Listen. I'm a Gen Z fashion editor living in NYC who's constantly surrounded by well-dressed people, especially in the office. For about three years of living in the city, I schlepped through Brooklyn and Manhattan wearing a canvas tote bag that dug into my shoulders and made all my outfits look not as chic or luxurious. Don't make the same mistake as me, because while it may be easy to neglect, looking your best makes you feel and work better. It’s important, especially as a Gen Zer, to make a good first impression in work and everyday life.
It took me three years to invest in a bag, but I'm saving you the time and effort. I compiled 23 chic workbags that fall into an array of budgets but will make anyone feel rich. For those of you splurging, there's Gucci, Métier, and Coach, and for those of you on a tighter budget, there's Zara, COS, Madewell, and more. Looking old money has never been easier to achieve. Ahead, scroll through the best-quality and chicest workbags that'll leave a lasting impression.
Zara is the best place to go for a good, stylish, and sturdy workbag on a budget.
All the fashion editors on the Who What Wear team tested out a Demellier bag and loved it.
As a Gen Zer, this is the ultimate workbag to purchase. The price point, quality, and chic style are the reasons why you should hit purchase on a Brooklyn bag from Coach.
Not everyone thinks of a bowling bag as a workbag, but this one made me think again.
If you're more of a minimalist, this simple leather tote bag will hit the mark.
As a Gen Zer, I would save up for this bag. The chocolate brown hue, suede finish, and spacious interior just scream reliable, chic workbag.
I tested out this bag and would highly recommend it. It's perfect for the office, and even for traveling, as it folds into the size of a book.
I'm not a huge monogram or logo person, but this subtle embossing is chic to me.
The brown hue and pebbled leather on this tote bag, paired with the roomy space on the inside, made me love tote bags again.
I'm a big art lover, so when I saw that sculptor Alexander Calder's Soucoupes volantes art piece of flying saucers was featured on this bag, I swooned. I'll probably cave and buy it.
You can never go wrong with YSL for a luxury bag purchase.
This is a chic departure from my canvas tote bags I used to lug around.
This is another midrange-priced bag I've been eyeing, and now it's on sale. I might have to make the move and hit purchase. I like how the interior is divided in half.
This is a simple yet effective tote that will look sophicated in the office and out on the town.
Investing in a luxury bag can be daunting. It's hard to know what's worth it and what's not, but rest assured, this bag is definitely worth it. It's another huge one, and can carry a 14-inch laptop among a ton of other things.
This bag includes a zip pouch for all your smaller items. The texture and color are so unique and add a laid-back element to a work outfit.
This bag is huge, but don't fret—it has a ton of smaller compartments that also zip up. So, it's a safe choice, especially if you commute in a big city.
If you're into suede and gold details, this simple, but elegant tote is the right choice.
If you've been looking for a mid-range-priced bag that can be used for work, this is the perfect one to invest in.
These sturdy, longer straps and smaller compartments inside this bag are what sold me on it.
If you want an affordable, reliable workbag, this is the one for you. It looks much more expensive with its luxurious silhouette.
The belt bag trend prevails, and this one is a chic addition to a work outfit.
I wasn't a bucket-bag person until I saw this one. The suede finish is a nice touch, especially for fall.
This woven texture is such a gorgeous touch to a functional everyday bag. It can hold a laptop, a pair of shoes, and so many more larger items.