Previously I discussed how to look your best at work, specifically focusing on Blouses, Pants / Skirts, Cardigans / Blazers, and Shoes. Purses also play an important role in looking professional in the workplace. I personally enjoy shopping for purses so this is a very exciting post for me! This post will focus on the best purses for work!

Whenever I shop for work clothes or accessories, I’ll always look at what Corporette has to say on the topic. See here. I like how Corporette debates the cost vs. trendiness of the bag. I often opt for timeless look for my work bag, but then more eye-catching for bags outside of work.

Best Purses for Work

First, it’s important to define your requirements for the purse. What does it need to carry? How durable does it need to be? Will you use it every day, or just occasionally?

Here are the requirements I have for my work purse:

Big enough for my laptop
Lightweight (since I’m carrying a laptop, the bag itself cannot be too heavy)
Leather or nylon; I need extreme durability (which can be at odds with #2)
2 pockets, one with a zipper and one without (to easily drop keys or my phone for easy access); I will loosen this requirement and opt for a separate small bag with a zipper that I’ll throw in
Fits my purse insert. I put key items like my medications, business cards, etc in a purse insert that I move from purse to purse. That’s way, I don’t ever have that “I left it in my other purse moment” (I’ve owned this one for a while)
Has a shoulder strap
Neutral color: usually black but also brown or tan; needs to go with a lot of different outfits; I don’t want to change my purse every day

With those criteria in mind, here are some options I use or would use when choosing handbags for work:

(Note: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.)

With a top zipper

Work Tote — Longchamp Le Pliage Large Nylon Shoulder Tote

I have quite a few of these in many colors. They’re very versatile, and quite durable. If I don’t use it as my primary bag, I will bring it in addition to my purse to hold gym clothes, extra pair of flats if I’m wearing heels, a cardigan, etc. The price point is quite low, so I don’t think you’d regret having this bag.

KATE SPADE NEW YORK polly small tote, Main, color, BLACK

I find Kate Spade such a good brand for work handbags. Very durable materials, these bags can take a beating! There are also so many styles to choose from; I can honestly say I’ve never seen a boring Kate Spade bag. Lastly, the price point is not very high (especially when you consider they are often on sale).

MICHAEL Michael Kors - Voyager Multi-Function Top Zip Medium Leather Tote — MICHAEL Michael Kors Voyager Multi-Function Top Zip Medium Leather Tote

Without a top zipper

All else being equal, I would choose a bag with a top zipper when shopping for handbags for work. I carry too many things to trust that some won’t just roll out at any moment. But, I certainly the lack of top zipper preclude me from purchasing an otherwise perfect bag. There seems to be a better selection of totes without a top zipper.

TORY BURCH Perry Leather Tote, Main, color, GRAY HERON

This one has a zippered interior pocket for a laptop, with exterior open compartments. This may be the best of both worlds! One thing to caution, though, is that I think Tory Burch leather may not be as durable as others (see story below).

pdpImgShortDescription — Tory Burch Robinson Leather Tote

I had this exact bag 3 years ago. It was probably a choice more on the aesthetic vs functional. My laptop was a bit too large probably so I had to shove it in. But by far the biggest issue I had was that the leather started to peel off on the corners. I do wonder if Tory Burch has increased the durability of their products, though. I had the same issue with Tory Burch shoes a few years ago, and now I do not feel that way and have since purchased many. That said, I haven’t purchased a Tory Burch purse since. But, I’d recommend it if durability has increased.

While not black, brown or tan, burgundy is certainly a color that will work with a variety of wardrobes…