The best work bags, according to the Fashion Journal team
IMAGE VIA ST AGNI
WORDS BY DAISY HENRY
A bag that fits it all.
You can take any direction when picking a work bag. In my career, I’ve walked into the office wearing anything from an old wrinkled tote to a vintage designer bag. Whichever way you go, it has to meet certain criteria. For one, it has to be practical.
Whether you’re carrying a laptop back and forth from the office each day, or you just need enough room for your emotional support drink bottle, it’s always better to size up.
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You also want it to be well-made enough that it makes you feel confident and put-together each morning, but not so special that it won’t withstand the trials and tribulations of your nine-to-five. Below we share our current favourite work bags.
Molly Griffin, Fashion Journal’s Advertising and Partnerships Manager
Camilla and Marc Como Tote
I bought this Camilla and Marc tote bag to celebrate a career milestone and it has stuck with me for years. It fits every single thing I (and all my co-workers) will ever need if we are stuck in the office for multiple days at a time and the neutral colour goes with everything. When I’m running with my bag in one hand and a coffee in the other and the coffee of course spills on the bag it’s easy to clean.
Get it here.
Daisy Henry, Fashion Journal’s Assistant Editor
St Agni Woven Large Tote
This is my dream work bag. St Agni is one of my favourite Australian labels and their designs always feel ahead of the curve. This one would be an investment piece, but I know it would be great cost-per-wear and I’d feel great wearing it. It’s the perfect size, so it’s not only practical but the woven style is a stylish point of difference from other bags I own.
Get it here.
Kaya Martin, Fashion Journal staff writer
Justine Clenquet Uma XL Black Bag
I never want my work bag to be too worky. I want a bag that breathes a little life into my nine to five and this glossy Justine Clenquet offering does just that. With built-in piercings, a square silhouette and little metal feet to keep it standing upright, it’s flirty and fun but not too NSFW. No matter how business casual your look of the day is, this bag will give it a little edge.
Get it here.
Cait Emma Burke, Fashion Journal’s Editor
St Agni Oversized Nubuck Satchel
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I’m a sucker for a crossbody bag, particularly a roomy one I can stuff all my necessary bits and pieces into (multiple lip products, sunglasses, a book, laptop, drink bottle, random trinkets). The Cos one I have is feeling a little worse for wear, so I’ve had my eye on this appealingly oversized satchel from St Agni. I adore the super thick crossbody strap and large buckle and know it would be ideal for those days when you have post-work plans and need to bring extra things with you.
Get it here.
Daisy Henry, Fashion Journal’s Assistant Editor
Agnès B Logo-Appliqué Canvas Tote Bag
I found a vintage Agnès B tote bag in Japan and it’s since been my go-to for just about everything. It’s plain, with a small white logo on the front and it goes with any outfit. It’s the perfect size and fits anything from my laptop, to after-work groceries. Plus, it’s nice enough that if I’m going to a work event I still feel dressed up. I’ve linked a similar one below.
Get it here.
Georgina Woolcock, Fashion Journal’s Partnerships and Campaign Executive
Sage Avenue Edition Eleven
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In my eyes, Sage Avenue can do no wrong. Founded by designer Priya McPherson from a love for finding distinctive vintage pieces, the label has created small quantities of every kind of bag imaginable, from large, slouchy crossbodies that fit a laptop to smaller purses for a night out. Edition Eleven is currently sold out (as are all of the label’s bags), but if they’re ever restocked, I’m first on the waitlist.
Check out the label here.
Cait Emma Burke, Fashion Journal’s Editor
Florist Floating Hibiscus Bag
I’ve been pining after a Florist bag – specifically this one – for years. The Australian-owned, New York-based label hand makes everything to order and the friends that have bags from Florist rave about the quality. It’s big enough to fit my laptop and other essentials and can be worn crossbody or over the shoulder, which is a must for me with a work bag. The coloured embroidery adds a little injection of personality too – I never want my bag to be too minimal.
Get it here.
Kaya Martin, Fashion Journal staff writer
NGV x P.A.M. Tote Bag
A canvas tote is an absolute essential for me, but I’m SO picky about them. First, it needs to be black (canvas gets dirty) and made from good, thick cotton, not the cheap stuff. Second, it needs to be big enough to hold a laptop, a huge water bottle, a book and my groceries. Finally, it needs to look cool. This NGV x Perks and Mini collaboration checks all the boxes.
Get it here.
Molly Griffin, Fashion Journal’s Advertising and Partnerships Manager
Yu Mei Teresa Tote
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On my wishlist is the Teresa Tote in Kiwi Suede by NZ brand Yu Mei, I love the statement colour and it’s an easy way to add a bit of sparkle to an otherwise boring work fit. Spacious enough to fit a “laptop, spare jumper, iPhone, notebook—even a pair of extra shoes” perfect for those of us who like to always be prepared.
Get it here.
Georgina Woolcock, Fashion Journal’s Partnerships and Campaign Executive
FLO in Cherry by Georgia Jay
Described as the “perfect everyday bag for the lover of clean lines and practical proportions”, this bag from Auckland-based label is the perfect combination of slouchy and structured. It features easily accessible internal pockets and a top zip to keep everything secure, which means I feel safe doubling up and using it as a carry-on hand luggage when travelling. I have my eye on the Italian Nappa leather in the cherry shade, but it comes in twelve different colours and materials so there’s a style that’ll suit every person’s wardrobe.
Get it here.
For more work bag recommendations, head here.
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