A model shows off a Gucci GG Canvas handbag from the House of Gucci spring 1974 handbag collection. In 2025, this kind of work bag style is still as relevant as ever.
Pierre Schermann/Getty Images
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The Best Daily Commuter Bags for Women in 2025
Purses for special occasions — in the vein of evening clutches fit for cocktail parties and date nights — are completely justifiable purchases for rounding out your arsenal of fashion accessories, but an investment in one of the best designer commuter bags for women is far more important. These kinds of carryalls are much more than your standard purses; sometimes, they act as your entire mobile office, particularly if you work remotely from a coffee shop or frequently catch up on your to-dos while 35,000 feet in the air.
When shopping for luxury work bags or large commuter bags (that are, in many cases, synonymous with tote bags), you’ll want to find one with comfortable straps, multiple pockets, and a size that’s considerable enough to house a laptop, stylish headphones, a wallet, keys, and perhaps even a change of shoes.
In 2025, designer tote bag trends have leaned into stylish function to support busy days, with designers like Coach, Prada, Miu Miu, and Louis Vuitton embracing softly structured, lived-in leather tchotchke haulers. Another handbag trend that plays well with the workday? Double bagging. Simply team your commuter handbag with a polished mini bag to take you directly to date night after the office. Alternatively, opt for crossbody phone bags and trending bracelet bags to separate precious cargo from your well of office supplies.
“Investing in a luxury fashion item with function is important so that it doesn’t just have to be your work bag and can transition to other aspects of your life,” says Tiffany Hsu, chief buying officer at the luxury e-commerce platform Mytheresa.
The pure performance of a designer handbag is key, but the beauty of the smartest pick also lies in its sartorial longevity beyond your nine-to-five attire. Luckily, there’s a wide range of commuter-slash-work bags these days that pay dividends in luxury quality, from affordable work bags that are marked comfortably below $300 to legacy designer selections that can last you an entire career’s worth of use.
Finally, designer commuter bags can be an easy styling tool to add depth to work dresses, blazers, and trousers. “A simple work bag is perfect for minimalist styling, which allows the bag to stand on its own,” Hsu tells WWD. “Big pants and oversized coats will be my preferred way to style them, but don’t limit yourself. There really are no rules.”
Keep reading to see which best daily commuter bags are worth your time and money this year, along with expert tips on how to shop a work bag that will last you a lifetime.
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Dooney & Bourke Pebble Grain Large Tote
Meet Dooney & Bourke’s version of a work bag, which is bound to turn no shortage of heads during your daily commute. Made out of sumptuous, full-grain cowhide leather, it also comes with four whole pockets for housing everything from your lip gloss to your printed-out work memos. Other elements we adore? The bag’s inside key hook, special cell phone compartment, removable Dooney & Bourke charm, canvas-lined interior, zipper closure, and impressive ability to stand up to wear and tear. In Bordeaux, the commuter bag is simply breathtaking.
What testers say: “This is a roomy bag that can hold all of my stuff without weighing me down. I appreciate that it zips closed, so things don’t fall out. I bought it in Bordeaux and I love the color: not so bright that it fights with my clothing but still vibrant.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $239
Coach Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 28
You don’t need Bella Hadid to tell you that Coach’s Brooklyn Shoulder Bag (whose suede version, similar to this picture one, the celeb debuted last year) is one of fall’s most stylish accessories.
Constructed out of durable, luxurious suede, the vintage-inspired hauler brings aesthetic versatility and elevated simplicity to the table. It’s smaller than Hadid’s 39 size of choice, but, according to Coach’s interactive sizing widget, is still more than capable of holding a large tablet, phone, sunglasses case, hairbrush, and everything else you might need during a long day of work. An internal snap pocket allows easy storage of small items, while a magnetic top closure keeps everything safe and secure. Not a fan of this suede iteration in Brass/Warm Brown? Coach has eight other colorway and material options where that came from.
What testers say: “Gorgeous! This bag was everything I was hoping for! The material is so soft and supple and only gets softer with wear. It’s the perfect size, able to fit all your necessities inside.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $295
Longchamp Le Pliage Large Nylon Shoulder Bag
You heard it here first: The Longchamp Le Pliage renaissance has arrived. Designed in 1993, the tote bag style is simplistic and spacious both. It makes sense that the silhouette is popping up everywhere, especially as the quiet-luxury aesthetic continues to trend. It’s the best nylon commuter bag on our list, as it features two durable leather shoulder straps, a zipper and snap closure for good measure, and an especially convenient waterproof composition. Most ideally, the bestseller has a collapsible structure, so you can tuck it into an overstuffed suitcase if you’re going on a work trip. And, for an extra pop of color in your fall capsule wardrobe, don’t overlook the bag in its British Green or orange-hued Brick varieties. Bon voyage!
What testers say: “Great purchase and reasonable price! I use it every single day. I bought this tote because I needed a big enough bag for work, in which I could carry a pair of sunglasses, lunch, a notebook, and makeup. I really like that there’s so much room and that it’s two-toned, so the bag goes with brown-based and black-based outfits.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $165
Mansur Gavriel Everyday Soft Tote
Our editors love Mansur Gavriel bags, as the brand never falls short on functional, durable construction and timeless style. The Everyday Soft Tote is a mainstay in the daily urban uniforms of Julianne Moore and Katie Holmes, as it can pair with chic staples like a tailored coat or trendy Adidas Samba shoes for long days on your feet.
The bag itself is defined by ultra-smooth and lightweight leather, as well as a seemingly bottomless main compartment that can store work essentials like a laptop, designer water bottle, an extra sweater, and then some. Plus, this best leather designer work bag also includes an interior tethered zip pouch for staying extra organized while on the go. What’s not to love?
What testers say: “I love the simple beauty of this tote. The leather and stitching are impeccable.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $795
Marc Jacobs The Leather Medium Tote Bag
You can’t go wrong with Marc Jacobs’ The Tote Bag, especially when it’s swathed in denim as part of a new collection with A.P.C. This limited-edition pick is surprisingly still in stock, and it’s the ideal way to put an edgy spin on what It-girls everywhere have been toting around town year after year. Though you’ll be hauling it from the subway to work, the carryall is nothing if not collegiate-inspired: what with its embroidered university motifs, blending the aesthetics of both Marc Jacobs’ New York and A.P.C.’s Paris.
Inside, you’ll find a zip pocket and card slot for your work badge. And in case you prefer to go hands-free while wearing it, that removable strap is a great alternative to the bag’s sturdy denim handles. Yes, it’s bolder than most other women’s commuter bag standouts on our list — but letting boldness be your sartorial ethos this fall just might be the best decision you make all year.
What testers say: “Excellent size and quality. Perfect and stylish everyday tote.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $350
Cuyana Classic Easy Zipper Tote Bag
It’s no secret that Cuyana’s handbags have captured the hearts of tastemakers worldwide, including celebrities like Zoe Saldaña and Jessica Alba. Not only are its designs crafted from the finest Italian leather whose pebbled appearance gets better with age, but they’re also classic, allowing you to wear the bags over and over again without hesitation. This minimalist design is sleek and streamlined, with a double handle for easy carrying and a capacious interior for all your must-haves. The everyday bag is offered in five core colors, but the Cherry shade in question is a new arrival that you’d be remiss not to take advantage of while it’s still available online.
Go ahead: Pair the Cuyana Classic Easy Zipper Tote Bag with your menswear-inspired corp-core coordinates, pilates outfit, and everything in between, watching as your style levels up instantly.
What testers say: “I have a couple Cuyana handbags that range from small shoulder bags to this sizable tote. The brand never lets me down in terms of quality and value — the materials and construction are comparable to my designer bags that go for quadruple the price. Since I take the subway to work, I appreciate that it fully zips to prevent theft.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $328
Freja Paloma Tote
If you’re on the market for a work bag with lots of organizational features, consider Freja’s Paloma an on-the-go office. Sleek and compact, this vegan leather bag is designed with three main compartments: One center zip-top slot and two magnetic-snap side pockets for your smaller tech, documents, or notebooks. Its two shoulder straps are narrow yet sturdy, with enough length for fitting over hefty winter puffers or bending your arm inside the bag to grab a pen or water bottle as you walk.
As an added perk, the Paloma has a sturdy base that will make sure the tote stays upright wherever it’s placed. Functionality has never looked chicer.
What testers say: “The best work tote! Classy and timeless. I have a 17.3-inch laptop and it fits snugly in the side pocket, or I can fit it in the center pocket to have extra space. My favorite thing is that even when my bag is fully packed with my laptop, chargers, water bottle, etc., it doesn’t fall over when I set it down! No need to prop it up against your desk. The color is stunning, and the bag feels very high quality. I love the soft suede interior.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $368
Naghedi St. Barths Large Tote
At first glance, you may assume this tote is made of leather, but you’re actually looking at meticulously woven, water-resistant neoprene. Not only does this composition make the bag exceptionally lightweight, it’s also not as precious as other materials. Plus, no longer will you have to sweat the inevitable coffee spills or rainy weather while taking Naghedi’s St. Barths Large Tote with you everything this season. Interestingly enough, the item’s top handles stretch out over time, to the point of eventually fitting squarely over your shoulder and allowing the bag to become even more versatile.
What testers say: “I’m always amazed by how much this tote bag can carry. The strap stretches slightly when the bag is full, creating a bouncy, buoyant feeling that makes what you’re carrying feel lighter than it would in a standard canvas tote.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $340
Brochu Walker The Everyday Tote Bag
If you invest in a luxury work bag, let it be this one from Brochu Walker. For those unfamiliar with the brand, its ethos centers around quality and conscious design — with this silhouette being no exception. We love so many things about this piece, starting with its rich brown suede that’s sumptuous and elevated but, most importantly, screams fall. So too are we big fans of those thoughtfully designed, gusseted side tie details that add a dose of style and let you adjust the bag’s dimensions. To make sure this made-in-Portugal, heirloom-quality top-seller lasts you a lifetime as it intends to do, grab a suede protector spray while you’re at it and give Brochu Walker’s The Everyday Tote Bag the TLC it deserves.
Price upon publish date of this article: $898
What to Look for in a Designer Commuter Bag for Women
Brand: High-end fashion houses that have been crafting leather goods and iconic handbags for years are fool-proof options when shopping for a women’s commuter bag. Alternatively, many new, up-and-coming affordable work bag brands like Freja are focusing on craftsmanship and sustainable materials to create modern heirlooms.
Materials: It’s important to select a work bag made out of a functional material that makes sense in the context of your day-to-day activities. Premium leather only gets better with age, though its soft texture is more prone to scratches and stains (as opposed to less precious vegan leather that is also easier to clean). Nylon is exceptionally durable, but it can warp from overheated tech, while neoprene is similar in strength and offers waterproof protection. Suede work bags are also trending for fall 2025, but it’s important to keep in mind that this leather texture can be compromised in the rain. Consider the pros and cons of each type of commuter bag before selecting one that aligns with your maintenance capabilities.
Design: Go with a bag that has lasting design value — one you can wear forever without it ever going out of fashion. Special details will upgrade the look, but a clean shape will benefit you in the long term.
Size: Size is also a question when selecting the best work bag for your needs. “I need my work bag to be a bit more oversized, so it’s not too ‘work’ looking and gives my outfit a bit of an edge,” Hsu says. “The proportions are always fun to play with!” If you don’t require a ton of space for housing your laptop, print-outs, sunscreen, Kindle, and other daily goods, something in a medium size will do the trick.
Versatility: As Hsu pointed out, you want to look for a handbag that will play double duty in your wardrobe to get maximum wear out of your designer investment. A versatile, neutral color is one you can wear with a plethora of outfit options, but a timeless pattern or clean design in a bold hue can also instantly amp up basics-powered ensembles. Contemplate what you have or don’t have in your closet, honing in on a women’s daily commuter bag that will fit the bill this season and many seasons after.
How We Selected the Best Designer Work Bags
Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections.
To find the best commuter bags for women in 2025, we assessed the design elements of every pick on this list, including the silhouette, strap type, interior features, and materials used: supplementing this with personal testing and rigorous market research. To narrow our selections of women’s work bags, we also looked to online consumer reviews and interviewed designer bag experts in the fashion industry. You’ll find an accommodating price range here, spanning from affordable, budget-friendly finds to high-end options courtesy of designer labels. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Expert
Tiffany Hsu was born in Taiwan and graduated from the Central Saint Martins College of Art with a fashion design degree. Afterward, she gained a Master’s at Istituto Marangoni. Hsu previously worked as a buyer at Lane Crawford and Selfridges before joining luxury e-commerce platform Mytheresa as a buying manager for ready-to-wear. Now, Hsu acts as the chief buying officer there. Within this role, she oversees various buying departments and drives the fashion direction by developing capsule collections, exclusive products, and special fashion collaborations.
Meet the Authors
Olivia Cigliano was a Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD, where she wrote and edited shopping content across fashion, beauty, footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Cigliano received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. She is currently based in New York City. As a self-proclaimed handbag addict, Cigliano rides the pulse of emerging handbag trends. She updated this story in October 2024 with new editor-recommended products.
Stacia Datskovska is a Senior Commerce Writer at WWD. Previously, she worked at ELLE DECOR as an assistant digital editor, covering all things luxury, culture, and lifestyle through a design lens. Her bylines over the past five years have appeared in USA Today, Baltimore Sun, Teen Vogue, Boston Globe, Food & Wine, and more. Prior to joining ELLE DECOR, Datskovska learned the ins and outs of e-commerce at Mashable, where she tested products, covered tentpole sales events, and curated gift guide roundups. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and international relations. Datskovska regularly reports on seasonal fashion trends worth readers’ time and money, including those in the universe of handbags.