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Commuting into the office, trekking across the city, or heading straight from work to the gym? The right bag makes all the difference. This fall, upgrade your everyday go-to with a work tote or backpack that delivers on both style and function. From polished leather shoulder bags you can take straight from meetings to dinner dates, to roomy backpacks that keep you organized on long commutes, we’ve rounded up useful options that will suit every routine. Read on for our guide to the best work totes and backpacks that prove you don’t have to choose between fashion and practicality.
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A spacious yet compact work tote…
If you’re looking for a tote that’s roomy without feeling bulky, this Quince tote checks all the boxes with its thoughtfully designed compartments and pockets. There’s space for your laptop and chargers or a water bottle and other personal gear, and an interior zip pocket keeps your valuables safe while the magnetic closure keeps everything neat and secure.
An on-the-go work tote that fits everything…
For anyone who prefers to just toss everything into their bag and head out the door, Cuyana’s unstructured tote is a perfect fit. Instead of an interior filled with various compartments, it offers an ample main compartment with only a few pockets to keep your essentials within reach. Its soft Italian pebbled leather can withstand daily use without the need for extra care, and it only looks better over time.
A must-have quiet luxury work tote…
Freja has done it again with another quiet luxury staple that’s sure to earn all the compliments. This bestselling tote is sophisticated enough for the office, and also good-looking enough to carry on off-duty days. Elevated details like light gold hardware, a roomy zippered center compartment that fits up to a 16-inch laptop, and two slim side compartments with a structured base make it as functional as it is chic.
An elevated modern backpack for work…
With its water-repellent nylon design, Caraa’s Straus Backpack proves that a commuter bag doesn’t need to give strictly business vibes. This backpack keeps everything organized for work, travel, and beyond with 12 pockets and compartments, including dedicated water bottle and umbrella pockets and a convenient phone pocket. It’s the kind of backpack you’ll want to use on both weekdays and weekends, and it’s even machine washable for easy upkeep.
A woven work bag worth adding to your lineup…
Available in eight different colors, Madewell’s stylish handwoven leather shoulder bag is an eye-catching everyday tote. It offers a more relaxed silhouette that’s perfect for going straight from the office to dinner.
A customizable tote bag with all the fixings…
Is it a tote, a crossbody, or a weekender bag? All of the above — this customizable CALPAK carryall is built to suit your every need. Travel-friendly and work-ready, it features removable organizers, sleeves for your laptop or tablet, and multiple interior and exterior pockets so you never have to leave your daily staples behind. Transitioning from work to the weekend has never been easier.
A commuter-friendly backpack that doesn’t skimp on comfort…
This multi-compartment backpack keeps your laptop, water bottle, and other daily essentials organized, while comfort-focused details like padded shoulder straps and a breathable mesh back panel make it easy to carry all day long. Plus, a trolley sleeve securely attaches to your suitcase.
A two-in-one work tote that does double duty…
Get the best of both worlds with a reversible tote from Baggu. The large nylon tote features an all-black side that flips inside out to reveal a charming gingham print. It’s a tote built for work and play, with a roomy interior that can fit everything from a water bottle and 16-inch laptop to your spare jacket or gym clothes. Other thoughtful touches include an internal flat zip pouch and key clip to help keep smaller items organized.
A minimalist work backpack with a refined square silhouette…
If a polished aesthetic and practicality are at the top of your list, Lipault’s Lost In Berlin Square Backpack fits the bill. The lightweight design is comfortable to carry from your morning commute to after-work plans, while the sleek square silhouette adds a stylish touch. A luggage sleeve makes it even more travel-friendly for business trips and weekend getaways.
A cult-favorite bag that never goes out of style…
Longchamp’s Le Pliage Tote Bag is the definition of effortless functionality with its classic silhouette, durable construction, and travel-friendly quirks. The understated design is recognizable without being flashy, and pairs well with everything from business attire to casual outfits, making it a true everyday staple. Lightweight and easy to pack, the foldable nylon tote offers plenty of room for your essentials without adding extra bulk. Plus, it’s available in a wide range of colors and sizes to suit any style.
An expandable work backpack designed for the overpackers…
Overpackers, rejoice. This work backpack is tailored for those who like to be prepared for anything. An expandable zip feature creates more room when you need it, giving you ample space for your laptop, books, water bottle, extra layers, and all the little must-haves you can’t leave at home. Multiple pockets and compartments help keep every item in its place.
An affordable work tote that still looks good…
This lightweight puffy tote is a work bag without any extra fuss. It’s earned a 4.7-star rating from more than 6,000 reviews, and holds the #1 best-seller spot in Women’s Tote Handbags on Amazon. Its thickly padded, water-resistant exterior helps protect your essentials from rain, snow, and everyday bumps, while the cushioned handle keeps your commute comfortable without leaving any strap marks.
A versatile work backpack meant for everywhere and everyone…
Think of Lululemon’s Everywhere Backpack as the bigger sibling to the fan-favorite Everywhere Belt Bag. With plenty of room for everything you need to bring to the office, it offers zippered and padded compartments for your laptop or tablet, plus a pocket for your water bottle and dedicated space for smaller items.
A chic oversized tote with tons of storage capacity…
Loeffler Randall’s extra-roomy Dina Travel Tote strikes the perfect balance as a work bag: It has a clean-cut appearance with plenty of space, and pockets to hold everything from tiny knickknacks like a lipstick to bigger essentials like your laptop. It can fit not one but two water bottles, and even a pair of shoes or extra clothes.
A backpack you can carry as a tote…
Can’t decide between a tote and a backpack? Rains’ 2 Way Tote Backpack gives you both options. The sleek, water-resistant bag transforms from a top handle style to a hands-free backpack, and with enough room for your workday necessities and a design that can easily handle rainy days, it’s the kind of bag that works overtime.