Our work bags are now working harder than ever. First, we've got a lot to carry. From laptops and tablets to notebooks, pens and cameras—maybe even a water bottle, book and some gym clothes. Maybe you pack your lunch if you're the health-conscious type. And now that so many jobs are a combination of working in the office and from home, it means that we're lugging this stuff to and fro a whole lot more than we used to. This is why the bag you choose matters.

Sure, you can use any old bag. But a man's work bag says a lot about him. Why put effort into your daily outfit if your bag is going to bring down your personal style? When you walk into a meeting and set down your bag, you've already made a statement. So you want it to be fashionable, interesting and well-suited to your personal style. And call us old fashioned, but a proper work bag should be leather. There's an inherent boss quality to a well-made leather bag.

But it's also got to work for you. The wrong bag for your needs can make your commute all the more excruciating. Who wants a bag that can't hold all the stuff you need? If you're the type that's constantly reaching for your earbuds or lip balm, make sure there are handy pockets. Are you okay holding a briefcase in your hands or do you want a shoulder strap? Maybe you want ultimate utility (and weight distribution) and require a grown-up backpack.

The great news is that there are now so many great bags that are as handsome as they are purposeful. You no longer need to choose between fashion and function. But you do need to choose the type of work bag that suits your needs. From totes and slings to briefcases and backpacks, the Valet. team rounded up some of our favorite upgrades. The ones we'd like to bring to the office each day.