You asked for classic tote bag options for work and travel… and I actually just pulled a similar list together for a styling client recently who was looking for a chic tote upgrade so I thought I’d share it with you as well! I know myself and I tend to get tired of anything too trendy so this is a mix of designers and styles that feel classic but still a bit unique / special / amazing quality to carry for years to come.
In no particular order here are 10 understated but gorgeous options…
* note: I mainly linked in black and brown for you but most of these come in a variety of colors so be sure to click through to see all of the options!
If you’re looking for a simple leather tote for work or travel that is a nice mid-range price point option check out Cuyana! If you’re not familiar, Cuyana is an amazing sustainable brand from San Francisco. I’ve owned a number of their bags over the years (their travel pouches for toiletries and I use this pouch for electronics are my favorite and make for the best gifts). Cuyana also has very practical options for work and travel (like this one with the zipper and these weekender bags) that come in a number of colors. And there’s also this style too with multiple compartments.
This is the tote bag I’ve carried for the past few years. It’s very simple in design / but the leather is that soft buttery leather that makes the bag… you definitely get what you pay for with The Row. I’ve carried it like I said for years and it still looks brand new. And this medium size version in green has been my crush this spring! The perfect everyday carry-all. Another gorgeous, mega splurge work tote from The Row.
I have had this tote on my personal radar / wishlist for a little while now because I love the pockets and it looks like a comfortable over the shoulder tote style to carry. It comes in a few different colors… but I really love it in brown.
Another beautiful work tote that people rave about for pocket space. It comes in a few different styles too (black medium size). I like that this one is also very simple in design and you can take the “T” tag off if you don’t like it hanging in the front.
This bag isn’t a tote size but I’m including because it is such a gorgeous option for a work / everyday carry-all. It also comes in a number of colors. Polène has a few other larger sized bags as well that you might like for work.
This is a smaller size but I really love this one from Celine as a smaller bag to carry to work. I’m not big on logos but I do love Celine and this logo / bag in particular.
Another gorgeous Celine bag I’ve loved for a while for anyone going into an office everyday. It’s beautiful in this pebble color or the brown leather especially.
Depending on your job / where you work… I think the raffia and leather version of this larger Khaite tote is a fun switch-up for this spring / summer season. Perfect size if you carry a laptop with you.
Another gorgeous line right there next to Serapian that I’ve had on my radar for a while… if you’re looking for a really beautiful / under-the-radar lesser known splurge work tote.
Love the shape. Not sure about carrying a laptop in this one but I think it’s cool, understated and unique! (** similar in shape, check out Ree Projects. My girlfriend carries a smaller version of this bag and it always looks so rad on her.)
