Who amongst us hasnโt faced the haphazard juggle of a handbag, a laptop bag and a cotton reusable tote because we still havenโt gotten around to investing in a stylish but solidly practical work bag? Never mind the horror of when you realise youโve sleepily snagged the wrong handbag in the morning commute rush and are now bereft of your daily essentials.
A good work bag should be a number of things, but first and foremost, it should solve the issue of feeling like a packhorse trussed with enough supplies to last a week. While a work bag neednโt necessarily be designer, it should be office-appropriate and chic enough to take to important meetings or slide next to you at the vibey after-work drinks spot.
The Best Work Bags, According To maire claire:
- Best Organisation: Freja NYC Paloma Tote Bag, $590
- Best Affordable: Evity Josie Leather Tote, $169
- Best Hobo: Sienna Suede Hobo Bag, $349
- Best Bucket: Toteme Belted Leather Tote, $2,080
- Best Oversized: COS Studio Bowling Bag, $530
The ideal work bagโs size will depend on what tools of the trade youโre transporting, but for optimal functionality, weโd suggest making sure it can at least fit your laptop, notebooks or paper documents, phone, wallet and water bottle. Shape-wise, that means your best work bag bets are going to fall in the carryall tote, satchel, backpack and dedicated laptop bag realm.
Another important work bag consideration? Durability. The cost-per-wear on a work bag should be mere dollars or cents by the end of a year and youโll want to make sure that your choice is not only stylish but savvily-designed to withstand wear and tear.
Below, the best in stylish and practical work bags to see you through the nine to five.

Classic Easy Tote
$278 at Cuyana
For those seeking a work tote that balances understated luxury with practical design, the Cuyana Classic Easy Tote is an exceptional choice. Crafted from exquisite Italian leather, its structured silhouette and 16-inch size offer ample room for a laptop and all your essentials.
With a sturdy construction that allows it to stand independently, this minimalist piece embodies timeless elegance and everyday functionality.

Toteme Belted Leather Tote
$2,080 at Net-A-Porter
Totรชmeโs Belted Leather Tote is the epitome of sleek sophistication. Crafted in Italy from soft leather, its curved bucket silhouette is cinched with a tonal belt for a refined shape.
Inside, the spacious suede-lined compartments easily hold your phone, sunglasses, headphones and more.

Evity Josie Leather Tote
$169 at Strand
Crafted for life, the Evity Josie Leather Tote blends timeless design with practical functionality. Made from soft, high-quality leather that only improves with age, this lightweight tote offers plenty of room and thoughtful zippered pockets to keep your essentialsโlike keys and walletโorganized.
Perfect for everything from office days to weekend outings, itโs a versatile bag that fits seamlessly into any lifestyle.

Freja NYC Paloma Tote Bag
$590 at The Iconic
Sleek and structured, the Freja NYC Paloma Tote is a bestselling work bag for so many reasons. With a roomy zipped compartment that fits up to 16โ laptops and two side sections for smaller laptops or documents, it keeps everything perfectly organised. Thoughtful details like comfortable 2cm straps and a shortened zipper track for quick water bottle access make it as practical as it is polished.
Plus, its firm base means it stands uprightโeven when fully packed.

Studio Bowling Bag
$530 at COS
Baring a striking resemblance to another cult luxury tote, the COS Studio Bowling Bag offers a refined, modern take on a noughties sportswear classic.
Crafted from premium deep carbon leather, its curved silhouette and bonded edges ensure durability, while the oversized design and secure inner pockets make it perfect for carrying all your city essentials with style.

Classic Easy Tote
$780 at Polene
The Polรจne Classic Easy Tote is a beautifully sculptured bag that can be worn two ways: open and basket-style with external straps, or closed with its sides tucked in and straps crossed inside for a flower-like silhouette.
Expertly crafted by leather artisans in Ubrique, Spain, it combines Italian full-grain calf leather with 100% cotton twill for a luxurious finish.

Sienna Suede Hobo Bag
$349 at Vestirsi
Large enough to house a 16โณ laptop and all your essentials, this slouchy hobo style of this tote will never feel overwhelming in size, even when itโs packed to the brim.
Made from the brandโs signature (and exceptionally soft) Italian suede leather, it balances affordability, quality and style to make for the perfect work bag.

Woven Large Tote
$689 at St. Agni
The St. Agni Woven Large Tote is a modern take on a classic craft, featuring a 100% bovine leather woven body and a single shoulder strap.
Spacious enough for all your daily essentials, this versatile tote effortlessly complements both casual and dressy looks with contemporary elegance.

Everyday Large Tote
$175 at July
Designed as the ultimate carry-all, the July Everyday Large Tote is an organisational hero. Featuring dual handle sizes, a dedicated bottle holder, and drop pockets to keep everything in its place, the bag is also perfect for travel, with a pass-through band to secure it to luggage and hidden pockets for phones and passports.
Thereโs also a dedicated laptop compartment that fits a 16-inch MacBook Pro.

Grocer Deluxe Tote Bag
$1,200 at A-ESQUE
The A-Esque Deluxe Tote reimagines the classic shopper with refined minimalism and spacious practicality.
Crafted from soft Italian pebble grain aniline leather in Melbourne, this large dark brown tote is perfect for work or travel, designed to be comfortably carried by hand or over the shoulder.

Classic Easy Tote
$599 at Oroton
Crafted from smooth leather with a structured silhouette, the Oroton Classic Easy Tote is a spacious yet elegant carry-all designed for effortless versatility.
It features a top zip closure, a roomy main compartment, and a back-wall pocket to keep you organised. Finished with durable (and comfortable) shoulder straps, itโs the perfect companion for everyday.

Le Pliage Original Canvas Tote Bag
$285 at Longchamp
The Le Pliage Canvas Tote is an iconic, minimalist carry-all inspired by origami, combining effortless style with smart functionality. Lightweight and spacious enough to hold documents or a laptop, it features long handles for comfortable shoulder wear and a secure zipper closure.
Its signature Russian leather flap, handles, and snap closure make it instantly recognisableโand it even folds down to the size of a paperback for ultimate convenience.

Coach Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39
$895 at The Iconic
Crafted from supple, textured natural grain leather that develops rich character over time, the Coach Brooklyn Bag is a generously sized hobo designed for effortless functionality. Its spacious interior easily fits a 15โ laptop, complemented by a snap pocket to keep your essentials close at hand.
Finished with a wide, comfortable shoulder strap and a sleek magnetic snap closure, this bag is the perfect blend of comfort and styleโideal for navigating your workday with ease and sophistication.