What do you look for in a "work" bag?

The other day I went to a big networking event, which involved collecting a ton of flyers, business cards, and various freebies (though I managed to avoid most of the coffee cups and pens that were thrust at me). I was on my feet most of the day so I carried my biggest shoulder bag, but I still ended up carrying a plastic bag full of stuff around. Clearly, I need a better bag for events like this.

Here are my criteria for my fantasy bag:
- straps long enough to fit easily over the shoulder, even if I'm wearing a coat
- structured enough to not be floppy, but not too rigid and formal
- probably black or grey
- not too heavy
- taller than it is wide, with plenty of space for a notebook or folder, plus other small odds and ends, without cramming
- has a top zipper
- hardware is silver-toned rather than gold or bronze
- if it has short top handles plus a detachable cross-body strap, the top handles should fold down rather than sticking up

Something like the classic Foley + Corinna mid-city tote is probably my ideal, but sadly out of my price range. I'm sure that I'll eventually find something suitable that I can afford.

What are your criteria for the ideal work bag?

12 years ago

Dee

Veteran

I scored a Foley and Corinna tote off of Gilt a couple of months ago and I love it, but not necessarily for work. I like my work bags a little more structured than that one so that papers/folders don't get squashed as easily when digging through them.

I like:
Thick straps or crossbody
Structure/solid
Internal pockets or separators
Laptop compartment (also fits papers, usually)
Wider than tall. I'm short, so tall bags look off, proportion-wise.

It seems like it's really hard to find a women's bag that is cross-body or even has thick straps. I have two bags I would call work bags. One is a green laptop tote from Samsonite of all places. It has two long, thick-ish straps so that it fits over a coat, a zipper, and enough internal separation so things don't get lost. The other is actually a leather men's messenger bag from Fossil, which is a little less dressy but I have found it a bit more practical for the day to day and not totally gear-ish. Someday I would like to find the ideal one that combines cute and practical, but today is not that day.

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bj1111

shoulder bag with compartments is what i've been using and currently love, especially since i stopped carrying my laptop and switched to an ipad to go to meetings (which seems to be the context here).

i have also used satchels with one big compartment. i am looking for a new satchel that can accommodate more than my shoulder bag but satchels usually don't come with compartments...except for the prada one which i LOVE in that denim-y blue.

RunswithDolphins

Active Member

After many years of attending trade shows that lasted for days and days I found that a well constructed nylon bag was the best for me. Leather, although beautiful, is usually just so heavy unless it's is butter soft and then the bag just doesn't have enough structure and is too delicate for the job at hand.

Anonymous

Your needs in a bag for work will probably determine what to look for.
Do you take public transport? Do you take a lunch? Shoes? Book? iPad? Gloves? Makeup case?
When you get to work, where do you keep your bag (will the bag fit in the space)?
How do you like to carry a bag? How much weight can you carry? Etc. etc.
I like a satchel best for most daytime occasions...one with a couple of zippered secure sections for wallet and phone, larger more open section(s) to stash gloves and sunglasses, tissue pack and keys; and a magnetic closure on the larger section so everything doesn't fall out. The bag also needs to stand upright by itself. You may have completely different needs.

Kristin L

My favorite work bag is a large fabric tote. It has enough space for my lunch and papers and wide straps so it doesn't cut into my shoulder.

The Mid City is a very pretty bag, but it looks like it folds over. Is that what you're looking for or are you looking for a more open tote?

Mander

(website)

I've been thinking about just making my own custom bag, although I'm not sure if my sewing skills are good enough to make it look appropriate for a professional event. Since I'm mostly home-bound at the moment, when I do go out to a work-related event I tend to schlep a ton of stuff around. But I also like the idea of a bag than can be used to carry less stuff without looking strange, which is why the fold-over aspects of the F+C bag appeal to me.

But, good point about the dividers. That's a feature I have never really looked for but it could be very useful.

Adelfa

My Longchamp tote has become my go to work bag. It is nylon so it might seem floppy, but the way it is cut makes it have a shape, and I get lots of compliments on it. It is featherlight and can hold binders, a laptop, a clutch, plus other stuff--it can hold SO MUCH without looking oversized. It goes over the shoulder comfortably. I love it.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/lo.....#039;le_pl

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