If you’ve ever planned a staycation, weekend away or even just a quick overnight trip, you’ll know the importance of finding that perfect bag—the one that fits everything and still looks chic. And if you haven’t yet? Allow me to introduce you to The New York from DeMellier.
For those moments when you need something a little more elevated (and practical), a leather tote is always a safe bet. If you’re heading away for work and need to bring your laptop along, the Christian Louboutin Cabata is a standout. For a leather bag, it’s surprisingly lightweight and roomy enough to hold all your essentials without feeling bulky.
The Best Chic Travel Bags, According To marie claire
- Best Overall: DeMellier The New York, $1,187
- Best Lightweight: Nere Coated Carry On Bag, $62.99
- Best Leather: LIÉ STUDIO The Eva Weekend Leather Tote, $1,660
Of course, if you’re after something more in the weekender category—lightweight, practical, and slightly more function-leaning—there are plenty of options worth considering. The Nere Coated Carry On Bag (which, yes, is currently on sale) and the Antler Essential Weekender are both reliable options.
As a chronic overpacker, I can confirm these styles have saved me more than once. Any lighter fabrications like canvas, nylon or cotton leave just enough room for that extra outfit (or two) without weighing you down.
That said, these aren’t just reserved for weekends away. They’ve become part of my everyday rotation—from a morning workout to office days and through to last-minute drinks, they do it all. So if you’re in the market for a chic travel bag, you’re welcome in advance.
Read: This Australian Bag Brand Wasn’t On My Radar—Now I’ve Been Wearing It For Weeks

Longchamp Le Pliage Green XL Travel bag
Best For: Recycled Canvas
If you’re the kind of person who prefers to throw everything into a bag and go, the Le Pliage is made for you. A full zip closure keeps everything secure, while the spacious interior allows for easy, last-minute packing. It folds down when not in use, making it a practical option that adapts to whatever your trip requires.
Dimensions: 55cm L x 40cm H x 23cm W | Weight: 461g | Material: Polyamide fabric with a minimum of 70% recycled fibers.

Christian Louboutin Cabata Leather Tote
Best For: Lightweight Leather
Typically, a leather tote comes with a little extra weight—but the Cabata from Christian Louboutin challenges that expectation. It features an open-top design for quick access and a detachable zipped pouch to keep smaller essentials in place. Spacious enough for a laptop and travel extras, it’s a refined carryall that feels considered without being restrictive.
Dimensions: 30cm L x 30cm H x 14cm W | Weight: 1130g | Material: Calf leather and platinum plated studs.

DeMellier The New York
Best For: Sustainable Materials
Blending canvas with smooth leather, DeMellier’s The New York is designed to expand via magnetic side closures, giving you extra room when needed. Long shoulder straps and a generous interior — sized for a laptop or A4 documents — make it a polished yet practical option for short trips.
Dimensions: 58cm L x 27cm H x 14cm W | Weight: 1100g | Material: Cotton canvas, cowhide leather and organic cotton.

Nere Coated Carry On Bag
Best For: Practical Crossbody
Lightweight with a durable coated exterior, the Nere Carry On features multiple external zip pockets for easy access and a roomy main compartment for everything else. Finished with versatile carry options, it’s built for straightforward, no-fuss travel.
Dimensions: 42cm L x 30cm H x 19cm W | Weight: 550g | Material: Polyester.

COS Studio Bowling Bag
Best For: Versatile Suede
A more refined take, the COS Studio Bowling Bag leans into soft structure with its suede finish, curved silhouette and clip closure. It’s compact enough to feel considered, yet roomy enough for travel essentials, making it well-suited to those in-between trips where you need just enough space without committing to a full weekender.
Dimensions: 52cm L x 26.5cm H x 16cm W | Material: 100 per cent suede.

LIÉ STUDIO The Eva Weekend Leather Tote
Best For: Spacious Structure
Crafted from smooth leather, The Eva Weekend Tote features a structured silhouette with a spacious main compartment. Crafted from smooth leather with a clean, architectural shape, it holds its form no matter how much you pack into it. Spacious enough for an overnight wardrobe (and then some), it’s the kind of bag that makes even last-minute packing feel intentional.
Dimensions: 65cm L x 31cm H x 28cm W | Weight: 300g | Material: 100 per cent Italian cow leather.

Oroton Paxton Suede Weekender
Best For: Relaxed Suede
The Paxton Weekender from Oroton offers a softer, more relaxed approach to travel. Crafted in suede with a generous interior and full zip closure, it’s designed to carry everything you need for a few days away while still feeling elevated. The longer handles make it easy to wear over the shoulder, striking that balance between practicality and polish.
Dimensions: 46cm L x 30cm H x 23.8cm W | Weight: 300g | Material: Premium Grade A cow suede leather.

Antler Essential Weekender Bag
Best For: Lightweight Functionality
Lightweight without feeling flimsy, the Antler Essential Weekender is designed for movement. With a roomy interior, considered compartments, and a trolley sleeve for seamless airport navigation, it keeps everything in place without overcomplicating things. Ideal for short trips or carry-on only travel, it’s a reliable option that won’t add unnecessary bulk.
Dimensions: 64cm L x 40cm H x 20cm W | Weight: 800g | Material: 100 per cent recycled ripstop material.

MARGESHERWOOD Grandma Used Bag XL
Best For: Oversized Slouch
Designed with a relaxed, oversized silhouette, the Grandma Used Bag XL features a tie closure and a wide interior that accommodates everything in one place. Soft in structure but generous in capacity, it’s suited to those who prefer a more unstructured approach to packing or everyday wear.
Dimensions: 45cm L x 30cm H x 20cm W | Weight: 860g | Material: Vegetable tanned pull-up cow leather.