This post on the perfect work tote is part of The Five Must-Have Pieces for Your Work Wardrobe series.
What makes the perfect work tote? The perfect work tote has some structure to it, is comfortable to carry, isn’t too heavy, and is perfectly functional (and beautiful) for you.
Let’s discuss some of these criteria in detail. What size is your laptop, or do you even carry one? Do you always have a water bottle with you? Is a bright color a welcome pop to your usually neutral-colored clothing? Or do you often wear bright colors, so favor a neutral bag? Do you prefer a backpack to a tote? Would your perfect work tote be made of canvas, leather, vegan leather, or suede?
As you can already surmise, the perfect work tote can be relative! That’s why we’ve pulled together a range of beautiful options for you to choose from. Please let us know in the comments below if you already own any of these work totes. And, tell us what you think makes a work tote “perfect”!
Happy Shopping!
P.S. If you love any of these bags, click through to the website to check current prices and all available colors!
Lani, with her favorite new All For Love Convertible Zip Top Tote, gifted from AIMEE by Aimee Kestenberg. Boots by Ally, of course!
Aimee by Aimee kestenberg
AIMEE by Aimee Kestenberg offers high fashion combined with casual and effortless style. As pictured above, Lani has this All For Love Convertible Zip Top Tote and uses it daily. It is a large tote bag that can fit a 15″ laptop as well as two water bottles. Kyle and Sloane can attest that it really fits a lot of things, as every time they see Lani with it, it’s practically stuffed to the gills.
AIMEE by Aimee Kestenberg All For Love Convertible Zip Top Tote, $378
Away
We feature Away products in our blogs frequently because they are a trusted travel brand with the best bags and pouches to keep you organized while on the go. This Leather Backpack is no exception, with multiple compartments, slots, and two exterior water bottle pockets. If your daily commute involves hopping on the train every morning, the Away Leather Backpack could be a game-changer.
Cuyana
Cuyana’s bags are simple, functional, and almost designer quality. We love their new Forma Bowler Bag due to its sleek design, roomy interior, and the convenient little outside zip pocket for your phone! Add a matching organizational accessory, like their System Flap Bag, which can be used as a purse on its own, or a cute little bag charm for some spring flair. For a lower price point, their Easy Zipper Tote is a great option. It comes in three sizes: classic, tall, and small. We have the tall version pictured below in its beautiful new cherry red color. It’s gorgeous!
Cuyana Tall Easy Zipper Tote, $328
DeMellier
Sustainably crafted in Europe, DeMellier totes are elegant and stylish, with a range of size and color options to meet your tote needs. One of their newer bags, The Florence, comes in both suede and leather with a fun woven design. Even though this company is not US-based, they offer free shipping and returns and are currently including all duties and tariffs in the price of their bags. No surprise fees here!
Ferragamo
We usually don’t feature super high-end luxury brands on the blog because we aim to remain accessible to most of our clients and readers. But this Ferragamo bag deserved a mention. More of a large handbag than a full-sized work tote, it is exquisite in design and materials. The suede version of the bag is pictured below, but click here to see the other colors and patterns the bag comes in. Decisions, decisions…
Jamie HAllEr
Jamie Halleris a brand based in Southern California with a small shop in Montecito. She is a multi-faceted designer, from fashion to historic home redesign to interior design. Most recently, she has started designing shoes. To avoid going too off the rails, we’ll stick to her tote bag. The Ring Tote is handmade in Italy with a custom stripe lining from Japan that is to die for. We realize the price point is higher than some other totes on our list, but the quality and craftsmanship are reflected in this luxurious tote’s cost.
Jamie Hollar The Ring Tote, $1,980
Leatherology
Leatherology might be one of the best values on our list of perfect work totes. The Sloan Backpack comes in mini, standard, and large. The Kress XL Tote remains a favorite from this brand. We like that the handle is longer and it has six metal feet on the bottom, but it still folds for easy storage. As always, every Leatherology bag is customizable, so add your name or initials to any bag you like.
Leatherology Sloan Backpack, $295
Leatherology Kress XL Tote, $350
Lo & Sons
Lani has been obsessed with her Lo & Sons backpack forever, and for good reason. Recently, her original Rowledge backpack got a little upgrade to the Rowledge 2 version! It now features a dedicated front pocket large enough to fit a pair of shoes and a small cosmetic bag or similar. It still has a separate back laptop pocket for easy access during travel. This backpack has multiple interior lining color options (Lani got the lavender, obvi), and you can choose between silver or gold exterior hardware.
Lo & Sons Rowledge 2 Laptop Backpack, $348.60
Matt + Nat
Matt + Nat is the brand we love for all of our vegan and cruelty-free fashion loyalists. Their totes and backpacks are affordable compared to some newer vegan leather brands, and all the bags are made with recycled materials. Their Adria Vegan Tote Bag is made cruelty-free in Italy from fruit industry waste. How cool is that?
Matt & Nat Adria Vegan Tote Bag- UPPEAL™, $340
Mina baie
Kyle explored the Mina Baie brand while searching for an aesthetic diaper bag, and we have to say, these bags are really stellar for the working mom. We realize not everyone is in that phase of life, but for those who are, these bags are genius. This Judie Tote features a padded laptop sleeve and five internal pockets and is available in canvas and suede. It fits your laptop, bottles, pump parts, and is roomy enough to use for travel.
Tory Burch
We couldn’t quit the Tory Burch Romy Tote this year. Yes, it was on the blog last year, but it’s so beautiful that it’s still one of the brand’s best sellers. The chocolate brown color is to die for. Like the aesthetic but don’t want it in a full-size tote bag? Check out their Romy Bucket Bag or the Large Romy Bucket Bag (which still fits a small laptop or tablet!)
We’ve added the Perry Tote to our list because it comes with a removable laptop pouch that snaps into place, creating a center divider. Be sure to check out all the color options for the Perry Tote.
Verafied
Verafied is a New York City-based brand that focuses on timeless versatility. They create bags that can be styled in multiple ways, emphasizing their focus on conscious consumption. We love their Espresso Suede Book Tote Bag. It has all the tote bag features one would expect, and also comes with a detachable crossbody strap, not always easy to find with a good tote bag! And just for fun, look at their cute Statement Tote Bag. Now that’s a motto we can live by!
Verafied Espresso Suede Book Tote Bag 33, $398
Verafied Statement Tote Bag, $22
Which work tote is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
Real Life Style is a style consulting firm that teaches busy women to wear their power so they can live their lives fully and confidently. Lani Inlander, Kyle Dunphy and Sloane True are based in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area and serve clients nationwide. We offer personal styling services, and an on-demand e-course.
Once in a while, you can find Lani Inlander and Real Life Style on Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Instagram. Mostly, they are happily busy serving their fabulous clients, not hanging out online!