You asked, I scrolled! Sleek, chic totes under $500 that say “I am a professional adult” even when you’re in a sweatshirt. Plus, a few dream splurges...
I can't tell you how helpful this is! I've been in a 'burn it all' mood with my entire wardrobe so I'll be lurking all the secondhand sites for some of these
I can't believe I missed this issue till now. God, how I needed this edit. Finding a good work bag is so hard. I have been eyeing a DeMellier for ages but have been hesitant to buy because I think we are heading into a recession. I'm so torn! Thanks for this gorgeous edit.
This is a really good list, and thank you for sharing!
I was recently on the hunt but I work from home with an occasional need to go into the office, and was feeling really uninspired by all of the more traditional looking work bags. I ended up getting this Min & Mon leather bag on sale and am OBSESSED: https://minandmon.com/cdn/shop/files/bag_MARKO_TOTE_01.webp?v=1731594208.
Okay yes it barely fits my 14" laptop but for an occasional drive to the office, it makes me happy to look at something so vibrant. It's out of stock I think but this NYC boutique has other fun options. Just wanted to share a different take!
I'm not ashamed to say that I use a backpack. And it's...Vera Bradley. (BUT IT'S A SOLID COLOR--with cool zippers). So many pockets/water bottle pockets/passport pocket/laptop pocket.
I also use a backpack! Mine's from Beis. Too many painful shoulder moments after lugging my laptop around DC on my work trips! I do wish I had a cuter/more polished one, but it works great for me most of the time!
My boss and I both have work totes from White Elm, a woman-owned company that uses vegan leather. I have had the Aquila for 2 years, and it’s still going strong and looks fantastic. My boss, Rachel, just bought a second bag because she wanted the backpack convertible one to cart a mobile office all over our campus. I highly recommend this company and bag.
Where is the Telfar love ??? Endless color options, the medium is the perfect work bag size, you can spill anything in it (and I have) and it washes out easily and you’re supporting a black queer designer ✨
Such a good edit. I want a new work bag each year but this year I’m trying to be happy with the bags in my closet!
I have a smaller bag from Freya — you listed two of them here — and I really love the quality. The leather is vegan but it’s SO durable I can truly take it anywhere.
I can't tell you how helpful this is! I've been in a 'burn it all' mood with my entire wardrobe so I'll be lurking all the secondhand sites for some of these
Yes! Or even if you can’t find the exact, there are so many wonderful similar high quality options on places like TRR.
I can't believe I missed this issue till now. God, how I needed this edit. Finding a good work bag is so hard. I have been eyeing a DeMellier for ages but have been hesitant to buy because I think we are heading into a recession. I'm so torn! Thanks for this gorgeous edit.
Oh, I'm so glad this was helpful!
This is a really good list, and thank you for sharing!
I was recently on the hunt but I work from home with an occasional need to go into the office, and was feeling really uninspired by all of the more traditional looking work bags. I ended up getting this Min & Mon leather bag on sale and am OBSESSED: https://minandmon.com/cdn/shop/files/bag_MARKO_TOTE_01.webp?v=1731594208.
Okay yes it barely fits my 14" laptop but for an occasional drive to the office, it makes me happy to look at something so vibrant. It's out of stock I think but this NYC boutique has other fun options. Just wanted to share a different take!
I'm not ashamed to say that I use a backpack. And it's...Vera Bradley. (BUT IT'S A SOLID COLOR--with cool zippers). So many pockets/water bottle pockets/passport pocket/laptop pocket.
I also use a backpack! Mine's from Beis. Too many painful shoulder moments after lugging my laptop around DC on my work trips! I do wish I had a cuter/more polished one, but it works great for me most of the time!
My boss and I both have work totes from White Elm, a woman-owned company that uses vegan leather. I have had the Aquila for 2 years, and it’s still going strong and looks fantastic. My boss, Rachel, just bought a second bag because she wanted the backpack convertible one to cart a mobile office all over our campus. I highly recommend this company and bag.
Where is the Telfar love ??? Endless color options, the medium is the perfect work bag size, you can spill anything in it (and I have) and it washes out easily and you’re supporting a black queer designer ✨
Clare V! An upgraded backpack: https://www.clarev.com/products/remi-backpack-black-rustic
I also tend to use a free gingham tote that came with clothes from Sézane though lol.
The madewell woven bag is it!! Ive been looking at it for weeks and this was my sign to pull the trigger. Ty!!
I have the Calpack Haven Laptop Tote Bag in Toffee. It's beautiful and has so much space, but the strap can be less supportive than I like.
Love these! I have a Cuyana as my mom bag (with their organizer, I can throw EVERYTHING in there) but I love the suede Quince one too!
Such a good edit. I want a new work bag each year but this year I’m trying to be happy with the bags in my closet!
I have a smaller bag from Freya — you listed two of them here — and I really love the quality. The leather is vegan but it’s SO durable I can truly take it anywhere.