For me, one of the pros of working from home these last few years has been not having to tote around my laptop and other workplace essentials in a bag that could single-handedly ruin even the best of outfits. Three years ago, I had more canvas tote bags than I’d ever like to admit as well as countless unappealing laptop bags. Now, I barely have any. But with life getting closer and closer to normalcy and the need to carry around more than just my wallet and phone returning, I came to the realization recently that I might have to actually start carrying a laptop bag again. But this time, I’m not settling.
To my surprise, though, my research process wasn’t as dismal as I’d predicted it would be. In fact, it took me no time at all to realize that rather than hating laptop bags with every fiber of my being, I’m now drawn to them for more than just lugging my work computer around. Apparently, it took a pandemic to get designers to put the mini-bag trend aside and focus on bigger, utility-focused accessories. Prada, Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta, Saint Laurent—all of the top handbag brands in fashion are no longer designing necklace bags and wristlets that hardly fit a single credit card, let alone a laptop. Rather, many are debuting chic oversize shoulder bags, satchels, and totes for all our essentials, including electronics of all sizes.
Below, see all the designer laptop bags on my work (and play) wish list. If your response to them is anything like mine was, prepare to be shocked in a good way.