Trendy and affordable work bags to buy right now

You know what they say..when you look good, you feel better. For all of us #girlbosses who spend most of our time hustling, it’s important that we make every second of the day count. And that is exactly why we can’t afford time mulling over an outfit or allowing less than perfect dressing to dull our shine, especially when we are in the midst of slaying the boardroom.

We’ve got a tip for you: the right handbag pulls the whole look together, and stores everything you need with ease. Let your bag be the focal point and invest in these fashion-forward bags. Plus point? They look expensive but won’t break the bank. Consider us sold, and just take our money already.

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This see-through vinyl tote with snakeskin handles and lining is the statement bag for the sartorially experimental as it combines two SS19 trends – see-through bags and animal prints. The return of the animal print trend is upon us, with brands such as Burberry, Gucci, Tom Ford and Calvin Klein celebrating the animal motif in their SS19 collections. And When it comes to clear bags, we saw a range from the casual options at Marine Serre to the colourful plastic ones at Moschino and Versace on the runways.

On the days when you want to feel fierce, tote this bag and let it do all the talking. Go with a pared down outfit of mostly white, black or khaki (if you want to know how dress in neutrals, we’ve got a guide). Avoid more prints so as not to look OTT. We can also appreciate how the inner bag provides privacy and compartmentalisation for our personal belongings.

Photo: Zara

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Another black tote? Yawn. Another bag with just basic leather straps? Yawn, again. Enter this unprecedented dusty pastel green tote that features a chunky chain as its handle. 

Photo: Zara

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This vintage-inspired acrylic tortoiseshell tote bag throws out all preconceived notions of what a tote bag should be. Originating from the ’60s in the form of a box bags, tortoiseshell bags are making its 2019 resurgence. And it proves to us that this perdurable pattern works just as well on bag as it does on accessories. Plus point? It’s waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about wet weather. 

Photo: Topshop

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An infallible method of integrating this kitschy paper bag-looking tote that’s bound to spark conversations and compliments? Go monochromatic and experiment with different tones of beige, from your clothing pieces to your accessories. Beige is the new black, haven’t you heard? This once misprized shade is now the most coveted shade this SS19. We strongly encourage layering (here’s our guide to layering) with different textures to create dimension.

Photo: Charles & Keith

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Give a nod to animal prints that’s at the forefront of fashion trends this season, but with a twist to it. Yes, we’re well-accustomed to animal print being brown-toned leopard or snake prints. Now consider it coming in a more subtle fashion via a modish croc-effect tote bag. Also, this is an alternative way for those who still love their minimalist coordinates to incorporate the animal prints trend into their wardrobe.

Photo: Topshop

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Just like how a little black dress is an irreplaceable, evergreen staple in wardrobes, this (not so) little black tote is the equivalent of that – but in your bag collection. The silver hardware – like the chain link shoulder strap and studs at the contour of the bag, adds a hint of class and elevates the overall feel of what would just be a common tote bag. Plus, it makes us nostalgic for Stella McCartney’s classic Falabella totes. 

Photo: Zara

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Every fashion fanatic who travels to a tropical, summery country needs to have a straw bag amidst her bag stash. Let alone one who lives in sunny Singapore because the straw tote bag is the epitome of summer vibes and versatility. Woven straw bags are still here to stay, judging from Loewe and Michael Kors’ runways, just to name a few. Zara’s take on the straw bag is an improved shape, as it’s multi-functional. Want to sling it? Check. Need a handbag? Simply tuck the straps in.

Wear it with flowy printed palazzo pants and a ruffled top for the full relaxed, beachy experience. Bring this tote out to play especially on casual Fridays so that you don’t have to hassle over switching bags, as it makes for the perfect weekend bag as well. 

Photo: Zara

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We love this eclectic mini crossbody in a striking royal blue colour that’s so on point for the cheery spring season. The inclusion of the wood detailing makes it easier for you to work your way around styling. Simply throw on pieces that are of similar shades, in a bid of complementing the neutral hues. Its smaller size is also a refreshing switch from the heavy totes that you might’ve been used to lugging around.

Photo: Pull & Bear

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Glorify your unembellished boardroom outfit with some faux fur, which everyone knows is synonymous for luxury. Integrating an element of faux fur is a foolproof way of being fancy on a budget.

Plus, being seen with a bucket bag slung around your shoulders gives you additional trend points. Especially one that’s an interesting variation of the cult bag trend. Thanks to the likes of Mansur Gavriel, Simon Miller, Staud, and fashion influencers, all of us fancy ourselves a good bucket bag. This bag’s cylindrical silhouette is a great way to inject casualness into your daily outfits while still maintaining structure.

Photo: Pomelo Fashion

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Break away from the monotony of carrying yet another black bag to work everyday, and turn to the next best contender – grey bags. To be frank, this isn’t a tough switch, as grey is still a basic colour that’s easy on coordination. Clothing and accessory pieces that you would rock with your go-to black handbags would work equally as well with this grey update. 

Photo: Charles & Keith

READ ALSO: THESE ARE ALL THE REASONS WHY YOU NEED TO GET YOUR HANDS ON EVERYTHING OM BY ONG SHUNMUGAM