Tote bags have been on trend for a couple of years now, and they are still going strong. It’s easy to see why since totes allow you to have the space you need to bring your devices or school books in a bag that still looks stylish and casual. Totes work in the office and they consolidate your bags so you do not need an extra briefcase or laptop bag.
Commuter Tote or Backpack
Backpacks have become more popular with the professional set in recent years, in part because they are a little less gendered than tote bags traditionally, and in part because a sleek black backpack complements a suit well and carries easily if your commute involves a lot of time on your feet, as it often does for urbanites who depend on light rail and other public transit systems.
If you find yourself weighing your options, the tradeoff is simple. Totes are convenient and spacious, but they do not carry as conveniently as backpacks. They can complement more styles and work in both office and casual settings, in part because business casual totes come in more colors and patterns.
Business backpacks are usually more focused on utility through organization and efficient space management than aesthetics, but some blend the two well. They tend to be neutral colors, which works well if you want to be able to use them with anything and not stand out, but they are less common in casual settings and tend to stand out in a club or restaurant, where a tote just looks like a handbag.
Space for Your Laptop
When picking out a tote bag for work, the important part is to be sure the bag can handle your business needs. That means a dedicated laptop space with padded separators to keep it secure. The less it moves independently from the bag, the better. Weekend bags and small casual totes are distinct from office-ready choices because they are not designed with this need in mind.
While commuter backpacks tend to be a little more optimized for organization than totes, a good business tote bag will still let you separate your devices securely, keep pen and paper ready, secure documents, and still have a space for your more personal items like IDs and ATM cards.
Options for an All-Purpose Tote
Your work tote and your weekend bag do not have to be separate bags. You just need to stop for a stylish option that does what you need both bags to do. It’s got to have a shoe compartment for your extra pair if you take it overnight, as well as space for your makeup bag. It also has to secure your laptop and documents while making dedicated space for other mobile devices and office supplies.
There are work totes that fit this bill, and they are great if your job often takes you away for conferences or site work with clients. Keep that in mind as you shop, because there is something for everyone when it comes to functional office fashion.