I'm Upgrading My Boring Work Tote—32 Chic Replacements I'm Eyeing

Woman wearing black Demellier London New York work tote with cropped, button-down jacket and blue jeans standing in front of mirror

(Image credit: @anoukyve)

Regardless of your situation, the best work bags for women should have a few things in common, including durability and construction, and of course, they need to actually look good and be cool enough to wear to work and on the weekends. Long gone are the days of carrying an old tote bag that's been taken through the wringer. It's time to treat yourself to a handbag that can take you from the office to your late-night workout class or happy hour with friends.

Whether you're on the hunt for a designer option or something a little less stressful on your wallet, I've got you covered. I've curated a list of 32 work bags for women, and after scouring the internet for hours and hours, I've been able to nail down the best of the best across a wide range of price points, sizes, and styles.

Scroll and shop my edit of the best work totes and shoulder bags at every price point.

In case you haven't heard about Demellier's elegant New York tote, let me put you on. Among our editors, it feels like we have the whole collection, from the classic black tote to beautiful suede options. Although I haven't tested this one out firsthand, just seeing it being lugged around the office by three of our editors confirms everything I need to know. This is the work tote to have if you work in fashion.

The cognac colorway is high up on my list.

This beloved Parisian brand went viral in 2021 for its sophisticated take on leather totes. Try the brand's best-selling safe-for-work option, the Cyme.

No words needed—this It bag speaks for itself.

This classic tote is what associate editor Yusra Siddiqui and I are both wearing to the office at the moment. No complaints!

Another work tote from The Row that minimalists adore.

If you don't have thousands to spend on a work tote, this gorgeous alt from Freja is all you need to be thinking about.

This color!

This adorable under-$150 option is perfect for your Gen Z work bestie.

Simply lovely.

A slouchy tote will ease all my troubles.

This structured Ferragamo tote will live in your wardrobe for years to come.

If you want something fun from the Italian house, this wine cutout tote feels a bit more fresh.

My trusty Everlane Studio Bag hasn't failed me yet.

If you're looking for a work tote bag that doubles as a great travel bag for any extra-long commutes or work conferences, Béis has your back with this croc-effect stunner.

For a no-frills option, the viral Everlane New Day Market Tote should be on your radar.

Switch up your basic work bag with this dreamy Goyard find.

For well under $50, this option is a steal.

The Tokyo Tote from Demellier is another office favorite.

Another low-cost, high-joy croc-effect H&M tote to add to your shopping cart.

I've been eyeing this Khaite tote for quite some time now, and frankly, I might take the plunge.

This "if you know, you know" brand has been making swoon-worthy woven totes for years now. Pick up its viral style that doubles as a trendy work bag and a warm-weather everyday bag.

Can't you tell I have a thing for woven tote bags?

This Zara bag looks rich.

Another work-meets-tropical-getaway bag I love.

Madewell has never done me wrong.

This Who What Wear favorite ranks high on the "best of all time" list for our editors.

After seeing this bag, I think I'm a changed woman.

This bag definitely fits a water bottle, a laptop, an extra pair of comfortable shoes and all of your beauty essentials.

The fun grommets on this bag make it feel 10 times chicer.

My love for an oversize, bottomless tote bag knows no bounds.

I'll leave you with this beauty.

Assistant Shopping Editor
Ana Escalante is an award-winning journalist and Gen Z editor whose work ranges from dissecting size inclusivity at fashion week to discussing how American Girl Doll meme accounts are the the answer to society's collective spiral. She's covered it all: Queen Elizabeth II's corgis, Roe v. Wade frontline protests, and the emergence of jorts (or jean shorts for the uninitated). At Who What Wear, Ana is responsible for delivering smart, insightful, personality-driven shopping guides and trend features for a digital-first generation.

Before joining Who What Wear, Ana was Glamour magazine's editorial assistant, where she focused on daily news and special packages, including leading the brand's 2022 Met Gala coverage. For more than half a decade, she has covered style, beauty, and digital culture for publications such as Paper magazine, Harper's Bazaar, Vogue Japan, and Allure, among others. Ana has been called a rising star in media by publications such as Nylon and Teen Vogue. (Her mother, meanwhile, calls her "the coolest person" she knows.)