9 Cute Work Bags For A Stylish Commute

Keys. Wallet. Lunch. Water bottle. Laptop. If it feels like you’re packing up your entire life every morning when you leave for the office, you need a tote bag that fits all the essentials, and more.

Picking the perfect work bag is about more than looking cute—you’ll want to think about how often you lug your laptop around, where you typically work from (an office where you can keep essentials at your desk? A coffee shop around the corner from your house? The airport on your way to a meeting?) and how much stuff you realistically need to fit in it every day. 

A minimalist tote with long handles is ideal for everyday use and can double as a shopping or gym bag in a pinch. Want to stay organized no matter what the day throws your way? Look for heavy-duty construction and practical details, like zipped compartments, a built-in padded laptop sleeve or a water bottle holder. 

Scroll on to shop our favourite work totes from Canadian brands.

The Best Canadian Tote Bags For Work

Monos Metro Tote, $282

Designed to pair with the brand’s suitcases, this compact tote also makes an ideal everyday companion for anyone on the go. The exterior is water-resistant and the interior features a multitude of pockets to stash items of every size and a soft cotton lining that won't scratch delicate belongings. We also love that it comes in a wide range of trendy hues, including minimalist neutrals and bold patterns.

Ai Snakeprint Worker Tote Bag, $165

Roomy enough to take you from the gym to the office to happy hour, this chic snakeprint bag easily fits a 13-in. laptop and comes with a handy removable strap. It's also the perfect size to use as a personal item while travelling as it slides easily under an airplane seat. 

Ela x Jillian Harris Everyday Tote 2.0, $110

This dreamy collab between Toronto-based brand Ela and content creator and entrepreneur Jillian Harris is guaranteed to spark joy every morning. With pockets galore (including a RFID-blocking cardholder to protect your personal information), this extra-large gingham tote is a versatile option that takes you from work to the airport to the beach and beyond. Pair it with the matching cosmetic case for the ultimate on-the-go set.

Hannah Canvas Mino Tote Bag, $72

If you’re looking for a bag that does it all, a classic canvas tote is the way to go. Sturdy and designed for heavy-duty toting, they can also be incredibly chic. Case in point: L.L. Bean’s iconic Boat and Tote—which can be monogrammed with initials or a cheeky reference—has become a status symbol of the fashionable set in recent years. This one is made in Canada, available in six vibrant colours and can be worn crossbody or as a shoulder bag.

Poppy & Peonies Go-Getter Tote, $125

With a water bottle compartment, a built-in key chain and a padded laptop pocket, this tote doesn’t skimp on practical details. The best part? It comes in every colour imaginable, from classic black to bright lilac. We're big fans of the burgundy option, which is the perfect mix of timeless and trendy.

Simons Two-Tone Braided Tote Bag, $100

Woven bags are going strong this summer, and this one is the perfect combination of polished and casual. Braided with vegan leather and cotton, it has a textured finishes that elevates it beyond basic. It doesn't have interior pockets, but comes with a removable zip pouch.

Eleven Thirty Romy Tote Bag, $420

Looking for a one-of-a-kind bag? Each of these made-in-Toronto totes is made from cowhide and sports a unique salt-and-pepper pattern. The design features both top handles and a shoulder strap, and it can fit a 15-in. laptop. It's an investment piece, but it's also the kind of bag that looks better the more wear-and-tear it shows, so you'll be wearing it proudly for years to come.

Matt & Nat Curb Vegan Tote Bag, $108 

You can’t go wrong with a pretty pastel bag. This design is topped with a zip closure and features an adjustable and detachable shoulder strap.

Lambert The Malorie 2-in-1 Briefcase, $155

What's more professional than a briefcase? This one can fit a 16-inch laptop and comes with a removable nylon shoulder strap. It has a large front pocket with a magnetic closure and a trolley sleeve to secure it to a suitcase handle.