While once upon a time, a work handbag had the sole purpose of carrying your laptop, wallet and lunch, these days, you need something that works a lot harder.
Hybrid schedules that encompass morning gym sessions, desk-side meetings and post-work plans have created the need for hybrid bags — and so you need something that’s roomy, stylish but still comfortable to carry.
Oftentimes, your bag can be out working for you for 14+ hours of the day — meaning you’re going to need something that’s not overly structured, but rather relaxed, slouchy but still polished enough to be work-appropriate.
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Thankfully, handbag designers have listened to changing schedules, and there are now plenty available that tap into both style and function.
Below, 7You reveals the 10 work bags that effortlessly move beyond your 9-5. You can thank us later.
1. July Juliette Frame Work Tote, $495, July July Juliette Frame Work Tote, $495, July. Credit: July First out the gate is the Juliette Frame Work Tote ($495) by July.
Refined and roomy, the Frame Work Tote pairs a polished silhouette with luxurious leather, and it’s everything you need to carry your day with quiet confidence.
Some of my favourite features of this $495 piece include the srong magnetic top closure to keep your valuables secure, the 18ct gold hardware and interior zipped pocket for small essentials because who doesn’t love a zipped pocket ever.
The bag also has a one-up over many on the market because it fits most 900mL lunch containers flat.
No more leaking salad dressing all over your stunning new handbag.
2. St. Agni Bateau Tote, $475.20, The Iconic St. Agni Bateau Tote, $475.20, The Iconic. Credit: St. Agni Next, this gorgeous bag by St. Agni is the perfect addition to your working wardrobe.
Blending utilitarian structure with textural contrast, it features a soft suede body trimmed with leather.
This bag is roomy enough to house your laptop, makeup and gym essentials, but crucially it also looks good, if you’re commuting or travelling.
It also comes in a chic and on-trend ‘Coffee’ colour that handily hides a multitude of sins should you spill anything on it, or it gets dity.
3. Maison De Sabre Bucket Soft Tote, $459, Maison De Sabre Maison De Sabre Bucket Soft Tote, $459, Maison De Sabre. Credit: Maison De Sabre The first bucket bag on this list, the Maison De Sabre Bucket Soft Tote is a tried and tested favourite among shoppers.
A lightweight, medium sized tote, inspired by the classic drawstring bucket bag, the slouchy design is crafted entirely from the brand’s softest-ever full-grain European leather and features a spacious, reinforced base panel for enhanced storage.
Perfected for business-to-leisure, with space to stow laptop devices up to 14”, the elevated companion is fitted with three slip pockets, one zipped pocket and a dedicated keyclip, while an elongated and padded shoulder strap ensures comfortable all-day carry.
Those who have invested in this particular bag rave about it, describing it as their “saviour”.
4. Vestirsi Bella XL 3-In-1 Convertible Bag, $449, Vestirsi Vestirsi Bella XL 3-In-1 Convertible Bag, $449, Vestirsi. Credit: Vestirsi Three handbags for the price of one? Where do we sign?
Vestirsi have come up with the goods with this best-selling buy, desinged to do it all beautifully.
Wear it as a shoulder bag, a cross-body or a rucksack, depending on the occasion.
This Bella bag is the ultimate expression of elevated functionality, handcrafted in Italy from luxurious pebbled leather and thoughtfully scaled for women who carry more.
Selling points to this particular bag include adjustable straps to suit women of all heights, its spacious size for both work and travel, and its full-zip closure across the top to keep everything safe.
With over 330 glowing five-star reviews, others have shared how much they love this handbag.
Your bag will arrive in a luxury cotton dust bag for storage and safekeeping.
5. Bellroy Tokyo Tote, $189, Amazon Australia Bellroy Tokyo Tote, $189, Amazon Australia. Credit: Amazon Australia If one of your main criteria for your work bag is affordable, then this Bellroy Tokyo Tote sold on Amazon Australia at $189 is a fantastic investment.
With a spacious main compartment with padded storage for laptops up to 13”. two pop pockets yo hold bottles or an umbrella upright, a wide mouth opening for easy access, and a full zip closure that keeps contents secure, it’s everything you need and more for the perfect budget buy.
Those who have bought this bag love the front quick-access zip pocket with built-in key clip to keep essentials within easy reach, the durable, water-resistant 100 per cent recycled fabric and soft-edge webbing straps with non-slip backing for comfortable carry throughout the day.
The bag has an impressive 4.5 star rating from hundreds of reviews on Amazon Australia.
6. Sezane The Practical Tote Bag, $725, Sezane Sezane The Practical Tote Bag, $725, Sezane. Credit: Sezane When it comes to fashion brands that live rent-free in my head almost all year round, there is one name that instantly comes to mind.
Sezane nails that effortless Parisian chic so well, and every single piece I have from this brand is complimented every time I wear it.
The latest to hit my wishlist? This roomy Practical Tote Bag ($725), made in collaboration with French accessories brand CAHU.
With two ways to carry it (both as a shoulder bag and something you can carry), this bag has an exterior in PVC and smooth leather, along with a practical cotton lining.
I also love its olive green colour.
7. Longchamps Le Pliage Original Canvas Tote Bag, $295, The Iconic Longchamps Le Pliage Original Canvas Tote Bag, $295, The Iconic. Credit: Instagram Of course, no list of handbags is complete without this iconic Longchamps number.
A bestseller since it was designed by Philippe Cassegrain in 1993, inspired by Japanese origami, it’s unique among other bags in that it folds into a small size, it features a nylon body with Russian leather handles and it has a snap-flap closure.
The bag has long been popular for daily use, travel, and its understated style, and it has recently enjoyed a surge in popularity again as Gen Zs style the little bag with silk scarfs and new accessories.
Available in a number of different colours, this bag is a handbag you’ll keep for life.
8. Toteme Roam leather tote brown, $2,050, Toteme Toteme Roam leather tote brown, $2,050, Toteme. Credit: Toteme Toteme handbags have become staples in the luxury market due to their minimalist aesthetic, high-quality craftsmanship, and practical, quiet luxury design.
Founded in Stockholm, Toteme focuses on creating “modern uniforms” — functional, timeless pieces intended to be worn for years rather than just one season.
This Roam leather tote bag in brown ($2,050) is no exception.
While expensive, the soft and unstructured bag features subtle geometric folds that create a gentle drape.
Crafted in Italy from smooth bonded leather, the oversized north-south silhouette includes an interior pocket and double straps for hand or shoulder carry.
A true investment piece.
9. Marc Jacobs The Canvas Large Tote Bag, $465, The Iconic Marc Jacobs The Canvas Large Tote Bag, $465, The Iconic. Credit: Instagram If you’ve seen this bag around, you’re not alone. It’s a very popular style.
Crafted from durable canvas, the Marc Jacobs The Large Tote is a rustic meditation on the designer brand’s signature, time-honoured silhouette.
Those who have it love that it’s a highly practical fabric, but also offers that designer high-end finish of a look.
It’s the perfect bag to take from work to dinner and home again.
10. Sandler Joanna Tote Bag in Chocolate Croc, $149.95, Myer Sandler Joanna Tote Bag in Chocolate Croc, $149.95, Myer. Credit: Myer Last but certainly not least is this affordable option from Myer.
A must-have addition for the on-the-go wardrobe, Joanna by Sandler defines everyday elegance in a structured tote bag.
Boasting a spacious interior, it includes a coordinating pouch secured by an inner strap and finishes with a gold-tone magnetic button closure.
Pair yours with tailored jeans and sneakers for a refined ensemble.