Luxe report: Roomy bags that mix practicality and style
Sunday, 9 February 2025
I’m sure I’m not alone in my insistence that one of the toughest parts of office life to navigate is fitting the ever-growing amount of items that need to be carried - from laptops and electronics to drink bottles, sunnies, snacks and general life essentials - into your bag without looking like you’re packed for a weekend getaway every morning.
Then we add summer to the mix - perfect for walk commutes or 5pm detours to the park, beach or pool before home. Finding a bag that holds leisure gear as well as everything you’d throw in your briefcase - but still makes you look ready to jump into a high-powered boardroom rather than onto a connecting flight - can be overwhelming.
As someone who has always struggled to find roomy bags that scream professional meeting rather than school bus school kid, I called in the experts when curating a list of summer office bags - roomy enough for the beach gear but still stylish enough for any corporate leader.
When designing her line of bags, Saben founder, Roanne Jacobson has a baseline: “It's got to work, and it's got to look great”. She wear-tests everything she produces to ensure the mix is right.
“If it doesn't work for me, then it's not going to work for my customers,” she says.
Oversized bags for summer in the office can be a “lifesaver”, says stylist, Sarah Stuart. But it’s crucial to find the right “balance”. After all, you want your vibe to be “organised professional” and not “ready to move house”.
For carting both office and summer essentials, the perfect bag ticks two boxes: “Practicality and style”.
Stuart recommends a “sleek, structured design” that will hold its shape, with clean lines, “understated hardware” and neutral tones like black, beige or navy.
“To keep things polished, skip bags with too many zippers, bold logos, or slouchy fabrics,” she says.
It’s also a good idea to get something easy to clean if you’re stashing the beach gear under the tablet.
“The last thing you want is sand following you into the office,” she says.
So this week I sighed at my growing pile of bag fails in my office corner, took notes and asked Stuart to suggest her favourite roomy summer bag options and Jacobson to suggest her favourite design that fits the brief.
Saben Porto Tote
As someone who struggles to choose the right bag, I love the comfortable, yet classy look of Jacobson’s recommended, Saben Porto Tote.
Locally designed, it is the “ultimate summer work bag - lightweight, versatile and effortlessly stylish”.
“It’s perfect for carrying your office essentials and seamlessly transitions from work to beach—just swap your laptop for a towel. Plus, the recycled nylon is incredibly low-maintenance, resisting stains and drying quickly,” she says.
“And the best part? The handles tuck inside, letting you switch up your look in seconds.”
The cost: $349
Everlane Studio Tote
A product by US company, Everlane - which sells itself on ethical fashion, transparency and lasting quality - the Studio Tote, says Stuart, “offers a polished look for the office with its structured design and high-quality Italian leather”.
Roomy enough to fit your post-work swimwear, while perfectly suited to a high-pressure meeting of bigwigs.
The cost: $461
Mulberry Clovelly Tote
You know you’re onto a winning bag if it’s almost impossible to find in stock online, right? Nabbing one of Stuart’s recommended Mulberry Clovelly totes may take a bit of a hunt, which only makes the reward sweeter.
Stuart describes the “generously-sized” Mulberry tote as the “perfect way to elevate your every day”.
“A soft and sophisticated tote bag designed without hardware,” she says.
The cost: Roughly from £950 ($2089.52) to €1,495 (NZ$2747.88), depending on where and if you can find one.
Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack
I’ve always been a backpack person for the office, although - as I may have mentioned - struggle to portray office professionalism over looking like I’m running late for a maths test.
The Dagne Dover Dakota, says Stuart, combines “modern aesthetic with practicality”. It’s lightweight, water-resistant and offers multiple compartments.
“Ideal for both office commutes and beach outings.”
The cost: $215
Yu Mei Landscape tote
Another recommendation from Stuart comes from local brand Yu Mei, with the roomy yet stylish Landscape tote.
“Made from ECONYL®, this bag will weather wetness,” she says.
“It cleverly converts from an everyday tote to a well-organised gym bag or heavy-duty work duffle with compartments.”
The cost: $490
Chloe Woody Tote
Looking for indulgence, luxury and a surefire way to impress visiting clients, while basking in the knowledge that you’ve got your swimwear stashed for later as the business chat gets underway?
“The bag's sharp, modern lines are emphasised by the vertical leather strips and the signature Chloé logo revisited in tonal embroidery on calfskin,” says Stuart.
“Carry this tote bag comfortably on the shoulder.”
The cost: US$1953 (NZ$3453)