10 affordable work bags for working women

Want to look and feel luxe for work but not ready to drop months' worth of your pay check on a single luxury handbag? Consider these options

Credits: Net-a-Porter, Polene, The Paper Bunny
Credits: Net-a-Porter, Polene, The Paper Bunny
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You know what they say... when you look good, you feel good. For all of us girl bosses who spend most of our time hustling, it's crucial that we make every second of the day count. And that is precisely why we can't afford the time to mull over an outfit or allow less-than-perfect dressing to dull our shine.

But what you might not know is that the right accessories like a handbag can instantly pull your look together. Allow your bag to take centre stage and consider investing in these trendy bags. An added benefit? Opting for a stylish piece can make your outfit look expensive without burning a hole in your wallet.

Nodde, USD$500 (S$684.89), Polene

Credit: Polene
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This exquisite bag from Polene showcases a mesmerising interplay of lines, meticulously accentuated by impeccable stitching and flawless symmetry. A testament to both artistry and craftsmanship, the Nodde bag offers a striking blend of design and quality in one accessory.

Gabine Leather Saddle Bag, $159, Charles & Keith

Credit: Charles & Keith
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Nothing says business quite like this polished Gabine leather saddle bag. Reinvented for the new season, this signature piece from Charles & Keith is made from luxurious calf leather and boasts a magnetic closure for easy access to your items. Available in different sizes, we particularly like how roomy this saddle bag is, so you can stash all your 9-to-5 essentials. It's also really versatile, as it comes with two interchangeable straps that you can use to carry at a length most comfortable for you

Numero Huit, USD$430 ($589.01), Polene

Credit: Polene
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Some of our favourite handbags of the season sport piquant, fresh colours and architectural shapes. This bucket bag from Polene happens to have both of the elements. Featuring sculptural lines and sophisticated curves, this bag looks playful despite its clean finish. Guaranteed to freshen up and add a lively feel to your workplace ensemble, this tote bag is an incredibly chic statement item you need to add to your arsenal ASAP.

Medium Drab Shopping Bag, USD$202 (S$290.04), Telfar

Credit: Telfar
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Rendered in a muted shade of green that is well-loved for its versatility and its timeless appeal. Featuring a double strap (handles and cross-body straps) and a main compartment with magnetic snap closure, this bag can be worn in two different ways: as a handbag or even as a crossbody.

Numero Dix, USD$460 (S$630.10), Polene

Credit: Polene
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Boasting a sophisticated silhouette, the crescent bag is the newest bag trend that’s taking over social media this year. And if you're looking for a stylish piece that will go well with just about any outfit in your closet, then you might want to consider getting Polene's popular Numero Dix bag. With high-end details such as a curved strap, foam padding and hand-stitching, this bag has won the hearts of many thanks to its design and functionality. You can carry it as a purse or sling it across your body for a casual touch when happy hour calls.

Puffer Shopper, $65, The Paper Bunny

Credit: The Paper Bunny
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You might have seen this tote from The Paper Bunny around town recently, and its widespread appeal is certainly well-deserved. It's not only roomy enough to accommodate your laptop but also offers a comfortable fit on your shoulder, ensuring a pleasant carrying experience all day long.

Buzz Hobo Bag, $95.90, Charles & Keith

Credit: Charles & Keith
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Structured hobo bags are poised for a major comeback this season. A perfect example is this functional and stylish piece from Charles & Keith that comes with clean, swooping lines in an elegant white finish adds tactility to your overall look and a roomy interior, rendering it a practical companion for the modern woman who hauls her entire life in a receptacle.

Santa Croce Big Woven Leather Tote, $644, Dragon Diffusion from Net-a-Porter

Credit: Net-a-Porter
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There’s a compelling reason for the woven bag’s resurgence: It elevates any outfit by adding texture to your look and it goes well with just about any piece in your wardrobe. Take, for instance, this Woven Leather Tote from Dragon Diffusion.

What's unique about this bag is that you'll find a hand-sewn St. Christopher medal charm, believed to manifest protection on your travels, nestled in the bag. The bag is also crafted using leather strips dyed with natural vegetable dyes, and it tapers to a curved trapeze shape at the top.

Aimee Work BiB, $279, Tocco Toscano

Credit: Tocco Toscano
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Breeze through the week with this versatile piece from Tocco Toscano. Great for those who love to compartmentalise their items, this bag boasts spacious compartments that allow you to organise your essentials, thanks to its spacious interior compartments. The bag also comes with a water-resistant holder for you to keep your bottle or umbrella, and a compartment for you to store your laptop.

Marlows Shoulder, $269, Tocco Toscano

Credit: Tocco Toscano
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Crafted with three spacious main compartments, the Marlows Shoulder bag is roomy enough to hold all your necessities and then some. Keep your phone snug in its designated slot and keep your essentials in the various pockets for meticulous organisation. The front compartment even features a card slot for swift access to your travel card during your daily commute.

To top it all off, it also has a detachable strap, giving you the option to wear it as a comfortable shoulder bag or switch to a crossbody style.

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