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It’s that time of year again!
When making your way through university, getting to and from class with your belongings secure doesn’t have to come at the expense of style. There are hundreds of cute and amazing backpacks out there, but this is for my purse and tote lovers.
This article focuses on bags from a range of prices that allow students and professionals to get their valuables from one place to another, all while feeling stunning. The criteria I focused on are zippers or pockets (for peace of mind on public transport) and size to ensure a laptop can be easily taken along to class or the office. While bags can be pricey, understand that you don’t always have to break the bank. Local thrift stores or hand-me-downs can provide an inexpensive and unique option to revamp your wardrobe.
All measurements are in inches: W (width), L (length), H (height).
$0 – $100 Purses and totes
AMAZON LOVELOOK LAPTOP BAG ($30 – $45)
For the AMAZON PRIME lovers, this LOVELOOK laptop bag allows you to fit your laptop in a casual yet put-together way. Available in many moody colors and many styles so you’ll have no problem finding the perfect fit.
Details:
- Dimensions: H 12 in. x L 16.5 in. x W 12 in.
- Water and scratch-resistant with metal feet and a zipper closure
- Fits a 15″ Laptop
BAGGU HORIZONTAL ZIP DUCK BAG ($42)
The BAGGU Horizontal zip provides a zip top closure and is available in many fun and exciting patterns for those who want a bit more pop in their everyday bag. Made of recycled cotton canvas this affordable bag is also machine washable and plays more into the classic tote look. This is an updated version of their Horizontal Duck bag.
Details:
- Dimensions: H 12 1/5 in. x L 17 in. x W 4 1/4 in.
- Interior patch pocket and 20″ adjustable strap with top carry handles
- Fits a 15″ laptop
LULULEMON DAILY MULTI-POCKET TOTE BAG ($68)
This multi-use bag can provide you with all the space you need while ensuring you have room for your water. Crafted out of water-repellent cotton canvas, the multi-pocket tote allows for a clean yet spacious way to get your belongings around. This bag differs from others in this article for those who want a more of a ‘tote bag’ look in comparison to a leather purse style.
Details:
- Dimensions: H 20.1 in. x L 5.9 in. x W 13.8 in
- Snap closure and exterior pockets with interior pockets
- Fits 15″ Laptop
GUESS EVENING WORK BAG ($75.95 – $150)
Made of a faux-leather crocodile embossed fabrication this bag will elevate your everyday commute. With interior slip pockets and a wide interior, this bag will allow for easy and cute transportation of your everyday needs. It may only be available in the black.
Details:
- H 11 in. x L 15 in. x W 6 in.
- Two exterior zip pockets
- Fits a 15″ Laptop
RAINS TOTE BAGE MINI ($65)
For those in more of a rainy area, the Rains Tote lives up to the name, providing a simple and waterproof option for commutes or the office. There is a full-length zipper closure that holds the spacious main compartment together. It also offers varying carry options with its detachable shoulder strap and long should handles.
Details:
- Dimensions: H 14.4 in. x W 5.2 in. x L 14 in.
- Waterproof with a single main compartment
- Fits 13″ Laptop
$100 + purses and totes
BÉIS WORK TOTE ($128)
This Work Tote allows you to stay organized on the go. You can fit everything you need for a productive day while keeping your things secure with the zipper closure and padded laptop sleeve. The key leash provides a unique and convenient addition to this bag, eliminating the stress of digging through your bag, purse, or pockets for your keys.
Details:
- Dimensions: H 11 in. x W 14.25 in. x L 6 in.
- Interior pockets: 1 slip pocket on one side and one zipper pocket on the other, and a trolley pass-through for travel
- Fits a 13″ Laptop
Honorable mentions from BĂ©is – The Commuter Tote ($118) and The Weekender ($108).
LONGCHAMP LE PLIAGE ORIGINAL L TOTE BAG ($155)
Crafted out of polyamide fabric with a minimum of 70% recycled fiber, the Longchamp Le Pliage tote is a staple university bag. Providing the user with a zipper closure and a snap button on top, the dusky solid colors allow for a more low-key look. Despite the two flat interior pockets the inside is completely bare allowing those who want a little more free space not to have to worry about interior compartments that may come in handing for things like water bottles.
Details:
- Dimensions: H 11.8 in. x W 7.5 in. L 12.2 in.
- Two flat interior pockets
- Fits a 14″ Laptop
KATE SPADE KNOTT COMMUTER LAPTOP BAG ($258)
The Knott Commuter by Kate Hudson is made from durable pebbled leather. Hosting a zipper closure the laptop can fit a 15″ laptop. The spacious bag allows you to get your belongings around campus or the office elegantly and timelessly. This bag is worth the investment in the long run, after university, it can be used for work or even just a spacious everyday bag.
Details:
- Dimensions: H 10.7 in. x W 14.8 in. x D 2.7 in.
- Two interior slip compartments and a zipper closure
Fits 15″ Laptop
Honorable mentions from Kate Spade – Morgan Laptop Bag ($398), Hudson Commuter Laptop bag ($398), Essential Large Work Tote ($318), Sam Icon Large Scale Tote ($378), and the Hudson Work Tote ($398).
CUYANA ZIPPER TOTE ($298)
This sleek tote comes in an array of neutral browns and beiges with new arrivals of cherry and deep ocean. This simple design allows for a wide range of outfits while always matching. Sporting a hidden sipper this tote allows for protection against pickpockets. The CUYANA zipper tote is an Italian leather carryall with an 11” handle drop.
Details:
- Dimensions: 12.5″ H x 20.5″ W x 5″ D
- Internal pocket: H 5.90 in x W 7.87 in.
- Fits 15″-16″ Laptop
TORY BURCH PERRY TRIPLE-COMPARTMENT TOTE BAG ($398)
This tote is comprised of Italian pebbled leather and is worn comfortably. The design hosts a center laptop compartment and the entire bag is not equipped with a zipper closure. The interior compartment, meant for up to a 13″ laptop, does have a zipper closure ensuring your laptop will not slide out if the bag is tipped over. Available in Basil, Brick, Albarossa, and neutral tans, this classy statement piece is also studded with protective metal feet on the base.
Details:
- Dimensions: H 11.4 in. x L 14.2 in. x D 5.3 in.
- 3 interior slip pockets on the center compartment and a center zipper compartment
- Fits 13″ Laptop
Liking these options?
Picking the right bag is hard, but after reading this article I hope you discovered options that suit your needs. Whether it’s for you or someone else, finding the right bag is essential for staying organized and fashionable. With the price ranges offered, there is something in this article for everyone’s budget. Hopefully, you find the right bag to carry you and your things through this year and many more to come. Happy shopping! Enjoy!