Actually, Work Bags Don't Have to Suck

I’ve never been someone who has mastered the art of packing light—actually, I’d consider myself an expert on packing particularly heavy. If I’m taking an international trip, you could place a bet on my suitcase coming in at 49.9 pounds on the airport scale and win every time. If I’m headed to the office, things look similar, but a little scaled down. You can count on me schlepping a minimum of a 40 oz. water bottle, breakfast, lunch, a planner, a small bag full of chargers, another small bag full of makeup products, and my laptop as my baseline office load, with a few miscellaneous things (a mini hair brush, seven half-full hand sanitizers) as a bonus. As a fashion editor, this presents a challenge: Finding a bag that actually looks good and that allows me to haul a carry-on’s worth of stuff to the office on my shoulder without any problems (or better yet: without losing my will to live before 9 a.m. hits).

Over my past eight years of waking up and hauling it to an office (give or take a couple of COVID years, ew!), I’d guesstimate that I’ve tried somewhere around two dozen tote bags in an effort to find my Goldie Locks, not-too-ugly, not-too-small, actually-enjoyable-to-wear humdinger. To absolutely no one’s surprise, few have passed these tests, and many have been been packed in a bag and brought to my sister or mom (who both have the privilege of driving to work and therefore require fewer stipulations in a work bag—imagine!).

However, a few have cleared my impossible hurdles, including an under-$200 gem I own in three colors and a big, slouchy gorgeous number I plan on taking to the grave with me. The best part? None of them ruin my work outfits (around these parts, that wouldn’t be tolerated).

• I own Madewell’s Bucket Tote in three colors, and maintain that it is the most comfortable bag to carry a shit ton of stuff in. It comes in leather, suede, and woven options, which would be gorgeous in the summer months (don’t tempt me!).

• Cuyana’s Classic Easy Tote is my favorite “traditional” tote. Its pebbled leather can withstand endless wear and tear, and its dual-handle situation is incredibly useful for long commutes. Cuyana also releases seasonal colors outside of the usual neutrals—they currently have a gorgeous red-orange option—that have the potential to spark a little workday joy.

• Leatherology’s Ciera Maxi Hobo Bag reminds me of a bag my mom used to carry to work when I was growing up (in the best possible way). It’s big, slouchy, has a ton of interior pockets, and has proven to be incredibly durable. Its also a very comfortable carry and comes in eight different color ways (including a couple of suede options).

• Demellier’s Stockholm Bag is, by far and large, my most complimented work bag. Its curved shape differentiates it from a sea of rectangular options, and is beautifully designed in a way that gets noticed (and feels like a style choice, rather than a bag you’re just throwing on to get a job done). The handles are particularly long, which makes carrying it easy, even when I’m throwing it on over a puffer (a test most totes do not pass).

• Le Tanneur’s Emie Maxi Shoulder Bag is the grown-up bag of my dreams, and is one I intend on having for the rest of my life. Its big, slouchy design can be worn on the shoulder or crossbody depending on which of its two handles you prefer (I love having both on mine at all times), and it’s the type of bag that will only get more beautiful with wear.

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