Fashion Editors Know How to Find a Stylish Work Bag—These Are the Ones My Colleagues Use Every Day

Choosing the right work bag is a decision you'll appreciate daily. Get it wrong, and every morning will start on a frustrating note; hoisting a constantly slipping shoulder strap and digging endlessly for your lip gloss, dry shampoo or house keys.

If you work in an office, even a couple of days per week, it's worth investing time and research into selecting a bag. This trusty companion will endure bus journeys, taxi rides, occasionally get dropped on the floor and be shoved into lockers, earning its wear and tear as a badge of honour. Needless to say, durability is an essential quality.

"Women want pieces that move with their lives, not against them," says Beste Manastır Bağdatlı, the co-founder and creative director of handcrafted leatherwear brand Manu Atelier. "After years of mini bags and purely decorative accessories, functionality feels refreshing and empowering," she adds. "A bag that carries your day—laptop, documents, personal essentials—signals confidence and intention. It reflects a woman who is going places and needs her accessories to keep up."

And whilst this is by no means a prerequisite, the best work bags should be spacious enough to fit a laptop. Of course, we're aware most commuters mightn't need to tote around this piece of tech. However, if you tend to take yours home with you—even if this is a rare occurrence—you don't want to wind up stashing company property in a flimsy canvas tote bag.

A structured leather design is a smart choice, but if it's too rigid and heavy, it will soon become cumbersome to carry around. That's why Debra Bloom, the chief brand officer of London-based accessories brand Dune, explains that the best work bags for women "need to be in a premium leather that will wear beautifully with time".

"With an emphasis on longevity, a work tote needs to balance fashion with function," Bloom adds. "Classic shapes will elevate your everyday wardrobe, whilst less structured styles will offer a more relaxed and effortless look. Always ensure to look out for well-thought-out internal details with pockets and compartments that keep your items organised and secure, plus space for a laptop!"

Of course, whatever bag you land on should also feel like a reflection of your personal style; something you're proud to be seen with every day. I know, it sounds like a long checklist.

So, I consulted a few people I know who have managed to pull off the seemingly impossible: finding a work bag that ticks all the aforementioned boxes. Below, hear from Who What Wear editors about their bag of choice, then scroll on to see a few more chic contenders.

The 23 Best Work Bags, According toBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK Fashion Editors

1. Gucci Giglio

Style Notes: "The Gucci Giglio is my work bag of choice, as it is equal parts stylish, practical and timeless. I’m the kind of person who likes to haul everything bar the kitchen sink with me to the office, and so my bag has to keep up with that demand. The Giglio is sizable, chic and can also fit my MacBook Air.

"It has a single magnetic fastening, which gives a no-fuss closure, and comes with a handy pouch, too, for all of my small, loose items. I adore the suede iteration for that boho-chic look and feel, but also on offer are classic Gucci monogram canvas and leather styles, so there is a Giglio for everyone. Sienna, Suki and Dakota are fans, so I know I am walking into my office with something that has a star-studded seal of approval." — Sophie Robyn Watson, acting fashion editor

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2. Manu Atelier Le Cambon 35

Style Notes: "The Manu Atelier Le Cambon has become a marker of taste for those living in cosmopolitan cities. To have good taste is to wield one of the styles, which, thankfully for me, means that I'm part of this select cohort. Priced more accessibility than other designer iterations but still crafted with exceptional materials, this brand has become a contemporary signature for polished and sophisticated dressers. If you can't tell, it's become one of my most beloved bags, which means that whilst I don't carry it every day into the office, any day that I do is bound to be an exceptional one.

"The bag is made of an incredibly gorgeous suede, so you do have to be extra careful when on the tube or carrying your morning coffee, and features two stunning top handles and a belted fixture that reminds me of Hermés Birkin. (Albeit a more modern iteration.) My only qualm with the bag is that it will make a minimalist out of anyone who wears it in the sense that the size can feel quite cramped when it's packed with anything other than a laptop. In saying this, for days when I'm running around town at showroom appointments and have back-to-back meetings, this is the perfect style to carry," — Ava Gilchrist, SEO writer

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3. Mulberry Bayswater

Style Notes: "I’ve had my brown Mulberry Bayswater for over ten years now, and it’s genuinely one of the best work bags I’ve ever owned. It strikes that perfect balance between being polished and properly practical—roomy enough for everything a working day demands, yet still chic. Before it became my go-to work bag, it actually started life as my university bag, which is really a testament to its durability. I carried it through long days packed with English Literature textbooks and the original MacBook Pro (which, if you remember, was essentially the size of a brick), and somehow it survived all of that with hardly any wear to show for it.

"What makes the Bayswater so enduring as a work bag is how effortlessly it fits into my wardrobe and routine. The shape is timeless and feels smart without being stiff, while the brown leather works seamlessly with so many of my clothes—from tailoring to softer, more relaxed pieces. It has that understated, fashion-editor energy: chic, unfussy, and quietly confident. It never feels trend-led, but it always feels right, which is exactly what you want from a bag you carry every single day." — Humma Hussain, junior branded content editor

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4. Anthropology Nola Woven Leather Bag

Style Notes: "Anthropologie's Nola bag took a little time for me to hunt down. With a designer look and affordable price tag, it naturally flew out of stock, but once the restock was confirmed, I kept refreshing the tab until it became mine.

"When adding a new work bag to my collection, it isn't just space that I'm looking for but also a sleek look to accompany me throughout the work day, whether heading to the office, attending events or external meetings. Each time, this elegant woven bag always brings a sophisticated edge to my looks." —Florrie Alexander, shopping editor

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5. COS Bucket Bag

Style Notes: "After speaking to everyone I know about my love of The Row's Park tote in hopes of manifesting it into my life, I was so pleasantly surprised when my mum so kindly gifted me this similar iteration from COS. For a fraction of the price and nearly all the great qualities I adored about the Olsen Twins' original, this slouchy bucket bag has really filled that gap in my wardrobe for a premium-looking and generously-spaced work tote that I can wear day in and day out.

"I've paired it with everything from satin skirts to barrel-leg jeans and have taken it everywhere from morning coffee meetings to after-work events. My heart will always long for a bag from The Row, but until then, I'm so happy carrying this beauty around." — Poppy Nash, managing editor

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6. Longchamp Le Foulonné XL Tote bag

Style Notes: "When it comes to a work bag, my only real non-negotiable is space, which is exactly why I love the Longchamp Le Foulonné XL Tote. I’m not fussed about clever compartments—as long as it fits all my daily essentials, and this roomy tote more than delivers. Rendered in an easy black, it’s a sleek yet unfussy, chameleonic piece I can wear with practically everything," — Natalie Munro, news writer

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7. Loewe Hammock Bag

Style Notes: "Anyone who knows me knows that I always heed my mum's fashion advice. She has the best taste out of anyone I know, so when she told me she invested in the Loewe Hammock Bag, I knew I had to do the same. I will caveat that it is an expensive purchase, but one I've never regretted for an instance.

"Now, this isn't akin to Mary Poppins's bag by any means and you might not be able to carry around everything you'll ever need, but given this is a Johnathan Anderson design, you know it's an intelligent design that's exceptionally chic." — Poppy Nash, managing editor

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8. Acne Studio Musubi

Style Notes: "A long-time lover of Acne Studios bags, I had wanted the Musubi for around a year before I took the leap and invested in it. My remit was pretty clear, I needed a bag I could fit not just my laptop, but also my gym kit (so a pair of trainers, a few smaller clothing items and some cosmetics).

"My Musubi is slightly more of a north-south structure instead of the typical east-west versions you see and is divided internally into two equal sections, which I usually separate between work bits and my activewear essentials. Whilst it's a tight squeeze, I can make it work, even with an added water bottle and a gifted beauty product of two. I have to say, nearly two years on, it really hasn't that much, and is still my go-to work bag. It doesn't scratch easily, and the thick adjustable strap means I can wear it under my arm, too" — Rebecca Rhys Evans, acting deputy editor

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9. Polene Cyme Bag

Style Notes: "Polene is consistently on my radar for the harmonious balance of refined look as well as thoughtful design details. The Cyme bag has been one of my most relied upon work bags for over a year, a spacious tote with both long handles for over-the-shoulder wear and shorter handles for in-hand ease.

"The size is capacious, comfortably fitting my laptop and added essentials, with a neat silhouette that is formed through magnets, so when you're laden down with extras, the bag can be unfolded for extra room." — Florrie Alexander, shopping editor

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10. Balenciaga City Bag

Style Notes: "The Balenciaga City Bag is, quite simply, one of the greatest work bags of all time. I’ve had mine for over ten years, and it’s still going strong—which feels especially meaningful when you remember it was part of Nicolas Ghesquière’s final collection at Balenciaga. That alone cements its place in fashion history, but what really makes the City iconic is how consistently relevant it’s remained. It’s a style that has always performed well on resale sites because collectors and everyday wearers alike recognise its status. It’s been reissued more than once, but when Demna officially brought it back, it felt like a full-circle moment—and now, with Pierpaolo Piccioli doubling down on the legacy in a recent collection, the City Bag’s icon status feels more locked in than ever.

"From a practical standpoint, this bag is unbeatable. I am the full office girlie cliché—laptop, diary, hairbrush, makeup bag, water bottle, both wallets, coin purse, snacks, and a scarf for prayer—and somehow, the City just takes it all in its stride. Mine has been thrown under desks, over chairs, into taxis, and packed to the brim daily, yet it’s still standing (and still chic). The slouchy leather somehow manages to look better with age, giving that effortless, 'I’m busy but fashionable' energy that’s perfect for work. If there were ever a bag that embodied function meeting fashion, this is it—practical, iconic, and cool without trying too hard." — Humma Hussain, junior branded content editor

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11. Celine New Luggage

Style Notes: "As one of the most iconic silhouettes of the 2010s, the Celine Phantom has truly become a holy grail collector's piece for Phoebe Philo-ites. (That is, fans of the British designer). So, when it was announced that Michael Ryder, the current creative director of the French luxuriate and former mentee of Philo's, would be reviving the silhouette as the New Luggage, my interest was certainly piqued. Now, after reviewing the style forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK's Bag Check franchise, it's safe to say that I'm absolutely besotted.

"A true east-west shape, the style features an incredibly large wingspan that's assured to fit all your essentials. It also boasts an incredibly chic smile motif that really does brighten any ensemble—or day, for that matter. What's more, given Celine's focus on empowered luxury, softer elegance and girlishly equestrian roots, it's designed to complement refined wardrobe basics, including polished blazers, cigarette trousers, and ballet flats. There's nothing this bag wouldn't suit, and I implore everyone to invest it in if possible." — Ava Gilchrist, SEO writer

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12. DeMellier Stockholm Bag

Style Notes: Many DeMellier bags suit office settings. However, it's the brand's latest launch, the Stockholm, that is vying for the top spot as the best work bag. A bowling shape with curved edges and an elongated top handle, this style is sumptuous, sophisticated and will have you feeling like you've just stepped out of the Swedish capital.

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13. The Row Park Tote

Style Notes: Is there a tote bag more coveted than The Row's Park Tote? Something thatBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK's managing editor, Poppy Nashh, can attest to, as can Kendall Jenner, Zoë Kravitz and Jennifer Lawrence, meaning that regardless of your workplace setting, this is one bag that carries its weight in gold. (And carries all your work supplies, too.)

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14. Bottega Veneta Andiamo

Style Notes: Forget designer logos. For Italian luxury brand Bottega Veneta, the only motif needed to convey craftsmanship, quality and design is its signature form of woven leather. Titled Intrecciato, this braided fabric comes to the fore in the house's Andiamo bag, which is a style that launched in Matthieu Blazy's debut spring/summer 2023 collection. This is a piece designed for those who lead busy lives but refuse to compromise on elegance or function.

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15. Other Stories Leather Tote Bag

Style Notes: Spacious and crafted from supple leather, this box-shaped style from Other Stories is the ultimate carry-on. Your laptop, trainers for that after-class workout and emotional support water bottle will all fit nicely in this tote with room to spare, making it the essential vessel for transporting your everyday necessities.

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16. Other Stories Animal-Print Leather Tote

Style Notes: Corporate dress codes can often feel quite restrictive, so it's important you choose a work bag that adds flair in situations that can otherwise seem a tad restrictive. Enter: Other Stories' animal-print leather tote. A hybrid between a tiger and zebra shape, this striped iteration features a textured exterior and oversized crescent shape that rivals the iconic Saint Laurent Mombasa bag.

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17. Saint Laurent Le 5 À 7 Supple Large in Suede

Style Notes: Suede bags are assuredly one of the biggest trends of the decade, both inside the office and when off-duty. For a style that won't have you looking like Riley Keough in costume for Daisy Jones The Six, reach for Saint Laurent's Le 5 À 7 . Worn by Haliey Bieber and Bella Hadid, this shape is supple, effortless and inspired by French New Wave cinema, so you can achieve that main character energy you're after.

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18. Prada Bonnie Extra-Large Leather Handbag

Style Notes: Carrie Bradshaw once wrote that a Prada dress should always be worn with an investment banker. However, when you're the financier she's referring to, it's the Prada Bonnie bag that actually makes the more sound investment. With clean lines and archival-inspired design elements, this is a bag that pays homage to Prada's storied history whilst allowing you to pave your own as a formidable business woman.

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19. Stella McCartney Logo Large Suede Tote Bag

Style Notes: Stella McCartney is a well-known horse girl, so it's only fitting that the legendary British fashion designer produce a tote inspired by feeders' bags. Crafted in Italy from luxury vegan leather, this style features a perforated circular logo and spacious interior with one singular main compartment.

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20. Miu Miu Beau Leather Bag

Style Notes: Inspired by vintage doctor's bags but without the clinical slant, the Miu Miu Beau bag features a rectangular form with gold-tone zips that allow the style to open up like a book. Think of this as the epitome of the modern briefcase.

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21. Yu Mei Teresa Tote

Style Notes: Traipse around doesn't have to be in vein, especially when styles as delicious as this Yu Mei Teresa tote exist. Made in New Zealand from either premium calfskin spade or deer nappa, this is the shape you'd find tucked over the shoulder of any stylish antipodean. With clean, vertical shapes and refined finishes, this no-fuss tote will serve every need and suit every setting.

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22. Tory Burch Romy Tote

Style Notes: Mundane actives needn't be as boring as the name suggests with Tory Burch's Romy tote. Crafted in soft pebbled leather with a gently gathered silhouette, this piece is extra special thanks to the thick drop-handle strap and gently-ruched band around the exterior.

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23. Dragon Diffusion Nantucket Large Woven Leather Tote

Style Notes: If the magnetic charm of beachy alcoves like the Hamptons, Cape Cod and Newport entice you, the Dragon Diffusion's Nantucket large woven leather tote is certified to fill a gap in your wardrobe. Pair with dreamy nap dresses from Doên or casual wide-leg trousers and leather sandals.

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What to Look for in a Work Bag?

According to Beste Manastır Bağdatlı, there are several factors to consider when shopping for a work bag. "A work bag needs to strike the right balance between structure and softness," she explains before adding, "ot should feel polished but never rigid."

"Practical elements—like comfortable straps, thoughtful interior compartments, and a secure closure—are essential, but so is longevity. We always encourage investing in quality materials and timeless design, so the bag becomes a long-term companion rather than a seasonal purchase."

What Work Bags are Trending for 2026?

"In 2026, we see a continuation of elongated silhouettes, but with more architectural refinement," Manastır Bağdatlı reveals before adding, "Think: Structured totes with a softer hand."

"There’s also a return to intelligent volume—bags that look sleek but hold much more than expected. Texture will stay important, but in a subtler way. Suede leathers, tonal stitching, and craftsmanship details will take precedence over bold finishes. The focus will shift toward how a bag feels and wears over time rather than how loudly it announces itself."

Speaking of the latter, this has been a wider shift we've seen in the industry as even the most expensive luxury maisons present collections inspired by the everyday, like Chanel's Métiers d'art 2026 show, which was staged in a subway station. On that note, Manastır Bağdatlı says that, "luxury today feels more compelling when it’s grounded in reality".

"Presenting collections in everyday environments makes them feel attainable and relevant—it shows that these pieces are meant to be worn and lived in, not just admired. It reflects a broader desire for authenticity in fashion."