Designers and Commuters Agree: This Is *the* Bag to Buy in 2024

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 work 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 designer 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. 

Ever since Prada rereleased its iconic 1995 top-handle bags, I've wanted one desperately. Something about the practical size and shape of it was instantly alluring, especially after years of teeny-tiny handbags reigning supreme in fashion. 

If you love a shoulder bag as much as I do, you'll be happy to hear that many brands are now supersizing their shoulder-bag offerings, finally making it possible to carry just one handbag that will snugly fit everything from your keys to your laptop. No extra canvas tote bag necessary. 

Prada wasn't the only brand to debut office-ready accessories on the runway of late. At its F/W 22 show, Louis Vuitton, too, showcased a slew of XL and laptop-friendly handbags, each one more enticing than the last.

One swipe through any big-time influencer's Instagram feed, and you'll find an Hermès bag, be it a Kelly or a Birkin. The styles, which have always been sought after, are bigger than ever right now, in part fueled by the growing interest in larger bags that fit all our needs. 

I love a structured tote just as much as the next person, but Chanel's new oversize shoulder bag, which has almost no structure at all, is quickly growing on me. 

Bottega Veneta's ubiquitous quilted bags have officially become commuter friendly thanks to Matthieu Blazy, the brand's creative director, who sent oversize flap bags down the runway at his debut show in Milan. 

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.