The Best Designer Work Bags For Women Who Mean Business

No matter your bag personality (#TeamStructured or #TeamSlouchy), we’ve all been there: dragging a handbag and a tote bag and an extra laptop bag, because we could not find the right business bag to carry all our daily work essentials in style. 

If you are ready for that long overdue business bag intervention, we assure you the reality of the perfect work-life bag is well within your reach.

We have tested dozens of work bags during countless commutes (in all weather, might we add), meetings in coffee shops, and 30,000 feet in the air.

Welcomed relief: We found some chic carryalls that do the job (pun intended). Smart and stylish—just like us businesswomen.

Mark our words: Equal parts fashion and function, they work 9 to 5 and beyond.

In a rush? Here’s our top picks of the absolute best work bags for women:

1. KAAI Pyramid
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2. Cuyana Easy Zipper Tote
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3. Bellroy Tokyo Tote
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4. Senreve Maestra Bag
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5. Saint Laurent Sac De Jour
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6. KAAI Horizon
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7. Cuyana System Tote
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8. Mansur Gavriel Small Zip Tote
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9. Givenchy Antigona Soft Leather Tote
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10. Gucci Ophidia
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11. Calpak Luka
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12. Celine Mini Luggage Handbag
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13. Behno Ina Large Shoulder Bag
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14. Longchamp Le Pliage
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15. Tory Burch Perry Large Tote
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16. Cuyana Messenger Bag
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17. Kate Spade Margaux Large Tote
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Why trust Luxe Digital? As businesswomen and digital nomads ourselves, we know a thing or two about great laptop bags and stylish work bags. All year long, we rigorously test and review elevated essentials, and go the extra mile to unearth the greatest gear that go the distance and brilliant brands that we believe will go places. For more on how we test products, see our multi-dimensional methodology and HAPPY philosophy for buying luxuries.

KAAI Pyramid

Ever since our founder, Florine Eppe Beauloye, discovered KAAI in 2020 while living in Belgium, we at Luxe Digital (and our sisters and mothers) have been obsessed with the brand’s handbags—and we have a feeling you will, too. 

Shaped to shape your life moments and dreams, KAAI’s Midi Pyramid is designed to go places without ever looking out of place. Plus, the sleek and timelessly chic exterior of the bag is scratch-, water- and stain-resistant, making it the perfect work bag, rain or shine. 

We love the overall structure and metallic feet (translation: the bag stays upright when empty and when loaded with our “mobile office”). For the highly organized among us, the velvety-soft blue micro-suede lining interior is an organizational dream with its neat compartments and designated pockets for our phone, glasses, pens, lip balms, and even a special holder for our water bottle or umbrella. And, of course, it fits our laptop.

Okay, so the price isn’t exactly affordable, but we’ve owned ours for 4 years now and counting, and we all echo the same sentiment: it’s totally worth it (and cheaper than buying a bunch of cheapies again and again).

Cuyana Classic Easy Zipper Tote

Let’s face it: life isn’t a cakewalk. But you know what is easy? This Easy Zipper Tote from Cuyana—a Meghan Markle-approved brand we’ve tested and love.

With its fewer, better philosophy, Cuyana might as well have written the book on de-complicating life—such is the spell the sustainable brand has cast on our everyday routine.

Crafted from buttery-soft Italian pebbled leather, the Cuyana Easy Zipper Tote is the brand’s lightest bag ever.

Designed to go everywhere, the airy, unstructured carry-all is roomy enough for daily essentials (basically our entire mobile office and social life) and features a sunken zipper for extra peace of mind.

The minimalist tote comes in Classic, Tall, and Small sizes and is compatible with Cuyana’s small accessories to organize your everyday bag, your way. Totes amazing—kind of like you.

Senreve Maestra Bag

If it’s stylish enough for Olivia Palermo and Priyanka Chopra, it’s definitely chic for us.

But beyond fashion, perhaps one of the coolest features of this 100% genuine Italian leather bag is its super versatility: You’re basically getting four work bags for the price of one—You can wear the convertible Senreve leather Maestra bag as a tote bag, shoulder bag, crossbody, or backpack.

The mini Maestra bag has a well-designed organization system with its eight interior compartments, including a padded sleeve that can fit a small tablet. This leather tote bag for work comes in a wide range of different colorways to fit every style. 

Stunning and capable of anything, the Maestra is built to withstand the wear and tear of daily use with its metal feet, stain-resistant micro-suede interior, and water-resistant exterior, making it great if you commute on an ebike or an escooter.

Saint Laurent Small Sac De Jour

Celebrities are obsessed with this classic bag and so are we. One of the best YSL bags, Sac De Jour translates to “day bag” in French. We find the name quite fitting since the minimalistic design can be used as our all-day everyday bag. From the office to drinks and dinner, YSL Sac de Jour is versatile enough to be carried anywhere.

The smart accordion design on the side of the YSL bag ensures we have ample space for all our favorite accessories, including the perfect wallet to pair with.

The detachable and adjustable shoulder strap means you can wear this luxury work bag over the shoulder and across the body or by the top handle for a more formal look.

Cuyana System Tote

Givenchy Antigona Soft Medium Leather Tote

We’ve owned (and loved) the Givenchy Antigona in box leather for a while now. And while it ticks almost all of our boxes, we couldn’t wait to get our hands on the softer silhouette. 

Made from a more supple calfskin leather, the yielding design is less rigid and more comfortable to carry. The detachable, crossbody strap is a notable feature for hands-free transits and is especially significant if you have a smaller frame and struggle to keep a strap on your shoulder. 

Like the original, the interior has a couple of pockets on the side, but not so many as to compromise capacity. The capacity of the soft leather tote is further emphasized by its unique design. The bag has side straps that clip down and open up the bag so that you can see what’s inside at a glance without having to scrabble around. And the external slip pocket is convenient for on-the-go accessibility. 

That being said, the Antigona Soft Medium Leather Tote doesn’t fit a device larger than 13”, but if that’s all you need, the sizing is perfect. 

Gucci Ophidia Large

We won’t beat around the bush. Any Gucci bag is going to cost you a lot more than a regular work bag. And while we’re not here to convince you that a Gucci work tote is a must-have, we can say that it’s definitely an investment worth considering. 

Made in Italy from premium canvas, the Gucci Ophidia is engineered to last a lifetime (and then be passed down to your children—and grandchildren), while adding an instantly recognizable sophistication to any office ensemble. 

The large interior is spacious enough for a change of clothes, perfect for overnight business trips.  

Yes, the Gucci Ophidia isn’t a decision to be made lightly, but if you’ve been contemplating adding an iconic Gucci bag to your arsenal for a while, this versatile work tote is a choice you’ll never regret. 

Calpak Luka Expandable Laptop Tote

The Calpak Luka Laptop Tote may not possess the same style and sophistication as your leather iteration. However, as frequent travelers (often for business), we’ve really come to appreciate the bag’s ability to transform a journey.

The hero of the bag is its size. The versatile silhouette expands up to 4” when you need the extra space and is super easy to zip up when you don’t. Considering how much it carries, the tote is also unbelievably lightweight and comfortable to carry, with longer handles (for your shoulders) and a luggage sleeve for when you’re crossing borders. 

The Calpak expandable tote is also really organized. The cushioned, protective silhouette has a designated laptop pouch, big enough for a 15” device, as well as multiple zip pockets. We particularly value the one above the trolley sleeve, as the ideal location for a passport and phone. 

Celine Mini Luggage Handbag

You know those handbags that instantly empower and make you feel on top of the world? The Celine Mini Luggage is one of those. Walk into a boardroom with one of the best Celine bags in tow, and you’ll immediately own the space. 

First things first: don’t let the name deceive you. The bag isn’t really mini. It’s big enough for a 13” laptop, a water bottle and various other essentials. It’s also on the heavier side, but we weren’t too bothered by the extra weight, as the thick cushioned handles don’t dig into your arm. 

The suede-lined interior is incredibly soft (and protective) with zipped side pockets. And the structured silhouette allows you to see what’s inside at a glance. 

The Celine Handbag also has metal feet, so you can place it down without worrying about dirt or scratches. With an effortless sense of timeless sophistication à la française, the classical design is just as good for running weekend errands as it is for the boardroom. 

Behno Ina Large Shoulder Bag

If you’re up to date with social media trends, you’ll likely already know about (read: covet) Behno’s bestselling Ina bag. A cult-favorite classic, the burgeoning brand has infiltrated the most exclusive circles (including one of the most expensive houses in the world, Buckingham Palace) with its empowering philosophy, philanthropic spirit—and gorgeous designs. 

That being said, we were infatuated (along with the rest of the world) with the slouchy, round, drawstring silhouette from the moment we saw it, but we were intrigued to see how it held up as a work tote. 

The Behno Ina Large Shoulder Bag proved to have a handle (sorry we had to) on both fashion and function. Handcrafted from supple, sustainable pebble leather, the durable construction is engineered to carry a hefty load daily. 

We love that the ethical purchase contributes towards social mobility and eco-conscious craftsmanship, totally redefining the “Made in India” cachet. 

Longchamp Large Le Pliage

Because we consider ourselves individualists, we usually steer clear from the sartorial trends that everyone else has. However—as popular as it is—the Longchamp Le Pliage Original was impossible to resist. 

Why is this bag still on every it-girl’s arm? 

As we move towards a hybrid working model, more and more of us are looking for versatile work bags. The Longchamp Le Pliage nails the brief. Designed to fold down (its name means ‘folding’ in French), the lightweight silhouette is easy to pack as a travel companion. 

As a multi-faceted work tote, we opted for the Longchamp Le Pliage in large. As one of our most frequently used weekender bags, the roomy interior is spacious enough for a couple of ensembles, including your trainers for a post-work gym session. 

Tory Burch Perry Large Tote

The Tory Burch Perry wasn’t the bag that we were most excited about at first. But after testing all the bags, it’s probably the one that most exceeded our expectations. There’s honestly very little to complain about. 

The large tote is fully lined with wipeable leather, meaning that you can carry it around with a carefree attitude. The structured silhouette holds its shape when empty or full. And the protective feet allow you to plop it down anywhere without worrying about dirt or scratches. 

But the most notable aspect of the Tory Burch Perry Tote is its tri-compartmentalized interior. Featuring three main compartments, the work bag maximizes space and is incredibly well organized. We place our 13” laptop in the middle compartment for extra protection and fill the side compartments with various pouches, snacks and notebooks. The middle compartment also has smaller pockets, making keys, phones and cards accessible on the go. 

Cuyana Messenger Bag

Designed to fit into a multifaceted lifestyle, the Cuyana Messenger bag is compact enough to take anywhere, but still large enough to fit your 13” laptop. If you need more room, there’s also a 16” version, but overall, we prefer the versatility of the smaller size. 

The Messenger Bag only delivers letters of love. It’s easy to clean. It’s timelessly sophisticated. It’s lightweight but maximizes space. It’s ultra-organized with multiple pockets. And Cuyana offers the option to personalize it with monograms. 

But in our eyes, the real hero of the everyday work bag is its crossbody strap. The hands-free strap means that you can drink your coffee during your commute without worrying about spilling. And it’s adjustable and cushioned for a comfortable carry—so much so that we often forget it’s there altogether. 

Kate Spade Margaux Tote

The Kate Spade Margaux Tote is a masterclass in modern minimalism. Made from premium saffiano leather, it’s obviously a high-end product. But the paired back logo and sophisticated design is understated and classy. 

The spacious tote has one main roomy compartment. And while it lacks organization, it makes up for it in capacity. You really can fit a lot in this large tote—be it a spare pair of shoes or sweater. 

The Kate Spade Margaux Tote doesn’t have a separate laptop sleeve, but we oftentimes carry our device in a cushioned case anyway, so this wasn’t a problem for us. However, if you don’t have a protective laptop case, you’ll have to invest in one if you plan to use this tote as a work bag.

All your favorite work bags for less at Fashionphile

Buying a designer work bag can come with a hefty price tag, so finding your favorite style at a discount could make a significant difference for your wallet.

The good news is, you can find some of the absolute best authenticated pre-owned designer bags at Fashionphile. Explore their sleek website to scoop your favorite designer work bag up before it’s gone.

Types of work bags for women

The different types of work bags for women include:

Laptop Bag

As the name suggests, the primary purpose of a laptop bag is to carry a laptop and its accessories such as chargers and cables.

Briefcase

The quintessential classic work bag. A briefcase is a formal, narrow box-shaped bag equipped with a handle. A briefcase is a work bag used by professionals, especially for carrying business documents.

Work Tote

A tote bag is typically a carry-all bag with double top handles. It ranges from canvas to premium leather versions. Tote bags are usually spacious, and the most recent models can hold a laptop.

Satchel Bag

Satchels range in size, but a satchel bag is usually a structured bag with a rigid feel structure with a flat bottom and two short handles on top. No matter how much you put inside it, a Satchel bag maintains its beautiful shape, making this structured work bag suitable for women who are in more formal professions.

Backpack

If comfort is key and you’d rather carry everything on your back, backpacks make for great work bags for women.

What to look for in a women’s work bag?

Your office-appropriate bag should be roomy enough to carry all your work essentials plus more. Laptop? Check. Wallet, phone, and charger? Check. Notebook and pens. Check. Water bottle and makeup bag? Done and done. And maybe even some fun extras like workout clothes and a pair of sneakers. They should also be chic and compact enough to carry around with confidence, from interviews and Very Important Meetings to your lunch errands and happy hours.

Know the laptop size you want to carry

Before you buy a work bag, consider what you’d need it for. Do you bring your whole office with you every day? 

If you carry a laptop to work, pick a work bag with a dedicated compartment that is sturdy enough to endure the weight and protect your device. 

Pick your work bag in a neutral color and timeless design

A work bag should stand the test of time. Pick your bag in a neutral shade, like black, tan, or brown, to effortlessly complement your workwear (be it business casual or smart casual).

Invest in a work bag made of durable material

The material of a bag plays an important role in determining the quality of the work bag. Invest in a work bag that will stand the test of time. One that is durable enough to hold up through your daily commutes, work trips abroad, children drop-offs, and whatever journey life takes you next.

Good news for the conscious people out there. Increasingly, animal-free leather alternatives that don’t forfeit style are emerging.

Consider security features

It is surprising how many work bags for women don’t have zippers. We personally prefer work bags that come with a theft-proof top zipper or some sort of top closure. Besides keeping everything safe inside during busy rush hour commutes, it tells people that you care about organization. 

Think about your work bag’s function

Ask yourself what you need to carry in your work bag and find a bag that accommodates that list. Some work bags for women have no compartments at all while others have plenty. 

If you carry a lot of items, look for a work bag that contains enough inside pockets. If you don’t, a simple exterior or interior pocket to store small essentials may suffice. Again, consider your work style and day-to-day needs to decide on the organizational features you require. For example, if you never find anything in your bag (guilty, here), you should opt for a more structured work bag that organizes all your necessities rather than a tote where all your tagalongs are swimming around in one large compartment.

Frequently asked questions about work bags for women