The best work bags

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

The iconic Rains backpack

For more 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 during unpredictable Melbourne summers. The fully lined modern-day rucksack has a laptop sleeve and adjustable chest strap, perfect for the cycle commute. Find Rains in Melbourne Central.

Chic leather laptop sleeve

The leather legends at Hunt have raised the bar on laptop bag design. This long-lasting cowhide laptop sleeve is designed to absorb the oils from your hands, while taking on a distinct classic look as it ages. The 13-inch laptop bag also features a large zip pocket to accommodate most devices, and an exterior pocket for all your hybrid office working needs.

Slimline backpack

Wear the city on your back with Bellroy's 'Melbourne' bag. The weather-proof, lightweight carry-all can be found at chic accessory spot Milligram. Created with busy city-goers in mind, it features a document slip, laptop sleeve, sunglass pocket and external water bottle holder. All this goodness is packed into a compact, slim-line design, for minimum bulk and maximum style. Shop the full Bellroy range at Milligram.

Cult-status 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 Pieni Unikko shopping tote in Marimekko’s legendary poppy pattern. Wear a touch of spring on your arm with the Funny B-Pack, made from recycled materials and featuring a fresh, pink print.

Life-changing bag accessories

Bit too ambitious with what you chucked in the tote? Use a bag organiser to manage your essentials, like Milligram's Inner Carry Bag (with 15 pockets!). If you still need more carry power, grab the Notabag foldable sack, which unfurls into a nifty carry-bag/backpack combo. Simply adjust the straps to convert the bag.

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.

'90s style belt bags

Bum bags have had a rebrand, but they're still as cute and convenient as ever. They also make for the ultimate 'walk and talk' meeting accessory. Just connect your earphones, put your phone in the pocket and strap it to your waist. Flower pop vibes are aplenty at QVWC Shop!, where you can score unique illustrated bum bags from local brand Shuh. Ethical makers ELK have a roomy range of bags too, with three classic designs to choose from.

Oversized totes

Keep it casual by throwing everything you need into a huge hold-everything tote bag. Melbourne-made fave Kuwaii sells a sweet signature tote in rich red cotton – and it'll barely break the bank at just under $25. Tote for a good cause at Comme Des Garcons in Somerset Place, where all profits from the 2ONTO tote support First Nations children's education reform

Best briefcases

Owning the leather bag game for more than 25 years, you're in very good hands at Leather Cargo. The range of leather briefcases will guarantee a dapper look, whether you're searching for classic black leather or a statement red satchel. They're also the height of convenience, with endless pockets, lockable flaps and a variety of sizes.