Back In Business: Our Editor's Picks Of The Best Commute-Friendly Work Bags

Available in almost every colour and texture combo imaginable, a tote bag is a reliable go-to for work, uni and weekends full of errands alike. Spacious and simple, tote bags are perfect for throw-in-and-go mornings when you just want everything in a bag and out the door. Canvas totes are a durable, wallet-friendly option for everyday, with the added bonus of being able to fold or roll down once emptied. They’re also perfect for adding a little personality to your work look, coming in a range of fun colours and prints. 

Want something a little more chic? Leather totes maintain the same spacious design, but with a more sophisticated look and feel that won’t look out of place in a meeting or post-work dinner and drinks. If you’re ready to commit to the tote bag for keeps, designer bags like The Marc Jacobs Tote strike the perfect balance between playful and polished and come in a range of sizes and finishes. 

If you’re schlepping half an electronics store to and from work every day, you’ll want a bag that makes organisation a breeze. Satchels and messenger bags are a classic way to keep your tech (and life) essentials in check, and bring a little bit of preppy appeal to your look. Serious about storage? Laptop bags are the perfect way to protect your laptop or tablet on the go, often with dedicated compartments for chargers, power banks, cables and more. While once the ugly duckling of the work bag crew, this season’s laptop bags are as sleek and stylish as ever.  

Once the sole domain of schoolkids and skaters, backpacks are now a bonafide commuter staple. Why do we love them? They’re spacious, secure and (best of all) hands-free, making that morning juggle with your keys, phone and flat white a little less chaotic. And if you’ve prepped your meals the night before, our edit of lunch boxes and lunch bags makes bringing your own lunch feel a little more luxe. With everything from stainless steel bento boxes and snack pots to reusable cups and insulated shoulder bags to keep your food cool, there’s no need to be dropping coin on an overpriced salad come midday.