In the past week, I have had three WhatsApp messages asking for my tips on finding the best bags for work. The requirements are often the same – big enough to house the usual commuter paraphernalia, but smarter and more stylish than a canvas tote bag. As out-of-office bounce-back emails start to slow down and meeting requests start to ramp up, many of us are putting down the gelato and copies of Miranda July and looking to the season ahead. A shiny new tote bag is the adult equivalent of starting September with a WHSmith haul and a new pair of Kickers, and makes the summer-is-officially-over commute that little bit more bearable. Along with a bucketload of coffee, of course.
If you are in this back-to-work mood and on the hunt for a practical, but elegant, handbag, I have done a survey of the British Vogue offices and made a note of the bags that our editors are using to cart around their laptops, make-up bags, change of shoes – I could go on. Although an organised few manage with a compact shoulder bag (inevitably saving on future osteopath visits), most cart around tote bags that are so expansive they can function as a portable top drawer.
From the APC Ninon tote to the Balenciaga City bag, these styles will house the new September Issue and so much more. Keep reading for the best office-ready bags, according to nine Vogue editors.
Hereu Calella Tote
“I’ve been on the quest to find the perfect work bag for what feels like forever. I own a number of totes that are slightly too small to fit a laptop comfortably, but I often stubbornly stash one in there anyway – even if it peeps over the top and makes it harder to carry (my ruched Molly Goddard bag and Bao Bao Issey Miyake tote are go-tos). This autumn, I’m determined to change my ways and invest. I’ve had my eye on Hereu’s roomy Calella for a while, owing to its beautiful construction and roomy interior (it’s crafted by artisans in Spain).” – Alice Cary, commerce writer.
A.P.C Ninon Tote
“I’ve been searching for the perfect leather work tote as an alternative to my trusty JW Anderson felt bag for months now. I wanted something roomy (able to fit everything from packed lunches to gym kit), but also polished enough to elevate my office outfits. APC’s Ninon tote fulfils all the criteria: supple and stylish, capacious and cool, it looks great with everything I own, and I can just tell it’ll age beautifully, too.” – Joy Montgomery, commerce editor.
Miu Miu Beau bag
“I often carry a Miu Miu Beau – it fits so much and is the perfect shape if you need to carry a small laptop (and a large arsenal of make-up).” – Julia Hobbs, fashion features director.
Prada Buckle leather bag
“I have my eye on this Prada men’s bag for autumn as a hand luggage tote that doubles as a chic work bag the moment you hit the tarmac.” – Julia Hobbs, fashion features director.
Dragon Diffusion Nantucket bag
“On a quest to find a bag that would work just as well at the weekend as it did at work and when I’m travelling, Dragon Diffusion’s Nantucket Basket Bag immediately appealed to me. It’s lovely and slouchy, big enough to fit my laptop and other daily necessities and, rather wonderfully, it has a St Christopher (a symbol of safe travel) woven into its inside. It also goes with just about anything – obsessed.” – Hannah Coates, beauty and wellness editor.
Loewe Goya bag
“One day I looked at my shelf of handbags and realised not a single one was black. I chose to invest in this gorgeous Goya bag from Loewe because not only does it work as a cross body – hands free! – and hold everything I needed on a day to basis (it is surprisingly roomy and has compartments), it also looks chic for evening events. Moreover, it is a modern classic that I will use forever and one day pass down.” – Funmi Fetto, style editor.
Ganni tote bag
“Whether I’m heading to the office – laptop, lunch, gym clothes in tow – or packing for a weekend away for two, this canvas bag is the ultimate fit-your-life-in tote. Sturdy, washable, verging on ludicrously capacious, it’s been my trusty sidekick for over a year now.” – Ellie Davies, audience growth manager.
Wandler Mia tote
“On returning to the office post-pandemic, I finally decided to invest in a proper work bag. Wandler’s Mia bag fit the bill: it’s the perfect size for a laptop (and all my other paraphernalia), while still being chic. Two and half years later, it’s still going strong.” – Emily Chan, senior sustainability & features editor.
Balenciaga City tote
“My black Balenciaga city bag has been my go-to work bag for the last year. I found a great secondhand version on Hardly Ever Worn It and it’s just big enough to fit a MacBook Pro, charger, skincare essentials, keys and wallet – ideal! I love it so much that this summer I swamped it out for a another vintage version in yellow. The style is not only a brilliant work bag, but I also wear it non-stop at the weekend.” – Naomi Smart, commerce director.
Dragon Diffusion Japan woven tote
“When I started a maternity cover role at British Vogue last year, I invested in the Tokyo woven tote in a rich, dark green shade with mahogany-hued leather handles, to stop myself carting my laptop around in a scruffy canvas tote bag. Having a stylish chuck-everything-in bag, rather than a canvas tote, instantly made my outfits feel more put-together and is possibly the one item that I have received the most compliments on.” – Emma Spedding, contributing editor.
