8 work bags for your 9-5 and beyond

Hauling a 5-kg work bag down crowded streets, into tiny tube spaces or stuffing it under the bar at happy hour can be a pain, especially if yours is looking worse for wear. So, we've tracked down eight office-appropriate bags that won’t be a drag to carry around. In fact, you might even find yourself reaching for them on a Saturday to lend a bit of polish to your jumper, jeans and trainer uniform. From handy cross-body bags bags to chic work-to-gym totes, shop the best work bags for the new year right here.

 

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The best bag for travelling light

Ted Harrlee Soft

 

If you've got a busy day of meetings, you won't want to be lugging a huge, heavy tote bag all day long. Ted Baker's smart Harrlee bag is deceptively roomy and will easily fit a notebook, purse and makeup essentials without being unwieldly on your commute.


Ted Baker Harrlee Satchel, £169

 


The best work-to-gym bag

Day-Et Gwen Work Tote

 

Lugging your gym kit and laptop in separate totes is arduous and awkward, so why not commute with them all in one space? With its utilitarian nylon fabric, Day-et’s Gwen Tote bag is spacious enough to hold a laptop, trainers and activewear, and look pretty chic doing it.

 


Day-Et Gwen Work Tote, £35

 


The best work backpack



Kate Spade Polly Backpack

 

No longer reserved for school children, the backpack has gained serious fashion credentials in recent years. Kate Spade's soft leather version is detailed with nifty pockets and has a top handle, so you can carry it in-hand on the tube.


Kate Spade Polly Backpack, £350

 


The best bag for a business trip


Radley Travel Holdall

 

Weekend bags make getting from A to B a lot easier – but they also do it in style. With a shoe garage, large pockets and a shoulder strap for multiple travelling options, whether you’re on the tube or catching a flight, this sleek, roomy style will feel less cumbersome than a suitcase .


Radley Travel Holdall, £99

 


The best everyday work bag



Michael Kors Bedford Tote Bag

 

If you're looking for a forever piece to take to the office, get the most from your investment with a classic design. The clean silhouette of this Michael Kors style will transcend trends. It’s big enough for all of your daily essentials, has compartments for stowing your bits and bobs, and will look just as good on the weekend with a Breton top and jeans.


Michael Kors Bedford Tote Bag, £195

 


The best desk-to-drinks bag



Love Moschino Chain Cross Body Bag

 

A weeknight dinner or drinks with friends, whatever the plan is, stopping off at home might not be an option, so having a bag that can aesthetically pull double-duty is key. The gold finishings on this Love Moschino number allow it to seamlessly transition from day to night..

 

Love Moschino Chain Cross Body Bag, £130

 


The best vegan work bag



Labante Sara Vegan Black Hobo Bag

 

Vegan leather has come a long way in the past couple of years, and this iteration is no exception. Timelessly classic in pale beige and big enough for your essentials, this spacious vegan hobo bag is the ideal upgrade for your go-to black shoulder bag.


Labante Sara Vegan Black Hobo Bag, £119.99

 


Our favourite double-take work bag

Millie Tote Tartan Check Canvas

Add a touch of fun and flair to your everyday uniform with this tartan drawstring style from the British leatherwork masters at Mulberry. It has a softly structured silhouette that's deceptively roomy so you can forget packing light and fill 'er up.


Mulberry Millie Tote Tartan Check Canvas Bag £895