Whether you commute to an office, travel often, or spend your weekends running errands, a tote bag is an accessory must-have. Even with the luxury of housing our calendars and wallets within our phones, there are still a handful of essentials that you might not want to leave the house without. That’s where a roomy, quality tote bag comes in.
I’ve had a variety of great bags over the years so I thought I’d round up the best designer work totes in this post. These picks go with everything and are made with quality that’s sure to hold up well over time. Happy shopping!
Cuyana has been a longtime favorite brand of mine for both quality and accessibility — and ease. The brand is really all about the idea of ease when it comes to their system of accessories that work together across colors, materials, and function. This pebbled leather tote is a new gem in the brand’s mix and I immediately fell for the proportions and the genius combo of short and long shoulder straps. It’s soft and lightweight but can hold a surprising amount of necessities for a variety of needs. It’s got that effortless drape but enough structure that you don’t have to feel overwhelmed looking through your bag for the exact item you need to grab quickly. I love that the dark olive color is a bit unique yet still goes with everything. I am currently carrying their Cappuccino color tote, and am amazed by how truly lightweight it is. I find myself wondering if I’ll ever need another tote after finding this! A+ from me.
At a moderate price point, this classic leather tote would make the perfect bag to bring from the office to the gym. It has plenty of space to house a laptop, notebook, and other work essentials but is structured enough to not look flat without those things. It’s very thin, and I love the shape. I used to have it in Black!
If you’re looking for an investment bag, this Italian made tote is at the top of my list. The British brand is under the radar with exquisite lines and materials. It’s great for travel but would look equally as chic in an office environment. I love that it has a top zip closure to keep your belongings safe, and makes it easy to pop in an overhead bin on a flight.
Want a work bag with a bit more personality? The off-white debossing on this roomy bag adds a feminine and unexpected touch. Made in Spain with smooth, buttery leather, this tote also flaunts straps with two different lengths. I carried a Loewe Cushion tote in this exact color for several years in my most recent role and loved the functionality paired with daily style and shape.
Quintessential textured leather signals that this bag was crafted by Bottega Veneta. Although the tote is black, the intricately woven design makes this accessory anything but boring. It’s a designer classic that’s sure to hold up well throughout the years. One of my best friends Samantha carries this bag, and I constantly covet it when she carries it!
This generously sized tote features one of my favorite design details — short handles — and the designer label is known for their elevated quality. The rich caramel color would make the perfect complement to any outfit, and the structured top handle design makes it particularly chic to carry. My friend Julia Berolzheimer carries this and it always looks so perfect paired with prints and warm tones. Plus, it’s got a very easy access top for grabbing family essentials on the go — perfect for Julia who has two young daughters!