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Perfect for office meetings, work happy hours, and beyond.
Photo:Real Simple
Our Top Picks
Cuyana Tall Easy Tote
Its timeless, versatile, and spacious.
It doesnt have any interior organization compartments.
to and from the office.
PHOTO: Cuyana
While it doesnt have any inner compartments, I use a colored pouch to organize my smaller essentials.
After almost two years, it still looks as good as new.
Because its unstructured, the bag doesnt stand up on its own.
PHOTO: Real Simple
That said, I love the soft feel, which makes it less bulky during crowded subway commutes.
Material: Leather |Closure Mechanism: Zipper |Dimensions: 15 by 16 by 5 in.
|Handle Drop: 10.5 in.
Best Under $50
Baggu Zip Duck Bag
Its sturdy and reasonably priced.
The zipper tends to get stuck when you pull it too far.
Work bags can be pricey, but the Baggu Zip Duck Bag is a delightful exception.
Despite its reasonable price tag, this bag is surprisingly durable.
After using it for more than six months, its still in perfect condition.
And it doesnt just come to the officeour tester has been using it as her everyday bag as well.
We found the bag comfortable to carry, whether using the shoulder strap or top handles.
Like our overall best pick, this bag has a super simple interior with limited pockets.
Material: Recycled cotton canvas |Closure Mechanism: Zipper |Dimensions: 16 by 11 by 5 in.
|Handle Drop: Up to 20 in.
Converting it from a backpack to a tote takes some effort.
We loved using this bag as both a backpack and a tote, but especially as a backpack.
It was a bit tedious, so our tester found herself leaving it mostly in backpack mode.
The interior pockets are also on the smaller side, but that wasnt a dealbreaker.
Material: Leather |Closure Mechanism: Zipper |Dimensions: 15 by 12 by 4 in.
|Handle Drop: 13.5 in.
A more structured option might be better for heavy loads and extended wear.
Unlike backpacks with a juvenile feel, this ones classic appearance makes it perfect for the office.
Made from nylon, its super light, durable, and easy to spot clean.
The zippers were durable and helped the main compartment expand.
And the best part?
PHOTO: Real Simple
We could easily fit our sneakers in there, too.
Material: Nylon |Closure Mechanism: Zipper |Dimensions: 17 by 13 by 4 in.
Best Tote
Kate Spade Perfect Large Tote
Its super lightweight.
PHOTO: Real Simple
The zipper closure has gaps on the sides, so its not weatherproof.
After using it for six months, it looks virtually untouched.
We actually love it even more now than we did on day one (if thats even possible).
Material: Leather |Closure Mechanism: Zipper |Dimensions: 12 by 16 by 5 in.
|Handle Drop: 11 in.
Who says your work bag and weekender bag have to be mutually exclusive?
Thats why we love the Pond LA Transform Tote Air Editionits perfect for office commutes and overnight trips.
Weve been using it for six months now, and its still our go-to work bagandcarry-on.
The bag has a zipper closure, along with several pockets and cupholders.
Material: Oxford fabric |Closure Mechanism: Zipper |Dimensions: 12 by 16 by 7 in.
|Handle Drop: 8.5 in.
Even after two years of weekly use, its still what I reach for every day.
It mostly will depend on your personal preference.
Backpacks are more ergonomic, as the bags weight is distributed evenly on both shoulders.
While less comfortable, tote bags are often thought to have a sleeker, more professional look.
Material
We think leather work bagslook the most professionalin a corporate environment.
Theres something about leather vs. canvas or nylon in quality and polish, Teich says.
Magnetic snaps offer a middle ground between the two, providing both accessibility and a layer of protection.
That said, magnetic closures easily come undone if you overstuff your bag.
I went with theCuyana Tall Easy Zipper Toteand never looked backtwo years later, it’s still my go-to.
I also spoke withLiz Teich,@TheNewYorkStylist, about what qualities are important in a work bag.
PHOTO: Fossil
PHOTO: Real Simple
PHOTO: Beis
PHOTO: Real Simple
PHOTO: Kate Spade
PHOTO: Real Simple
PHOTO: Pond LA
PHOTO: Real Simple
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