17 work bags that are as chic as they are practical

Since hybrid working has become the new norm, we’ve been thinking about what we can do to make switching between our office and WFH desks that little bit easier. Investing in the best work bags is where we’ve landed.

Office days are exciting, aren’t they? It’s certainly nice to have to think about what to wear to work (goodbye joggers and slippers, hello jeans and shoes). Yep, getting out of bed more than 10 minutes before we start work is truly motivating, but how stressful is it trying to ram your laptop, notebook, headphones and water bottle into a flimsy canvas bag when you’ve got less two minutes to leave the house? It’d help, surely, to have a trusty work bag with all the compartments to slot everything into neatly.

Sturdier than your go-to beach bag, but perhaps not as luxe as your fave designer handbag, work bags are the happy medium.

Work bags for women need to be sturdy (to carry all those important things such as your planner and stationery), but they also need to be #fashionable. That backpack you took on a girls’ weekend away with you a few years ago just won’t suffice, and neither will your trusty bum bag or cute mini bag. Sorry. You need something practical, but that won’t make you look like Will from The Inbetweeners carrying a briefcase – unless that’s your vibe.

Something like a tote bag is ideal and definitely on the right track, though you may want to go for one with a compartmentalised interior so that A) you can actually find things inside it and B) it’s more secure and safe on your commute. Think baby-changing bag – with all of its nifty pockets and various straps and handles – but more glam. It’ll need to suit your outfit, too, so go for something smart that will complement your coat, blazer, high-waist trousers and kitten heels.