The best work bags

Looking for a bag that can get you from the office to happy hour? Seek no further.

Neutral carryalls

Looking for a work bag to go with every outfit? Visit Korean boutique Moku Concept Store in Royal Arcade and pick up one of their super chic bags in white, cream, black or beige. The totes are big enough to fit all your goodies and there's a range of super soft felt laptop sleeves to keep your tech protected.

Cult-status Marimekko prints

Workbags don’t have to be sober black or grey. At Marimekko, the laptop bags, backpacks and carryalls come in rainbow colours and floral prints. Like the mono city tote in Marimekko’s legendary poppy pattern. After a comfy bag option but don't want to scrimp on style? The everything backpack is just the ticket. It has padded shoulder straps and back panel, a laptop compartment and easy-access front pockets.

The backpack tote hybrid

Keep it casual but classy with a 2-in-1 bag. Elk’s leather forde backpack is a clever little number that can convert from a backpack to the tote in one swift movement. It has a clever compartments to keep everything tidy like an internal phone pocket and secure zip closure pocket for your precious items. And it fits a 14 inch laptop making it perfect for trips to and from the office.

Insulated lunch bags

Keep your lunch cool (and cute) with a Vue double layer lunch bag available at Myer. Available in two colourful prints, it's fully insulated to keep your food chilled all day. Or head to Monsterthreads at QV or Centreway Arcade and pick up one of the adorable Somewhere Co. lunch bags. They come in a bunch of bold prints and are completely waterproof so your lunch will never leak on your laptop again!

Roomy tote

If you're looking for a bag to fit absolutely everything go for Maximillian dance tote by Radical Yes. The removable strap means you can wear it cross body or casually slung over your elbow. It comes with an internal zip pocket and divider to keep things super organised and allows room for a laptop. There are a bunch of colours to choose from but we've got our eyes on this two-toned number.

Crossbody messenger bag

For a bag that might even outlast you, try Crumpler. The brand has been designing high-quality and durable bags for bike messengers since the '90s. Get kitted out for your cycle commute in a classic crossbody messenger bag. If you’re toting your laptop around, opt for the sturdy brace brace bag. Made from 50 per cent recycled materials, it has water-resistant zip pockets, space for two laptops and a padded strap to save your aching shoulders.

Travel-friendly tote

The connoisseurs of fine luggage at July have branched out into the work bag space. Our fave has got to be Juliette suede work tote. This roomy must-have has all the things you need for your commute. It features a 14 inch laptop pocket, a compartment for your lunch box and a removable drink bottle holder. It also has a handy pass-through band so it can slide neatly over your suitcase. Find this beauty at July's QV Melbourne store.

Slimline backpack

Go for a no-fuss, practical yet stylish work bag with the metro slim backpack by Moleskin. The water-resistant, lightweight carry-all can be found at chic accessory spot Milligram. Created with busy city-goers in mind, it features a padded compartment for your laptop and a breathable air-mesh back to keep you cool on your commute.

The Issey Miyake Bao Bao bag

It's the shiny, collapsing, geometric bag slung over the shoulder of every cool girl in Ginza. The Bao Bao range is a little higher-end than most everyday totes, but the chic design makes it a timeless statement piece. From backpacks to shoulder bags and mini purses, there's a Bao Bao for every need. Find the range at INCU.

Sturdy leather bags

You can't go past leather when you're looking for something that'll last. The Margo leather laptop tote bag from Strandbags is just the ticket for a sturdy work essential. Made with timeless brown leather, this classic piece will go with every office fit. Sling it over your shoulder or attach the removable cross body strap for a bit of extra comfort. Like any good work bag, it features heaps of handy compartments for your laptop, phone, keys and more.

The iconic Rains backpack

For more timeless cool, you can’t go past a classic Rains backpack. There’s nothing superfluous in this pared-back design, crafted from waterproof fabric. It’s perfect for keeping your computer, papers or daily essentials dry during unpredictable Melbourne summers. The fully lined modern-day rucksack has a laptop sleeve, carabiner closure and adjustable straps. Find Rains in Melbourne Central.

Life-changing bag accessories

If you're guilty of stuffing too much in your tote, use a bag organiser to manage your essentials. Like Milligram's Inner Carry Bag, with 15 pockets! Or pick up the Tech Carry Kit to keep your workspace and tech accessories in order wherever you go. It comes with two stretch mesh pockets, one magnetic slip pocket, floating wall with elastic cable straps and pen holder. Slip it in your bag and go.