STYLE
What’s My Work Bag Style?
From the effortlessly stylish carryall to the refined top-handle bag, these are the work bag styles we stand behind.
- Carryalls, top-handles, crossbodies and totes all make for functional, stylish work bag picks.
- To discover the style that’s best for you, read through a few of our go-to picks, plus what each silhouette says about your personal style.
The bag you carry to work with you every day should complement your personal style—elevating all your go-to business casual looks with ease. Before choosing your sophisticated plus-one for the workplace, consider the overall vibe you’re after.
From understated style to structured sophistication, there’s a work bag style for everyone. Here are a few of our recommendations by bag type—plus what each says about your work style priorities.
For Effortless, Understated Style: The Carryall
Spacious, streamlined, simple—if those are the qualities you’re looking for in your next everyday work bag, an expandable carryall will get the job done. Built to take on even the busiest days with ease, the Brooklyn is known for its roomy, slouchy silhouette and minimalist design. It’s an effortless, understated pick for those who would rather set trends than follow them.
While certainly large enough for all your work essentials—think laptop, notebook and even a change of shoes—the Brooklyn offers more than just a spacious interior. With an internal magnetic snap closure for your smaller belongings like your phone, card case or AirPods, the Brooklyn makes it easy to stay organized on your commute. Throw the bag over your shoulder and go—it’s that simple.
And when crafted of Natural Grain Leather, the Brooklyn develops a beautifully well-loved character (or patina) as it ages, so all those days spent riding the train or grabbing coffee with coworkers will be reflected on your Brooklyn years and years later, serving as a living record of your story.
Style Picks: Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 34, Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39
While certainly large enough for all your work essentials—think laptop, notebook and even a change of shoes—the Brooklyn offers more than just a spacious interior. With an internal magnetic snap closure for your smaller belongings like your phone, card case or AirPods, the Brooklyn makes it easy to stay organized on your commute. Throw the bag over your shoulder and go—it’s that simple.
And when crafted of Natural Grain Leather, the Brooklyn develops a beautifully well-loved character (or patina) as it ages, so all those days spent riding the train or grabbing coffee with coworkers will be reflected on your Brooklyn years and years later, serving as a living record of your story.
Style Picks: Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 34, Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39
For a Sophisticated Silhouette: The Top-Handle
Roomy yet refined, top-handle bags are a timeless fashion staple, bringing a sense of polished sophistication to every moment and every style. As their name suggests, you can carry these bags by the handle or around the forearm. There are also plenty of top-handle bags that have detachable or adjustable straps so they can be worn as shoulder or crossbody bags when you need that extra hand for holding your coffee.
If you appreciate a vintage-inspired silhouette with the refined vibe of a top-handle bag, the Empire does it all. Soft yet still structured, the Empire’s hybrid silhouette is the perfect blend of spacious and stylish. Stash your laptop (up to 13”), notebook and water bottle in the roomy interior and keep your phone, keys and wallet in the internal snap pocket for added organization. Carry the Empire by the top handles or sling your bag across the body while scanning your badge or sipping your coffee.
Style Picks: Soft Empire Carryall Bag 40, Soft Empire Carryall Bag 48
If you appreciate a vintage-inspired silhouette with the refined vibe of a top-handle bag, the Empire does it all. Soft yet still structured, the Empire’s hybrid silhouette is the perfect blend of spacious and stylish. Stash your laptop (up to 13”), notebook and water bottle in the roomy interior and keep your phone, keys and wallet in the internal snap pocket for added organization. Carry the Empire by the top handles or sling your bag across the body while scanning your badge or sipping your coffee.
Style Picks: Soft Empire Carryall Bag 40, Soft Empire Carryall Bag 48
For Structured Shoulder Wear: The Tote Bag
Spacious, durable and designed for everyday living, the tote bag balances professionalism and functionality with grace. Totes with spacious, structured silhouettes offer plenty of room for everything the workday may call for, all while maintaining a refined, wearable silhouette that hangs comfortably over the shoulder.
If pockets and zippers are what you’re looking for in a work bag, the tote might be your style. Take on the day with the City Tote or Station Tote—both styles feature internal pockets and organizational features that will make your commute that much easier. And just because they’re known for their practicality doesn’t mean they’re not also stylish. A high-quality tote will look the park of the sophisticated plus-one, too.
Style Picks: City Tote Bag, Station Tote Bag
If pockets and zippers are what you’re looking for in a work bag, the tote might be your style. Take on the day with the City Tote or Station Tote—both styles feature internal pockets and organizational features that will make your commute that much easier. And just because they’re known for their practicality doesn’t mean they’re not also stylish. A high-quality tote will look the park of the sophisticated plus-one, too.
Style Picks: City Tote Bag, Station Tote Bag
For a Hands-Free Commute: The Crossbody
Hectic commutes call for bags that prioritize convenience. Whether you find yourself rushing to catch the train every morning or need your hands for your coffee and phone while walking to work, a crossbody bag takes functionality to the next level (without sacrificing style).
For a roomy pick that distributes the weight across your body when carrying heavier items like your laptop and notebook, try the Bleecker Bucket Bag. It’s a grab-and-go style designed to take on larger, bulkier essentials all while maintaining a streamlined silhouette. Plus, the crossbody comes with a removable zip pouch to organize smaller essentials. Say goodbye to digging around your carryall for your card case or AirPods.
Style Picks: Bleecker Bucket Bag 36
For a roomy pick that distributes the weight across your body when carrying heavier items like your laptop and notebook, try the Bleecker Bucket Bag. It’s a grab-and-go style designed to take on larger, bulkier essentials all while maintaining a streamlined silhouette. Plus, the crossbody comes with a removable zip pouch to organize smaller essentials. Say goodbye to digging around your carryall for your card case or AirPods.
Style Picks: Bleecker Bucket Bag 36
Discover even more styles you’ll love.
FAQs: You asked. We’ve answered.
What bag color will go best with my work wardrobe?
What bag color will go best with my work wardrobe?
When choosing a versatile, professional bag color for work, neutrals are always a timeless, safe choice. Consider handbags in shades of warm brown, navy, black or white for a bag that will never fail to complement your work wardrobe—colorful blazers included.
What are the best materials for work bags?
What are the best materials for work bags?
The best work bags are crafted of high-quality, durable materials that are made to be lived in and lived with.
For more details, visit our guides to leather and non-leather bag materials.
- Pebbled Leather: Soft and easygoing, pebbled leather is recognizable by its distinctive, special pebbled grain.
- Glovetanned Leather: Soft, supple and as durable as its namesake the baseball glove, Glovetanned earned us our name as the Original American House of Leather. Wear it out to wear it in. It will only get more beautiful with age.
- Canvas: Coach canvas is a durable and easygoing material crafted with the everyday in mind.
For more details, visit our guides to leather and non-leather bag materials.
What are the different ways I can accessorize my work bag?
What are the different ways I can accessorize my work bag?
Straps, charms and keychains are the on-trend way to transform any bag without making permanent changes. For a dressier look, try our chain-link designs or stands of pearls. For a personality-filled choice, explore our variety of charms. Check out our guide to accessorizing for more unique ways to personalize your bag.