STYLE
What’s in My Bag: Intern Edition
What to bring to an internship, plus bag styles designed for busy commutes.
- The best internship bags seamlessly blend professionalism with functionality for a sophisticated, confidence-boosting style.
- Before deciding on the one, consider what you’ll be taking with you to the office every day.
- Here are a few of the most practical (and still stylish) choices for internships.
Whether you’re prepping for your first internship or heading back to the office for a second year, chances are you’re starting to think about what exactly you’ll need to bring with you in your internship bag. From technology like your laptop and chargers to miscellaneous items like your water bottle and umbrella, all the essentials you take with you on a day-to-day basis need to fit in your internship handbag with ease—all while hanging comfortably over your shoulder or across your body. And let’s not forget, your bag needs to look the part, too.
Everyone needs a stylish plus-one they can trust, especially when it comes to busy commutes. Here’s what to bring to an internship, plus bag styles that can handle the pressure.
What’s in My Internship Bag?
Before diving into specific bag styles and silhouettes, it’s essential to think about what you plan on bringing to the office on a day-to-day basis. From there, you can evaluate what type of bag— tote, top-handle or large shoulder bag, for example—you really need to take on your internship in style (and with confidence). Below are a few of the most common items to consider.
Essentials: Phone, keys, wallet or card case
Technology: Laptop, tablet, chargers, headphones
Cosmetics: Makeup pouch, hairbrush, lip product
Miscellaneous: Water bottle, sunglasses, umbrella, packed lunch, change of shoes or extra sweater
Essentials: Phone, keys, wallet or card case
Technology: Laptop, tablet, chargers, headphones
Cosmetics: Makeup pouch, hairbrush, lip product
Miscellaneous: Water bottle, sunglasses, umbrella, packed lunch, change of shoes or extra sweater
The Best Internship Bags
Now that you know what you’ll need to carry, the next step is finding an internship bag that works as hard as you do. From slouchy carryalls to structured totes, these internship bags are designed to move with you, even on the busiest days.
The Shoulder Bag
Spacious, streamlined and simple, the Brooklyn is a modern take on our first tote. The carryall’s slouchy, relaxed silhouette expands to take on all your internship essentials, from laptops to notebooks or even a change of shoes for the office.
Capacity aside, the Brooklyn is a stylish yet low-key choice, ensuring you always look effortlessly put together (even on the days you’re rushing out the door). Designed in a silhouette that softens as you wear it, the Brooklyn is made for everyday living, developing a beautiful, well-loved character with every train or bus ride to come.
Style Picks: Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 34, Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39
The Shoulder Bag
Spacious, streamlined and simple, the Brooklyn is a modern take on our first tote. The carryall’s slouchy, relaxed silhouette expands to take on all your internship essentials, from laptops to notebooks or even a change of shoes for the office.
Capacity aside, the Brooklyn is a stylish yet low-key choice, ensuring you always look effortlessly put together (even on the days you’re rushing out the door). Designed in a silhouette that softens as you wear it, the Brooklyn is made for everyday living, developing a beautiful, well-loved character with every train or bus ride to come.
Style Picks: Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 34, Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39
Brooklyn 34
Measurements
- Length: 15.25" Height: 17.0" Width: 4.75"
- Inside snap pocket
- Magnetic snap closure
- Fits a 13” laptop
- Handle with 12.5" drop
Brooklyn 39
Measurements
- Length: 14.25" Height: 7.75" Width: 4.75"
- Inside snap pocket
- Magnetic snap closure
- Fits a 15” laptop
- Handle with 12.5" drop
The Top-Handle
Roomy top-handle bags are built for workdays—throw in your tech, notebooks and packed lunch, grab your bag by the handles (or sling it across your body for crossbody wear), and go. Not only do convertible top-handle bags look polished; they’re also incredibly convenient when it comes to hands-free commuting.
With a vintage-inspired silhouette, the Empire brings serious sophistication to any business casual look. Pair the smooth Natural Grain Leather exterior with your matching tailored skirt suit for a put together style that’s subtly statement-worthy.
Style Picks: Soft Empire Carryall Bag 40, Soft Empire Carryall Bag 48
With a vintage-inspired silhouette, the Empire brings serious sophistication to any business casual look. Pair the smooth Natural Grain Leather exterior with your matching tailored skirt suit for a put together style that’s subtly statement-worthy.
Style Picks: Soft Empire Carryall Bag 40, Soft Empire Carryall Bag 48
Empire 40
Measurements
- Length: 15.75" Height: 11.5" Width: 6.0"
- Inside snap pocket
- Zip-top closure
- Inside lanyard with dogleash clip
- Fits a 13" laptop
- Four protective feet at base
- Handles with 4.5" drop
- Detachable strap with 21.5" drop for shoulder or crossbody wear
Empire 48
Measurements
- Length: 18.75" Height: 13.75" Width: 7.0"
- Inside snap pocket
- Zip-top closure
- Inside lanyard with dogleash clip
- Fits a 13" laptop
- Four protective feet at base
- Handles with 4.5" drop
- Detachable strap with 21.5" drop for shoulder or crossbody wear
The Tote
Spacious yet structured, totes offer plenty of room for all the workday necessities, all while maintaining a refined, wearable silhouette that hangs comfortably over your shoulder throughout your commute, whether that involves train and bus rides or long walks through the city.
Totes crafted of high-quality materials like pebbled leather or Signature Canvas will read as formal, especially when paired with all your business casual looks (think monochromatic pantsuits, silk skirts or pleated dresses).
Style Picks: City Tote Bag
Totes crafted of high-quality materials like pebbled leather or Signature Canvas will read as formal, especially when paired with all your business casual looks (think monochromatic pantsuits, silk skirts or pleated dresses).
Style Picks: City Tote Bag
CITY TOTE BAG
Measurements
- Length: 13.0" Height: 11.5" Width: 6.25"
- Inside zip pocket
- Snap closure
- Fits a 13” laptop
- Handles with 10" drop
Discover even more styles you’ll love.
FAQs: You asked. We’ve answered.
What are the best materials for internship bags?
What are the best materials for internship bags?
The best internship 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 internship bag?
What are the different ways I can accessorize my internship 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.
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.