Your search for the perfect work bag is over, thanks to Everlane

Everlane launches its new Form bag. (Photo: Courtesy of Everlane; art: Quinn Lemmers for Yahoo Lifestyle)
Everlane launches its new Form bag. (Photo: Courtesy of Everlane; art: Quinn Lemmers for Yahoo Lifestyle)

Yahoo Lifestyle would like to introduce you to #TheCurrent, a column by Yahoo Fashion Editor Julie Tong, in which she gives her stamp of approval to some of the latest fashion products and launches.

Like many working women, I have struggled to find the perfect work bag that is not only stylish but also functional. Enter Everlane’s new Form bag.

The bag looks and feels luxurious due to its supple Italian leather and visible craftsmanship. It has a magnetic closure and a wide, adjustable fabric strap. The Form bag is available in three colors: black, cognac, and a dark green.

I personally like the cognac color the most — my current bag collection is overwhelmingly black already, so in an attempt to deviate from my usual go-to bags, I thought the cognac shade would be the perfect addition. It’s still neutral enough that I could easily pair it with my day-to-day wardrobe.

I tried out the Form bag for five days, carrying it to and from the office. Below are my three key takeaways.

Everlane’s form bag in cognac. (Photo: Julie Tong)
Everlane’s form bag in cognac. (Photo: Julie Tong)

Lightweight and comfortable

My commute typically takes 45 minutes to an hour door-to-door. This means I need a bag that will rest comfortably on my shoulder throughout the whole commute. This bag does the trick. Thanks to its comfortable, wide fabric strap, I can wear it on my shoulder or across my body and store my laptop, wallet, keys, and phone without getting a backache.

Everlane’s Form bag in black. (Photo: Courtesy of Everlane)
Everlane’s Form bag in black. (Photo: Courtesy of Everlane)

Minimal design allows for optimal function

The bag has a clean, simple design. There are no crazy zippers, outside pockets, or contraptions. Instead, it features two magnetic button closures. I love this feature, as it allows my bag to be secure without my having to fuss around with a zipper or complicated clasp when I need to grab something quickly. The bag features only one large interior pocket, and I love this because it allows me to easily access my subway card, keys, and phone without a hitch. The bag also comfortably stores a water bottle, a notebook, and a book seamlessly. Unfortunately, the bag does not include a strap to hold your water bottle in place or a leash for keys.

Laptop friendly

The bag is laptop friendly, but not without a few restrictions. The bag measures 13 inches high by 5 inches deep by 10.5 inches long. So yes, it does fit a 13-inch laptop comfortably, but only if it’s placed horizontally inside the bag and without a protective case.

With a case, it becomes much more difficult to slide in and out. Alternatively, you can place your laptop in vertically (which I have done and don’t mind), but in this scenario the magnetic closure does not close, as the laptop’s edge reaches the top of the bag’s brim. Therefore, I could understand this being a deal-breaker for some shoppers.

Everlane’s Form bag in dark green. (Photo: Courtesy of Everlane)
Everlane’s Form bag in dark green. (Photo: Courtesy of Everlane)

The bag retails for $235, which is pricier than many work totes and handbags, but it’s significantly less expensive than offerings from luxury designers like Saint Laurent, Gucci, and Balenciaga, whose leather handbags can retail for $1,000 on up.

You can always find a more affordable tote bag from stores like Zara or H&M, but the difference here is quality and longevity. How many times have you had to throw out your work bag a year (or less) after buying one from a fast-fashion store?

Everlane’s bag hits at a fair price point for its quality, design, and functionality. In my opinion, it’s the best work bag that has been designed in years. Shop the new Form bag now on everlane.com for $235.

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