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On the hunt for stylish work bags? We've talked about the best work bags for women in 2024, the best luxury work bags, the best work backpacks, the best laptop totes, and the best bags for interviews. (We've also rounded up the best briefcases for women and the best bags for law students!)In today's guest post,Jean fromExtra Petitebrings you a roundup of stylish work bags, straight from her own closet.In addition topetite-focused fashion, Jean's blog featuresworkwear and accessoriesreviews across various sizes. Jean was kind enough to contribute a great guest post onsuiting alterations during my last maternity leave — welcome back, Jean! – Kat.
Hello Corporette readers! I'm stepping in for Kat today to chat about work-appropriate handbags thatfit at least a laptop and some documents. I know we each have various needs and preferences on material, structure, and price range, so I've pulled a few from my own closet that cover a wide span of options!
{related: the intern with the $9000 bag (our first viral post!)}
Update! Our Latest Favorite Stylish Work Bags in General
Some of our latest favorites at Corporette include these great basic, stylish work bags:
Some of the best work bags for women as of 2024 include great totes from Cuyana (with a zipper), Tumi, Tory Burch (lightweight, a laptop tote), Lo & Sons, and Madewell (north/south). Also try this highly-rated organizing insert or these clever pouches with some of the less structured bags! If you're looking for a budget tote (or one in a specific color) check this Amazon seller (22K+ good reviews) or this Amazon seller (60K+ good reviews).
(Looking for a luxury work bag? Here's our latest roundup…)
Update: Our Latest Favorite Luxury Work Bags
As of 2024, some of our latest favorite luxury work bags (large enough to hold papers and a laptop!) include Bottega Veneta, Mulberry, Saint Laurent, Kaai, and DeMellier. Of course, note that a lot of our readers who are in big jobs note that they love their (more affordable) Lo & Sons bags, as well as their Tumi.
{related: a young lawyer who wondered if she could buy a $2700 bag right after law school}
Update: Our Latest Favorite Stylish Bags for Petites
Stay tuned for a roundup of our latest favorite stylish bags for petites! We still like the Prada Saffiano tote, as well as the Mansur Gavriel tote.
Jean's Most Stylish Bags for Work
Jean's Budget Pick for a Stylish Bag for Work: Sole Society
First up is my budget pick —the Sole Society reversible “Milan”tote. It comes in black faux leather that reversesto cream, or a navy faux leather that reversesto a canvas navy stripe, and has a detachable pouch for valuables. It's the largest ofthe options today and can fit lunch, a laptop, change of shoes, and more. The material is very pliable and the only notable downside to me is exposed stitching seams on one side when inverted.
Retail price: $59.95 (coupons available around the net)
Sold at: Sole Society
See my related post.
{related: MUST businesswomen have a designer bag?}
Some of Our Latest Budget-Friendly Picks Here at Corporette
Looking for a great work bag under $100 in 2024? Some of our favorite spots to check include Nordstrom Rack and T.J. Maxx. Specific styles include this Amazon tote under $15 and this affordable line from Samsonite (especially this backpack). Everlane's great ReNew bags are also under $100. The very trendy BÉIS bags are usually under $150 as well. If you just want a lightweight, basic nylon tote, this Amazon one looks great; Quince also has one that's getting great reviews.
Jean's Value Pick: Ann Taylor
Another value pick, this Ann Taylor“Gallery” tote is one of my all-time favorite handbags. Several women have asked if it's Celine or another designer and are surprised to find out it's not only AT but also faux leather. This season the bag comes in classic black, navy, or this dewy pink “morning fog.” The material has medium structure (stays standing up vs. slouches) and thickness, and the bag features an interior zip pocket and an outer slot pocket.
Retail price: $118 (look out for those frequent 30 to 40% off promos)
Sold at: Ann Taylor in-storeand online
See my related post.
Jean's Pick for a A Stylish Bag in Genuine Leather: Mansur Gavriel
Edging into genuine leather and a higher price range, Mansur Gavriel is known for quality leather bags with minimalistic lines and a colorful surprise. Currently the totes come in a smooth, vegetable-tanned leather with either raw hide or smooth resin-coated color interiors. All totes have a removable zipper pouch which is also lined in a contrasting color. Please note that the shoulder drop of my small tote is a snug fit over winter coats —I've heard that they are modifying itto be longer for fall 2014 and adding new leather and color options.
Price: $485 (for small size) and up
Sold at: Saks, Bergdorf Goodman, select Theory stores, and Mansur Gavriel
See my related post.
Jean's Favorite Stylish Work Bag in a Print: Goyard
For those who like print bags (which in my opinion looks nice if you wear a lot of solid colors), Goyard totes feature the brand's hand-painted chevron coated canvas with matching detachable pouch. It's the most lightweight and pliable option compared to today's other varieties, and is also the one I use the most frequently outside of work for running errands. They also make a more structured, boxier tote version which I am showing on the left photo forcomparison.
Price: $1150 (for St. Louis PM / small in basic colors) and up
Sold at (in-store or phone orders only): Bergdorf Goodman, Goyard San Francisco
See my related post.
Jean's Splurge Pick for a Stylish Work Bag: Prada Saffiano
At the splurge end of today's range is the Prada Saffiano tote, which comes in a wide selection of sizes and styles (open top, double zip pockets, with or without detachable shoulder strap, etc.). The one I'm showing is the medium double-zip tote with shoulder strap, which is a very close fit for a 12″-across laptop. I've also tried the opentop tote style which fits a laptop more easily. My favorite aspects are the structured shape and the Saffiano coated leather, which is a little more scratch/stain/water-resistant than regular leather.
Price: exact style shown is $2,350, but there are numerous smaller or larger options. Look for 10% email signup discounts on Saks or NM’s websites, or tiered gift card promos.
Sold at: Prada and most high-end department stores, including Neiman Marcus; you can also find some pre-loved versions online at spots like Amazon.
See my related post.
Readers, which are your favorite work bags and totes? Do you own any of the ones pictured today —and what's your review?
