The best winter work bags

Looking for the bag that can hold everything you need but is stylish enough to get you from the office to happy hour? Seek no further. Opening hours may differ right now, so be sure to check with the business directly before visiting.

The iconic Rains backpack

For timeless cool, you can’t go past a classic Rains rolltop backpack. There’s nothing superfluous in this pared-back design, crafted from water-resistant fabric. It’s perfect for keeping your computer, papers or daily essentials dry when it rains. The fully lined modern-day rucksack has a laptop sleeve and adjustable chest strap, perfect for the cycle commute. Find Rains in Melbourne Central.

Euro-style laptop bags

Freitag by Koema, in St Collins Lane, raises the bar on laptop bag design. Their black leather Futura X-change can be worn three ways. As a superbly versatile backpack, shoulder bag and handbag. For a rectangular laptop backpack, try Futura’s Long Line, in elegant cognac-hued leather. The buckle-up Farum Fold Top is in cosy blue felt.

Oversized totes

Keep it casual by throwing everything you need into a huge hold-everything tote bag. Spread the word via a message tote by Los Angeles brand Sporty & Rich, in-store at Incu. Go green with Eat More Veggies or ’90s style with Live Longer. Or head back to the ’70s with a pink Watermelon tote. Use a bag organiser to manage your essentials, like the Inner Carry Bag with 15 pockets.

Slimline backpack

Moleskine’s Rolltop Backpack has you covered, whether you’re communing with nature or commuting to work. This go-anywhere minimalist model in water-resistant nylon is both rugged and smart. Even better, the top unfurls to give you extra storage space when you need it. Designed in Italy, the Rolltop comes in black, sapphire blue and moss green.

Marimekko prints

Workbags don’t have to be sober black or grey. At Marimekko, the laptop bags and carryalls come in rainbow colours and floral prints. Like the Peruskassi shopping tote in Marimekko’s legendary poppy pattern. Choose bright red or subtle turquoise-black. The poppies and durable cotton canvas reappear in the Enni Pieni backpack. This time with a stain-repellent wax finish in black.

Sustainable shoulder bag

At first glance the Tokyo Tote is a streamlined and sophisticated zip-up holdall in black, grey or blue. But the real magic happens inside. This tote has pockets, lots of ’em. There are pop-out pockets for your umbrella and water bottle. Plus tiered pouches for your sunglasses and cables. In a win-win for practicality and sustainability, it’s made from recycled plastic bottles.

Handmade leather briefcase

In chocolate leather with brass details, the Portfolio Brief holds all the essentials but looks sleek. A modern take on a briefcase, its main compartment is soft and roomy, so you can squeeze in a multitude of stuff. It includes a padded laptop sleeve, pen pockets and a deep pouch for specs. Carry by hand or use the detachable leather shoulder strap.

Life-changing bag accessories

Can’t fit everything into one bag? No problem, with a pink clip-on pouch. It attaches to your bag strap, ideal for holding a facemask on the go. Or open the Notabag foldable sack and in an instant you have a nifty carry-bag/backpack combo. Simply adjust the straps to convert the bag. Carrying refreshments? Muji’s cotton lunch bag has an insulated lining to keep food hot or cold.