The 17 Best Designer Tote Bags That Are Stylish and Practical for Work
Editor's note: Article updated on January 9, 2024.
It’s in the bag! If there’s one thing we can’t live without, it’s a practical purse. How else are we supposed to lug around all our items? You never know when you’ll need miscellaneous must-haves, from hair ties to hand cream. Better safe than sorry! Just ask all of the celebs we’ve profiled for our iconic What’s In My Bag? feature.
We can barely manage to store our essentials in a clutch or crossbody on a night out, but daytime is a different story. Our work bag needs to be large enough to fit everything we need under the sun! After all, we carry our tote from home to the office and back again — sometimes making pit stops at the gym or a bar for happy hour. Not only do we need ample room to accommodate our laptop, wallet, keys and phone, but we also need extra space in case an outfit change is necessary. A working woman is basically a superhero, ready to shapeshift at the drop of a hat.
How We Picked the Best Designer Tote Bags for Work:
We always try to step up our game for the office, choosing pieces that are polished and professional. As they say: Dress for the job you want, not the job you have. We believe the same is true with accessories! A high-end purse is a wise investment — worth the price for regular use in a refined setting. Looking to promote your work bag from the mailroom to the boardroom? We narrowed down the top 17 designer tote bags that are both stylish and practical for the workplace.*
When curating this list, our main concerns were fashion and function. We searched for:
Spacious and sleek designs
At least one pocket or pouch for organizational purposes
A luxe look — we're buying designer, after all!
These totes are all top-of-the-line! Before asking for a raise (to make up for the price of these bags), raise the bar at work with these sophisticated shoppers!
1. Coach Willow Tote Bag
Elevate your work wardrobe with this Coach Willow Tote Bag. Featuring the brand’s signature C turn-lock clasp, along with over-the-shoulder straps and dual interior compartments, this large bag is open yet secure. And the center zip-pocket divider can store your iPad or other belongings you don’t want to misplace. Another perk? The pebbled leather will help prevent scratches when you’re on the go.
Pros:
Dual compartments
Pebbled leather
Cons:
Only one central pocket
Available at: Nordstrom
2. Longchamp Large Le Pliage Shoulder Tote
It doesn’t get more classic than the Longchamp Le Pliage Tote. A style staple for decades, this functional bag can fold flat for easy storage when traveling. Made with a water-resistant finish, this durable tote will also keep your items dry on a rainy day. The bag is big enough to hold your laptop, and the leather trim gives this sleek tote the look of luxury.
Pros:
Water-resistant
Foldable
Cons:
Somewhat flimsy
Available at: Nordstrom
3. Saint Laurent Shopping Leather Tote
If you’re working with a slightly larger budget, then this Saint Laurent tote bag is simply divine! Comfortable to carry, this sophisticated shopper has an open top with a tethered zip-top pouch for personal items. Made in Italy with real leather, this softly structured bag also features a subtle logo and gold hardware. One shopper gushed, “I’ve been looking for the perfect tote bag and this is it! Everything fits in there perfectly including my 13 inch MacBook. Planning on using this purse daily for work. 10/10 recommend.”
Pros:
Large
Luxe
Cons:
Expensive
Available at: Nordstrom
4. Baggallini Any Day Tote
This tote — made with water-resistant nylon — will make sure you're never missing anything on your commute. It has numerous exterior and interior pockets for stashing whatever you may need, from ID cards to lip balms to snacks. It has an adjustable strap too — and comes in numerous colors!
Pros:
On sale!
Comes with RFID phone wristlet
Cons:
One shopper noted wishing their 15-inch laptop could fit at the bottom
Available at: Amazon
5. Dagne Dover Daily Tote
This vegan leather bag is pure organization heaven! Sleek and streamlined on the outside, it has so many pockets and slots and loops for storing all of your daily essentials. A water bottle, pens, hand sanitizer — you could even fit a full change of clothes inside this tote!
Pros:
Fits 16-inch laptops
Lining is made from seven recycled plastic bottles
Cons:
Some shoppers may prefer real leather
Available at: Dagne Dover
6. Lauren Ralph Lauren Canvas & Leather Extra-Large Emerie Tote
Large and in charge! If you're looking for a bag with enough room to store your laptop, a change of clothes and any other essentials, then you need to check out this extra-large tote from Ralph Lauren. The leather trim and accent details give this bag a polished and preppy look, and we love that there are three color options!
Pros:
Interior zip and slip pockets
Extra-large size — 20 3?4 in-width
Cons:
Snap closure — some shoppers may prefer a zipper
Available at: Zappos
7. Kate Spade Ava Reversible Leather Tote
Want the designer name without the designer price? This Kate Spade leather tote delivers – and then some! Large enough to hold all your essentials but not too heavy to weigh you down. There’s also a removable coin purse so you can securely store important items. Crafted with refined grain leather, this bag is also reversible for double the color options.
Pros:
On sale and affordable
Reversible
Cons:
No large pocket
Available at: Amazon
8. Madewell The Transport Tote
There’s a good chance you’ve seen a stylish stranger sporting this everyday bag while commuting to work. The Transport Tote is Madewell’s signature style, made with vegetable-tanned sustainable leather. With a longer strap drop for shoulder comfort and an interior side zip pocket for extra safekeeping, this bag is anything but basic. One shopper called this accessory “indestructible,” while another dubbed it a “holy grail tote.” Bonus: you can personalize this bestseller!
Pros:
Bestseller
Sustainable leather
Interior side zip pocket
Cons:
None
Available at: Madewell
9. Chloé Large Grained Calfskin Leather Tote
Crafted from grained leather with suede lining, this larger-than-life tote bag brings together modern and vintage vibes. Featuring tassel closure and whipstitched handles, this calfskin purse is a boho-chic beauty. Spacious enough to hold all of your belongings and more, this tote is made for travel. And the cashmere grey color is such a dreamy neutral!
Pros:
Very large
Boho-chic details
Cons:
No zipper closure
Available at: Nordstrom
10. Rebecca Minkoff Megan Leather Tote
This Rebecca Minkoff tote is totes adorbs! The clip-lock hardware adds some fashionable flair to this black leather bag. Large enough to fit a laptop, this gorgeous bag is structured and spacious. As one shopper said, "Gorgeous, soft, perfect size for me. And lightweight."
Pros:
Pockets
Roomy
Cons:
No zip closure
Available at: Zappos
11. Tory Burch Perry Triple Compartment Tote Bag
A fresh take on a popular style, the Tory Burch Perry Tote Bag is bigger and better than ever. This updated version features more pockets for organization, longer straps for extra comfort and additional space. Made with Italian pebbled leather, this large tote also includes a center zip pocket, protective metal feet and a removable charm. Plenty of room to carry a 13-inch laptop or other items from the office.
Pros:
Large
Four compartments
Cons:
Most reviews are glowing, but a few shoppers took issue with the straps
Available at: Tory Burch
12. Modern Picnic Vegan Leather Tote
Head to the office in sustainable style with this vegan leather tote! Accompanied by a removable insulated pouch, this bag includes metal feet and gold hardware. This sharp shopper also features zip closure, an open back pocket and an interior zip pocket for additional storage and security.
Pros:
Sustainable
Zip closure and multiple pockets
Cons:
Hard to find any!
Available at: Saks Fifth Avenue
13. Christian Louboutin Cabata Leather Tote
You’re probably familiar with Christian Louboutin’s iconic red-bottom heels, but allow Us to introduce you to this equally fabulous leather tote. Adorned with the brand’s signature spike embellishment at the handle, this bag is also marked by silver hardware and a flat contrast bottom with the Louboutin logo. Other details of note? One interior compartment with a removable zip pouch, a dual top handle and an open top with lobster clasp closure.
Pros:
Signature details
Chic appearance
Cons:
Only one zip pouch
Available at: Saks Fifth Avenue
14. Salvatore Ferragamo Travel Leather Tote
One of the most legendary labels on the market, Salvatore Ferragamo is known for crafting luxury shoes. Just like the brand's famous footwear, this calfskin-leather tote is minimalist in construction yet unique in design. With signature gold logo hardware and tonal topstitching, this sleek bag lives up to Ferragamo’s reputation.
Pros:
Luxe details
Interior zipper pocket
Cons:
Expensive
Available at: Nordstrom
15. Michael Kors Jet Set Leather Tote
Whether you’re traveling to the office or traveling to another city, this Michael Kors Jet Set Leather Tote will get you to your destination without a hitch. Crafted from Saffiano leather, this roomy tote has the most pockets of any bag on this list. There’s two outside side open pockets, one inside zip pocket, three inside open pockets and an inside cell phone pocket. Plus, top zip closure! Never lose a pen, beauty product or paper clip again!
Pros:
Ample pockets
Zip closure
On sale!
Cons:
Not as large as other totes
Available at: Zappos
16. Marc Jacobs Women’s The Tote Bag
Searching for a tote bag with a more relaxed look? Try this popular Marc Jacobs style, made with sturdy canvas. Stand out from all the other black bags at the office with big block lettering and the label’s signature patch.
Pros:
Made with sturdy canvas
Relaxed style
Cons:
Not for the quiet luxury trend
Available at: Amazon
17. The Row Leather Tote
If there's one thing you should know about Us, it's that we've been fans of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen since Full House — twinning! So, naturally, we're also obsessed with the Olsen twins' luxury line The Row. This classic tote bag by the Row is a stunning staple for everyday use. Made with grained Italian leather, this tote bag features dual top flat handles and a detachable interior pouch to keep all your stuff safe.
Pros:
Interior pouch
Spacious
Cons:
No zipper closure
Available at: Saks Fifth Avenue
*Editor's Note: Updated on May 16, 2023.
Other Designer Totes We Love:
13 Best Designer Tote Bags for Every Type of Shopper
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