9 Honest Essentials You Need In Your Work Tote

Through every long commute and corporate event our work totes, in effect, become an extension of us. I can’t tell you how many times I was relieved to find an over the counter tablet for a sudden headache or an extra feminine product for a friend in my bag. And let’s be honest, we carry a lot of things in our bags. So why not get a bag that does it all? The bag that carries all your work essentials, goes with any outfit and makes carrying even the heaviest load a little easier. I have mine.

The Dagne Dover Allyn Tote is the quintessential work bag – functional, stylish and commuter friendly. If you follow me on Instagram you know I have been throughly impressed with this bag. I purchased this tote back in 2021 and it has turned out to be a truly worthwhile investment.

The Allyn Tote has room for everything I need and even more room for the things I don’t. So here’s an honest list of the work bag essentials I keep in my tote no matter what.

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BELKIN

Portable Charger

For those times when you can’t find an outlet, you’ll be glad that you have a portable charger.

FOSSIL

Wallet

You will likely carry your wallet with any bag you use. The key here is to get a wallet that is compact so that it saves on space, but sufficient enough that it holds the essentials.

GOODY

Hair Bands

This may or may not be the most important thing in my bag. Ok, I’m kidding – but for me hair accessories are so critical to busy work day. I may start my day in a fro and end it in a puff. These Goody hair bands allow me to do that seamlessly.

MADEWELL

Essentials Pouch

A a true essential is the pouch inside of your tote. Having a pouch that contains your smaller work bag essentials like feminine products, lip balm, sunscreen, mini perfume makes it easier to access your items quickly.

BURT’S BEES

Hand Lotion

This hand salve got me through many winters and kept dry hands far, far away. It may be a bit heavy for the summer months, but that doesn’t stop me.

PURELL

Hand Sanitizer

I like to keep it cute with a lot of things – hand sanitizer isn’t one of them. When it comes to sanitizers, I go with a trusted brand like Purell.

YETI

Water Bottle

A double insulated water bottle sure to keep your water cold is definetly a good idea. Great for long days on the trail or long commutes on the train.

Apple

AirPods

Now I know there’s all kinds of wireless on the market now. But I am still drawn to using my AirPods because of they are compact and have great battery life.

Pilot G2

Pens

You don’t realize how important a pen is until you don’t have one when you really need it. It’s always good practice to have 1 or 2 pens in your work tote.

I hope these recommendations are helpful. Check out this post for the items I keep at my desk when working from home.

Comment below and let me know what essentials you keep in your work tote!

Live abundantly,

Bethany

Hi! I'm Bethany

Bethany is a data analyst and the founder of Styles and Script. She holds a Master in Public Health and has years of experience in data management and statistical analysis. She is a visual storyteller based in NYC that focuses on sharing narratives related clothing, curls and code. Bethany is focused on cultivating a space that encourages her community to embrace technical and creative skills in a way that is purposeful and impactful.