For those days when everything feels like an essential, a tiny bag just won’t cut it. It’s a dilemma FASHION‘s editors know all too well: from the office to lunch meetings to evening events, there’s often too much to carry and never enough space to do it.
Thankfully, Paris Fashion Week has confirmed our suspicions: the oversized bag is back. Below, discover seven editor-approved totes, carryalls and laptop bags that our team is loving and lusting after.
I love the modern and timeless design of this bag (and it’s not black!). It’s the perfect balance of style and practicality, making it ideal for attending business meetings, running errands and traveling. It is high-quality faux suede and has the option of a crossbody strap. It’s available in two shades of brown, but I am loving the lighter brown at the moment.
I really like how structured yet practical the Paper Carry by Hoi Bo — designed in Toronto — is. It can hold all my work stuff, including my 12-inch laptop & my pup’s essentials if he’s coming to the office with me. It’s made from unique washable paper and over time, the patina finish comes through. It’s accented by a tanned leather strap that is very comfortable to carry around.
Working hybrid means I need a laptop bag, but that doesn’t mean I want one. Most aren’t my style. I like a little more slouch and personality than what the typical tote offers. Enter this number from Reformation. Slouch factor? Check. Personality? Just peep that lovely bow detail at the shoulder. I love the forest green suede version, but for practicality’s sake, I’m going with the tobacco brown leather.
Admittedly, when I got this bag from Ecco in the summer, it was a bit of a sleeper hit. While I initially loved the icy blue hue, I wasn’t sure if I was ready to commit to the big bag lifestyle. How wrong was I! This gorgeous pebbled-leather tote has transformed my commuter life. It effortlessly fits my laptop and lunch, and it’s a bonafide compliment magnet. And now that it also comes in pale pink, I’m majorly contemplating if my blue one needs a companion.
I’ve long schlepped two bags to the office: one for my computer and one for my lunchbox. I couldn’t find a tote that had both corporate polish and enough space to accommodate all my work supplies. That is, until I got this. Uniqlo’s plush puffer shoulder bag — filled with side slots and hidden pockets — comfortably carries everything I need from nine to five.
Call me stubborn, but I refuse to use a laptop bag that looks like a laptop bag. For that reason, I’ve been topping off my office outfits with a very cute, very small leather handbag and carrying my laptop by hand (or lugging an extra tote with me). I admit it’s more trouble than it’s worth, so I’ve been considering an upgrade. My top prospect: this chic yet capacious bag from South Korean label Hieta. I initially fell in love with their butter yellow hobo, but recently set my sights on this larger, equally cool olive green number.
In my heart I’ll forever be a mini-bag person, but my lifestyle says otherwise. This shearling tote from Roots fits everything I need it to (a laptop, makeup and sunscreen, dog treats, endless snacks for my toddler, and in a few weeks it’ll also house diapers, wipes, pacifiers and everything else that newborns require) without being overwhelmingly large. The bordeaux colour is striking and unlike anything else in my closet, and major bonus: it’s made in Canada.
Additional text by Neda Madany
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