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A Big Work Bag Edit

You asked, I scrolled! Sleek, chic totes under $500 that say “I am a professional adult” even when you’re in a sweatshirt. Plus, a few dream splurges...

Alisha Ramos

Apr 23

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Welcome back to another installment of the Style Notes column at Downtime. Today, I’m sharing the fruits of endless hours of digging through various brands’ and retailers’ websites to bring you the best finds. I opened many, many tabs so you don’t have to! [Reminder: You can always opt out of the Style column right here.]

Q: Can you help me find a good work bag for spring?

I sure can. And spoiler: I’ve been looking, too.

Technically, I work from home, but that hasn’t stopped me from becoming deeply invested in the idea of a polished, grown-up bag. Something that says, “I’ve got my life together,” even if I’m wearing a sweatshirt with some avocado on it from toddler snack time (which I am).

Here’s what we’re looking for:

Something that fits a laptop or iPad without feeling like a laptop bag
Structured enough to balance out any soft, oversized clothing
Under $500, ideally. Though I have included a few splurges below, because I believe in aspirational scrolling!
Will fit a iPad and/or laptop, plus all our other daily accoutrements (wallet, book/Kindle, snack, lip balm, sunnies, emergency post-daycare snacks, etc.)
Feels “polished,” i.e. leather, has a bit of hardware, feels sleek, chic, and professional (and absolutely NO logos)

Before we get into the list, I need to level with you. I want to be the kind of person investing in a sleek new work bag this season, but realistically, I’ll be hauling my laptop in a trusty LL Bean Boat Tote (or maybe this Land’s End one??) to and from the coffee shop. I also have my beloved zip-top Longchamp¹, a true workhorse that’s been with me through several life stages. Love to be in my schlubby, WFH, snacks-in-the-pocket parenting era. If anyone wants to invite me into their office so I can cosplay a Real Office Worker™ for the day, please do. I’ll even wear trousers!

Work Bags I’d Recommend to a Friend (You):

UNDER $500

Madewell’s bucket leather totes are gorgeous. I prefer their suede, but this black one looks nice too. $169 (plus 30% off now, at the time of writing).
A large, structured tote. Fits a 16” laptop and easily fits onto your shoulder. It can stand up on its own when you set it down. Just a good, basic bag with no visible branding. I’d love to find more work bags in this silhouette… $368.
A bucket tote with just enough room for up to 14” laptops. It reminds me of Celine’s bucket bags. Love the subtle gold hardware detail. $278.
Cuyana’s leather tote is a crowd favorite and I can vouch for their quality! $268
A woven faux-leather tote that has Dragon Diffusion vibes, at a lower price point. It would add some nice textural interest to a work outfit. $198.
A simple and chic suede shopper tote, very now in a rich caramel color. $149.
A raffia meets leather moment for more casual work environments, on sale for $149. (Note: Check the sizing to ensure it will fit your laptop. The site says it has a height of 12.5”)
Another suede shopper bag option in a 70s vibe burnt orange colorway. $99.
Another beautiful suede option, though if you’re feeling adventurous (and your workplace is more casual,) this red patent leather color would be my pick. FUN! $390.
A wild card for you: a leather lime woven bag. (Check the measurements; a smaller laptop would fit.) $475.
A beautiful, woven, black leather tote with an elegant shape. Would fit a tablet. $350
Bonus find! A vintage Banana Republic *leather* woven tote from the 90’s. $159.

A quick PSA: I love searching secondhand sites first before buying a bag. You might be surprised by what you find! I like using the Beni Chrome extension for this, and doing a quick search of Vestiaire, Depop, TheRealReal, etc. to see if any of these pop up secondhand. Save your money! :)

OPTIONS IN THE $500–$1000 ZONE (aka “I just got a promotion” energy):

A uniquely shaped leather tote. You can also tuck the sides in for a completely different shape. Made in Spain. $540.
Tory Burch, I see you. This bag is so chic and gorgeous, and the PRICE is RIGHT! The petite version in white is at the tippy top of my wishlist. $568.
Demellier makes the most beautiful bags that are understated, yet not boring. This green suede tote is so pretty. The classic black version is on my wishlist. (Note: This bag does not fit a 13" device or higher; it can only fit an 11" laptop or iPad—but they’ve got a larger version, too!) $595.
Veronica Beard makes a polished, simple tote with an adjustable strap and belted detail. $598
I just love the color and shape of this suede tote so much!!! $675.
A classic, understated black leather tote, made in Italy. I love the little gold hardware detail. $795
Don’t sleep on Longchamp! I was delighted by this chic hobo/bucket tote bag. Chic!! (Check dimensions, as always. It’s got 11.8” in height.) $825.
An everyday carry-all soft leather tote, with a bold interior lining. This one doesn’t have a zip top, so beware, chaotic commuters. $895.

And just for fun, here are some of my personal DREAM work bags…

Audrey Large Tote Bag in Grain Leather 0 — She’s a beaut.

If we’re talkin’ totes with no budget, I love this Tom Ford, this new suede Toteme, and think Savette can do no wrong. This Proenza is so nice, too (or really any of the Proenza totes). And if anyone has five grand to send my way (LOL)…

Q: I need some transitional jacket ideas!

I recently shared my linen trench coat (a secondhand find on TheRealReal, though it’s also on The Outnet for more than what I paid) on Instagram and got this question in my DM’s.

Transitional jackets have always been tricky for me, as someone who lives in a climate where the idea of a transitional jacket seems really nice for about two weeks in the spring. After that, you basically want to wear a linen dress, preferably with built-in A/C for most of the muggy days whilst swimming through - er, walking - the humid air.

But still, they are such a draw. A jacket is the first thing someone will see on your body. A neutral jacket can tamp down an exciting top (or bottom), a structured jacket can give some polish to all your drapey soft things, and a jacket can also help you mess around with proportions and length in a playful way (I love wearing a long trench with shorts or a mini, for example).

Neutral jacket, exciting shorts! (By Malene Birger linen trench, the best $12 sweatshirt, ALIGNE crochet shorts*, Freda Salvador fisherman sandals*. *=PR gifts)

This is subjective of course, but IMO the best transitional jackets are not stiff and allow for movement and breathability for maximum versatility as we enter the warmer spring months.

Here are some ideas, continued beyond the paywall today…...

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