The best errand bags, according to Sydney stylist Marisa Suen

On the go.

A day in the life of a stylist can involve anything from picking up props and accessories to lugging around heavy equipment and gear for set. Every day is different – a series of errands that could take them down the street, or running back and forth across town.

It’s probably no surprise that a stylist’s work bag needs to keep up with the demands of their day. It needs to be practical and functional, while also showcasing their personal style. While some bags might be more fitting for small parcels and accessories, others will need to be big enough to fit several pairs of shoes, a laptop, a sewing kit and a steamer.

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If anyone knows where to find a good errand bag, it’s a stylist. They each inevitably have their favourites, whether it’s a special designer bag, a one-off thrift find, or something as simple as a grocery bag. And there’s no question that Sydney-based stylist Marisa Suen has one of the best collections out there. Find her tried and tested favourites below.

Grocery bags

This is very much “We have birkin at home…”. [Even if] I haven’t slept, haven’t brushed my hair, crawling out of my house in the worst outfit imaginable for a quick shoot prep errand, all is redeemed with this bag! I have so many of these in different colourways. I have them lying around at all times filled with various clothing, accessories, shoes, parcels etc. I almost always get asked on the street where I got them from.

Big Black Baggu

This one is [almost] cosplaying Santa. I absolutely love this sack! I got that damn thang on me at all times. It folds down easily, is compact and so light. Its functionality at its core. This sack actually fits so much – more than you can imagine. I’m always accumulating things in it on one big errand [and] it fits a big, cardboard package, too. I not only use this one for errands, but I use it for groceries too!

Vintage Comme des Garçons

If you know me, you know I’ve always been a Comme girl, so, of course, a Comme bag made it onto this list. It’s conveniently long and has a wide base, but not in a bulky way. The straps are just long enough that I can carry this on my shoulder, too. I love it more for carrying a bunch of smaller parcels to the post or carrying gear, kits and random bits for set. [It] fits a steamer perfectly – and could even fit two!

MM6 Margiela Medium Tote

The insufferable Margiela tote… Again, this one surprisingly fits more than you think! [There’s] something about it – you can keep stuffing it. I love this one because it can also fit a 13-inch laptop! Not many (cute) bags can do that, without being annoyingly big. It’s [also] a bento bag, so it actually can be buttoned up (at the bottom) and become a bag with a wide base too.

Trompe L’œil Shopper

Drawn to this bag in the window of a pop-up vintage store in Tokyo, I immediately went inside and asked how much it was. The girl said it wasn’t for sale, but instead just gave it to me! [I’m] still in awe of this moment to this day, it was so sweet! [It] fits heaps and it’s fun and functional!

Vintage Balenciaga Day Bag

Honestly, someone needs to surgically remove this bag from me. I’ve been using this bag almost every day recently for months. I have it in two colourways. I love its slouch and it can actually be filled up quite a lot.

Speedo Mesh Tote

This is definitely a diving or sports equipment bag. I found it in an athletic shop in Japan. It’s so silly and chic – I love using things not for their intended purpose. The mesh is really sturdy (probably due to the fact that it’s made for sports equipment) [and] it fits big cardboard packages really well so you can carry them more easily.

For more fashion advice from Marisa, head here.