There are a few wardrobe staples that can make a break a workwear outfit, especially when being fashion-forward (yet functional) is the main objective. Chief among them are the right shoe, be it a walkable sandal or stylish sneaker, the perfect trousers, both for comfort and for commuting, and the right work bag.
Vogue’s Favorite Summer Work Bags:
Styles that balances practicality with personality are key, and the totes you’ll find perched by our desks blend polished design with real-world utility—fitting laptops, notebooks, beauty essentials, and even a pair of kitten heels for post-office events and meetings. They need to be spacious, but not too big for lugging onto the train, nor too heavy to carry up several flights of stairs. And, they need to be on-trend without being overtly so—who wants to damage a precious new piece?
Some prefer a designer from a specific era, like Phoebe Philo’s Celine—a legacy shaped over ten years, from 2008 to 2017. Others would take anything from Mary-Kate and Ashley’s The Row, a coveted brand known for the longevity and timelessness of its accessories. Think of buttery leathers, clean lines, and subtle luxury—bags that whisper style rather than shout it. Whether it’s a structured top-handle bag or a slouchy bucket style, these carryalls reflect the editor’s curated life: always sophisticated and always prepared to work.
Ahead, shop the summer work bags that Vogue editors use for the office, and beyond.
Libby Page, Vogue executive shopping director
I am a true Phoebe fan and am forever scouring for her oldie-but-goodie heritage bags. In the summer, I wear a lot of white cotton, and I love the way this burgundy style will pop against any full-white look. It’s sturdy and very roomy for a crossbody bag, perfect for work. The two-tone tote I have had on my wish list since well…2010, when it launched, between this and the Bottega Andiamo, they’re the perfect laptop-friendly-but-still-chic bags! Lastly, this little Loewe. I hate riffling through handbags for keys, wallet, phone, cash, so I’ll throw them across my body to have them easily accessible.
Madeline Fass, associate fashion director
For the days you don’t need to carry a computer, The Row’s Park tote in small is the perfect little bucket bag. With an open top and roomy interior, it fits all of your everyday necessities and can take you from day to night because while it’s tote-shape, it doesn’t come across as a 9-to-5 commuter bag. I love this green shade, we shot the larger size for a springaccessory story a few seasons back and have had my eye on it ever since. The Hermès Garden Party tote, however, will forever be on my wish list. It’s timeless, classic, and does fit that laptop.
Cortne Bonilla, senior shopping writer
I’ve never been a small bag kind of gal—if anything, the bigger the better! My work bags have quickly transitioned into my everyday bags thanks to my desire to carry everything dear to me. Whether I have a brand dinner after work or a Pilates reformer class beforehand, I’d rather strengthen my shoulders than carry several bags at once. Vintage Bottega Veneta bags are my thing—I own several shoulder bags and totes already. There’s plenty of room inside for a pair of emergency ballet flats, an army of lip glosses, sunglasses, my laptop, and a pair of leggings, if needed. The same can be said for Khaite’s Frida tote—it’s the perfect shape for a small computer.