We ask a lot of our work bags. They need to be sturdy, roomy enough to fit everything from a laptop to commuting sneakers, and thoughtfully designed with properly placed zippers and pockets. And we expect this all to show up in style, because no one wants a laptop bag that screams “Excel spreadsheet enthusiast.”
But also, we’re busy. Which means not a lot of time to spend on finding the bag that makes our jobs easier. To help, we asked 10 super successful women to share the carryalls that clock in and out with them each day. Some have found heroes in five-digit designer bags; another relies on a $150 gym duffle that doubles as a commuter-workhorse-slash-survival kit. Their picks range across aesthetics and price points, but all are capable of bouncing from boardroom to pre-school pickups and beyond.
(Image credit: Monika Lis)
Vivian Tu; author, founder, and CEO of Your Rich BFF
Her pick: Longchamp Le Roseau L Handbag, $825
What she loves: I trust this bag with my life. I’m often running from a high-stakes boardroom meeting to the subway, then to the gym, and back again—sometimes leaving my house at nine in the morning and not getting home until nine that night. I need a bag that carries everything and then some, so I don’t have to make a pit stop at home. That’s this bag: It fits my laptop, wallet, keys, a portable ring light, all ten of my different lip glosses (God forbid, a girl wants options!), and an extra workout set of clothes for my post-work gym session.
Why it’s worth the splurge: Le Rousseau is an investment piece, but it’s not outrageously priced. I live by the motto “buy nice, or buy twice,” and I’m happy to pay for higher-quality material, knowing this isn’t a bag I’ll have to replace every couple of years. I’ve been a loyal Longchamp fan for years—I used to carry their iconic Le Pliage nylon tote throughout college—so I know these bags can take a beating. The leather holds up well and develops a beautiful patina over time. The bag is also super stylish, so I know that I’ll feel confident and put-together no matter what room I’m walking into—which means I can focus on what I’m saying versus what I look like while saying it.
Sade Lythcott; CEO, National Black Theatre
Her pick: Vintage Prada Tessuto & Leather Gaufre Cargo Tote, $780
What she loves: After nearly two decades of use, this bag still stands strong. It has met me at every phase of my personal and professional growth, and the transition from motherhood to mogul is seamless with a tote that matches the full spectrum of my day. It’s handled everything from diaper duty and school pickups to capital campaign pitches and donor lunches with equal gravitas. That’s the rhythm of my life, and it keeps pace.
On blending fashion and function: This bag is beauty and utility in perfect balance. I love the bold brass hardware, the mix of leather and nylon buckles, and the cavernous pockets. It’s elegant without being precious or pretentious—equal parts classic and chic.
(Image credit: Monika Lis)
Kimberly Drew; independent curator and creative consultant
Her pick: On Track Pack 35L Smart Everyday Gym Bag, $150
What she loves: I feel a little silly admitting that my favorite adult woman bag is a gym bag—but the gym is life, and here we are. I live in Brooklyn, which means that crossing any bridge might result in me not returning home for hours—if not days. So I welcome the unhinged urge to pack for the unexpected and treat my bag like a mobile storage unit.
How it empowers her: As an independent curator, I treasure my freedom and autonomy on a deep, spiritual level. I love carrying around a silly little gym bag because it makes me feel empowered to be both feral and limitless—and it’s a reminder to live above shame. My days rarely look the same, and I feel most capable with my Track Pack filled with essentials, like a change of clothes, a water bottle (I keep my Collina Strada one on deck), approximately three to five chapsticks (I am just a girl!), and other items that remove some of the guesswork from surviving capitalism.
Lisa Ing Marinelli; lawyer and digital fashion content creator
Her pick: The Row Large N/S Park Tote, $2,600
What she loves: I’ve been using this bag exclusively for work (and sometimes, travel) for about three years. The leather is thick and durable, the corners are scratch-resistant, and it’s bottomless—I’ve stuffed coats, laptops, chargers, wallets, more bags, etc., in there without any worry of the bag breaking. It still looks brand new despite the obvious wear and tear it goes through.
What convinced her to finally press buy: It has the subtle, quiet luxury of The Row—it doesn’t scream designer, but it is, which is the best kind of designer bag. I love to look sleek, whether at work or home, but I never want to appear too designer or loud, especially in the office. This bag reminds me—and the world—that I am strong, but it’s not in your face with it. It’s a reminder that you can be impactful without needing to scream it.
(Image credit: Monika Lis)
Pam Nasr; film director
Her pick: Ecco’s Upcycled Leather Tote Bag, $95
Why she loves it: This tote bag comes with me to all my sets. Every minute during a shoot is precious and the last thing I want to do is play hide and seek with all the contents in my bag. This tote gives me quick access to grab any material I need while running around. I also usually have a big, loose pile of papers—scripts, notes, call sheets—stashed in the bag, and I’ve never had a piece crinkle in this bag.
Its hard-wearing features: It’s sleek and sits comfortably on the shoulder, but I was really just surprised by how durable it is. I travel a lot and can fold the tote super flat without cracking the leather material. It’s also large enough to fit my laptop, toiletries, a change of clothes, and a handy cam, but not too bulky to the point where it looks like I’m carrying everything. Sometimes I look at someone who’s carrying a big bag overflowing with stuff and get secondhand shoulder pain—that’s not this bag.
(Image credit: Monika Lis)
Sarah Kate Ellis; president and CEO of GLAAD
Her pick: Tory Burch Ella Tote Bag, $248
What she loves: To say that I’m booked and busy is an understatement. I’m bouncing between high-profile meetings with business leaders, donors, politicians, and journalists, and crucial catch-ups with LGBTQ activists, before ending the day with my wife and kids. This bag effortlessly transitions from day to night because it accommodates a lot—my laptop, a notebook, and one or two books that I keep on hand in case I need a quick moment of escape.
Its secret, standout detail: There’s a hidden outside pocket on the logo that is convenient yet secure enough that I feel comfortable keeping my phone in there when I’m jetting in and out of our New York City office and hopping into a cab at a moment’s notice.
(Image credit: Monika Lis)
April Lockhart; creator and disability advocate
Her pick: Liffner Sprout Tote, $675
What she loves: It’s no secret that I have a big love for bags (don’t ask me how many I have, because I don’t know the exact number), but I keep coming back to Liffner’s Sprout Tote. It’s a Mary Poppins bag for sure; on any given day, it fits my laptop, workout clothes, all my chargers, a daily planner, a tripod, and a camera, and it keeps up with me while I’m schlepping from my house to my content studio to meetings, events, and dinners.
How it pulls double duty: I have a habit of sacrificing function for the sake of fashion, but I didn’t want to make that choice with the work bag I’m bringing everywhere, every day. I needed a bag that can do it all and with style. This tote is a brighter, bolder pop of color departure from your typical work minimal tote, but it’s versatile enough to carry throughout the seasons. And crucially, it’s my most useful accessory and has all the makings of a great practical “everything” bag: plenty of depth, a little pocket inside for your wallet or keys, and a zip-top to keep it all secure.
Noor Tagouri; journalist and founder of At Your Service
Her pick: Andever Here and Now Tote
What she loves: Honestly, I’m such a tote girl, and I have to be because I don’t leave the house without my leather journal, a book, a water bottle, and Pure Beings Blackseed and Olive Nasal Oil. I literally keep it with me at all times, 24/7 around the clock. Also, I pack this tote to the brim, and it maintains its shape perfectly.
On its one-of-a-kind design: Designed by my partner, Adam Khafif, for his brand, Andever, this leather tote was hand-painted and made at the last remaining natural tannery in Morocco. Because it is natural leather and not treated with any chemicals, each bag has a perfectly “imperfect” look. No two bags look the same, simply because of how the paint interacts with the leather, which really elevates the look. I also love the messaging on the tote, “Here & There”—it serves as my reminder to be here now, anywhere I go.
Julia Rabinowitsch; founder of The Millennial Decorator
Her pick: Polo Ralph Lauren Polo ID Calfskin Large Shoulder Bag, $798
What she loves: This bag is like my assistant. It does exactly what I need and empowers me to my fullest. Depending on my outfit, mood, and what I’m carrying, I can switch the strap to a crossbody or shoulder bag, which is a major plus. Ralph Lauren really does it best. The quality, structure, and size of this bag—everything is 10/10.
What fits inside: I am constantly on the go and don’t have a car, so unlike most people in L.A., who can use their cars as mobile offices, I need a bag I trust to carry a million of my things. This one fits the house: my laptop, a great pair of vintage heels, flats or loafers, my wallet, sunglasses, a light sweater, a small toiletry bag, a charger, and a Chanel lipstick. I feel effortless and effective due to the sheer magnitude of stuff this bag can hold.
(Image credit: Monika Lis)
Katie Jane Hughes; celebrity makeup artist and founder of KJH.brand
Her pick: Tumi 19 Degree Lite, $950
What she loves: Your makeup kit is your signature as a makeup artist. Everyone likes a different type of bag and size, and I’ve found one that is perfect for me. It’s sleek and lightweight, which is extremely helpful because the makeup I carry is very heavy, and most hard-case bags add a lot of extra weight. It feels like I can carry an entire Sephora in this bag.
Why it’s great on the go: The four wheels make it easy to maneuver around New York City streets, travel through an airport, and get to any job or set. I can literally just grab it and go. I put a monogram on the top, which is great for speeding through the airport—when it comes around the luggage carousel, you clearly know it’s yours.
(Image credit: Monika Lis)
‘Marie Claire’s’ Additional Selects
Team Marie Claire has our own Rolodex of overachieving work bags. Here are the styles our writers and editors vouch for, from a viral tote that earns compliments on morning Manhattan commutes to a low-profile laptop backpack that clocks in and out without complaint.
COACH
Brooklyn 39 Shoulder Bag
Prada
Large Re-Nylon and Leather Tote Bag
Loewe
Medium Puzzle Fold Tote in Black Shiny Calfskin
Khaite
Medium Lotus Tote in Midnight Suede
Cuyana
Leather Backpack 16-Inch
Bottega Veneta
Women’s Large Andiamo in Black
Dior
Medium Dior Toujours Bag
Mansur Gavriel
Everyday Soft Tote
Hermès
Herbag Messenger 39 Bag
Freja New York
Lafayette Tote Black
Veronica Beard
Dash Leather Tote Bag
