one of the newest additions to Demellier’s handbag collection – and is a great way to add some colour to your every day outfits. But don’t hang around. This incredibly chic shoulder bag keeps selling out so be sure to snap yours up now.
Chloe Carmela textured-leather tote
£1883 (Was £2690) at NET-A-PORTER
If you’re looking for a black work bag with a twist, this studded style from Chloe is a winner. The metal detailing with toughen up any workwear outfit without feeling too statement or over the top for more formal offices.
Khaite Zoe suede and leather tote
£2850 at Harvey Nichols
There are so many reasons to love this patchwork tote bag from Khaite. The unique contrasting colour combos, the scalloped edging, the subtle animal print – it’s perfection in bag form.
JW Anderson Leather Corner Tote Bag
£850 at Liberty
Featuring JW Anderson’s now iconic chain detailing, this simple black tote is anything but basic. With a magnetic fastening, interior pocket and soft leather exterior, it’s elegant and elevated.
Aspinal of London Essential Leather Tote Bag
£130 (Was £325) at Aspinal of London
Just because you’re heading too the office, colour doesn’t have to be off the cards. This mustard yellow tote from Aspinal will add the perfect punchy hit of colour to dreary early mornings.
Reiss Farrah Woven Diagonal Seam Tote Bag
£188 at Reiss
For a more relaxed bag style, a raffia beach bag can double as a chic summer work bag. This one from Reiss features an internal zipped pocket for important items, like keys and money, while the slouchy shape will fit your laptop or notebooks with ease.
Coach Lori Shoulder Bag
£319 (Was £450) at Flannels
“It has the same classic Coach shoulder bag shape as my beloved original (including the handy sections and zip fastening), and the medium size makes it perfect for smaller laptops and weekend errands alike—it’s probably the most versatile bag I’ve seen.”
Prada Buckle large leather handbag with belt
£4400 at Prada
While Prada’s it-buckle bag unfortunately won’t fit large laptops, it’s too chic not to include on this list. A true investment piece you’ll love for years to come.
The Row Green Margaux 17 Leather Tote Bag
£6815 at Browns Fashion
Dubbed the new Birkin, The Row’s Margaux is a classic in the making and it’s the ideal work bag if you’re someone who wants a bag with plenty of space and arm appeal. A word of warning: these sell out quickly so snap it up quick if you are a fan or check out our favourite alternatives here.
Kate Shoulder Bag – Black
£585 at Anine Bing
For years, small cross-body bags have topped the most sold lists from the high street to the catwalk, but the Kate shoulder bag from influencer-turned-designer Anine Bing is the perfect example of why we’re so happy that big bag energy is showing staying power this season. It’s stylish and practical – our favourite combo.
Monos Metro Backpack
£235 at Monos
For professionals and commuters who carry a lot to the office, the Metro Backpack is a game-changer. It’s sleek, water-resistant, and packed with so many pockets and hidden compartments that it fits everything you need, from your laptop to your makeup bag. The thoughtfully designed pockets keep all your essentials organised and easy to find. The standout feature? The 15-inch laptop sleeve at the back provides quick and easy access to your device. It’s functional yet stylish—truly a chic way to carry your daily essentials. Our Social Media Editor Dionne has found it perfect for her daily commute, keeping her organised, and most importantly, still looking chic.