15 Chic Tote Bags Your Work Wardrobe Isn't Complete Without

last updated 13 August 2019

If you’re reading this, then at some point in the distant (or not-so-distant past), the end of August signified a time for back-to-school shopping for you. Us too. And, as stressful as it was at the time (because who doesn’t want to come back with a bang), we have to admit we kind of miss it. There was something exciting about shopping for what felt like your chance for a post-summer revamp, with endless opportunity to come back from break better than ever.

Well, fear not because today we’ve found a way to relive our back-to-school shopping days without the actual school part. A fresh work tote is like the adult backpack, and you deserve to come back from your summer trip with a shiny new one to show off (and carry all your essentials, of course).

Shop our picks below!

Clare V.

Suede Simple Tote

If you wear a lot of black, this is the perfect, approachable color to break up your looks.

Whistles

Java Colourblock Nubuck Tote

A colorblock tote will also serve you well at the beach!

Forever 21

Loop-Ring Faux Leather Tote

On a budget? This tote will have you looking like a million bucks for just $28.

Danielle Foster

Kai Tote

This tote will add a sophisticated touch to even the most casual of outfits.

Gucci

Dionysus Medium Coated-Canvas and Suede Tote

No words.

Kara

Tie Leather Tote

How pretty is this color?

Mango

Leather Shopper Bag

A bag like this will serve you for years to come.

Mansur Gavriel

Sun Bag

Mansur Gavriel's sun bag comes with a shoulder strap for those times where you need to give your arms a rest.

Street Level

Reversible Faux Leather Tote

Can you believe this is faux leather?!

Mark & Graham

Siena Suede Tote

Monogram this classic tote for a personal and elevated touch.

The Row

Market Leather-Trimmed Canvas Tote

Dream bag, right here.

Zara

Tote With Metallic Handles

We love a metal accent.

Allsaints

Paradise North South Tote

This tote will fit all your belongings but still look chic post-office.

Who What Wear

Modern Blocked Tote

What more can you ask for in a $33 tote?

Nina Ricci

Irrisor Medium Tote

Nina Ricci's Irrisor tote comes in all shapes, colors, and sizes, but this has to be our favorite.Are you bag-obsessed too? You'll love looking at this eye candy from Dior. Opening Image: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

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Since starting as an intern back in 2013, Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour has held several roles here at Who What Wear, and she is currently Editor-at-Large. Upon joining, she was a senior about to graduate from business school at USC. Fast-forward to 2025, and she's moved to NYC from her hometown of Beverly Hills and spends her workdays a little differently from when she was just starting out. Currently, she focuses on a weekly mélange of shopping content and her Trust Me—Buy This newsletter. As far as her personal style goes, she's largely drawn to neutral, classic pieces but will always make an exception for something colorful or bejeweled as long as it's deemed worthy enough. After all, the only thing she loves more than a party is dressing up for one. On her downtime, she can usually be found at home eating something delicious and trying to force her husband to watch Summer House.