Friday, January 17, 2025

The 26 Best Weekender Bags For Long-Weekend Travel

Lengthy trips call for breaking out our best rolling luggage, but for the quick, two- to three-day getaway, we need a travel bag that allows us to sail smoothly through various micro-jaunts; whether they’re via plane, train, or automobile, without getting in the way or weighing us down. This is where the weekender bag shines.

Weekenders run the gamut in terms of size and shape, so what’s right for you depends on your personal packing preferences: There are durable duffles ripe for overstuffing, and large canvas totes for folding up an extra travel outfit or two, as well as structured bags that can plop on top your suitcase handle. No matter which one you pick, rest assured you’ll be able to flutter to and from all your adventures easily by slinging one of them over your shoulder. 

All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.

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Massimo Dutti Maxi Braided Nappa Leather Satchel Bag



For a chic office-to-airport option, Massimo Dutti’s woven leather design is top of our list. It’s just big enough to throw in your laptop, an outfit or two, a book, and a wash bag — all without being so big it annoys your fellow train commuters.

Massimo Dutti Maxi Braided Nappa Leather Satchel Bag, $, available at Massimo Dutti

Quince Italian Leather Triple Compartment Weekender



What do we want? Compartments! Where do we want them? In our weekender bags! Quince’s Italian leather style has just enough space that you can throw stuff in one of the three zippered pockets, but not too much that you’ll overpack.

Quince Italian Leather Triple Compartment Weekender, $, available at Quince

Calpak Terra 26L Laptop Duffle Backpack



Whether you’re going on a short weekend getaway to the next town over or a new state, the Terra backpack duffle will ensure you only pack what you can carry. Created with an eco-friendly recycled ripstop polyester, this durable piece can fit what you need.

Calpak Terra 26L Laptop Duffel Backpack, $, available at Calpak

Lululemon Multi-Pocket Tote Bag 19.5L



With ergonomic, adjustable straps for crossbody wear, zippered pockets (both internal and external), and tons of storage space, this straight-to-business tote makes it easy to pack all your stuff for a quick getaway. We especially love the detachable zippered pocket for carrying your passport and the front D-ring to clip on things like hand sanitizer. It’s crafted out of water-repellent fabric, too, so it’s easy to wipe clean and great for the wet, rainy months.

Lululemon Multi-Pocket Tote Bag 19.5L, $, available at Lululemon

FP Movement Quilted Duffle



The FP Movement Quilted Carryall is one of Free People’s bestsellers, loved by R29 readers and editors alike for its versatility. Now say hello to its latest iteration: a weekend-ready duffle made in the same water-resistant, puffer-style quilting. It also comes with travel features, such as a shoe pocket, a suitcase strap, an adjustable and removable shoulder strap, and lots of internal pockets.

FP Movement Quilted Duffle, $, available at Free People

By Anthropologie Weekender Bag



No need to sacrifice space for style: Covered in a beautiful botanical print, Anthro’s padded duffle is great for throwing all your weekend necessities. Made with cotton, this carry-all can easily be popped into the washing machine to erase all weekend spills.

By Anthropologie Weekender Bag, $, available at Anthropologie

Tumi Contine Weekender



We love the luxurious look of Tumi’s travel goods. Check out this nylon-and-leather weekender, equipped with all the compartments you’ll ever need, including a quick-access phone pocket, laptop sleeve, zippered bottom compartment, and more.

TUMI Contine Weekender, $, available at Anthropologie

Béis The Weekender



We love this Béis weekender, made with sleek waterproof canvas, ample storage space, and a multitude of zip pockets — one even converts to a sleeve, so you can easily slide it over a suitcase handle for your next journey.

Béis The Weekender, $, available at Béis

Baggu Cloud Carry-On



The best part about this bag? Just how big and boxy it is — perfectly suited to filling with packing cubes and pouches without losing its shape, which then makes it easier to perch on top of a suitcase. The two large pockets on the front are also great for slipping in easy-to-reach travel essentials like a water bottle or book.

Baggu Cloud Carry-On, $, available at Baggu

Everlane The ReNew Transit Weekender



This under-$100 option from Everlane is just the right (carry-on) size for a weekend business trip. It’s made from 100% recycled fabric and includes a padded laptop sleeve, two water bottle holders, an exterior zip pocket, and a convenient luggage handle pass-through.

Everlane The ReNew Transit Weekender, $, available at Everlane

Madewell The Zip-Top Medium Transport Tote



Some people are overpackers, and some can just grab and go. If you’re in the latter party, this is the perfect bag for you: a chic leather tote large enough to fit all the necessities without getting bogged down with, well, stuff. Better yet, it zips up so nothing will spill in the overhead space.

Madewell The Zip-Top Medium Transport Tote, $, available at Madewell

Fjällräven Kånken Weekender



From the Swedish makers of the adorable Kånken backpack comes its older sibling that can carry much larger loads. The Weekender looks like a bigger version of the backpack, and can be carried as such. (It’s also equipped with a shoulder strap.) This pastel lavender color is precious, but you can choose from seven other earthy tones.

Fjällräven Kånken Weekender, $, available at Fjällräven

Samsonite Better than Basic Weekender



Perfect for the frequent work travelers, this weekender bag will keep you looking professional and organized, thanks to a spacious top compartment with a laptop sleeve, plus a separate drop bottom compartment for shoes.

Samsonite Better than Basic Weekender, $, available at Samsonite

MZ Wallace Nik Bag



This style has tons of organized space in the form of interior pockets, compartments, and detachable bags. The exterior is equipped with even more organizational pockets.


MZ WALLACE Nik, $, available at MZ Wallace

Vera Bradley Large Miramar Weekender



Like a real-life Mary Poppins bag, this weekender tote is surprisingly roomy, featuring a zippered laptop compartment, internal and external pockets, a trolley sleeve, and more. Plus it's available in an array of bold, bright patterns and vibrant colors.

Vera Bradley Large Miramar Weekender, $, available at Vera Bradley

Away The Everywhere Bag



This sleek duffle is a standard-sized version of R29-approved brand Away’s best-seller, designed to go everywhere with you. It’s made of water-resistant nylon material and has an assortment of compartments, including a padded laptop pocket and a trolley sleeve to carry it on your wheeled suitcase.

Away The Everywhere Bag, $, available at Away

Halfday Travel The Garment Duffel 45L



The carry-on-sized duffel unfolds flat to store hanging clothes. Meaning: You can put a few dresses or suits in the hanging compartment, roll that up, then fit all the rest of your travel necessities in the regular compartment, just like a traditional duffel. The bag also features two shoe pockets, as well as a back trolley sleeve.

Halfday Travel The Garment Duffel 45L, $, available at Halfday Travel

Leatherology Kessler Medium Duffel



For weekend travel, the Kessler duffle is a personal favorite of R29’s senior director of editorial Carli Whitwell. Made of buttery soft, full-grain leather, it features six pockets ripe for the filling — with options to personalize starting at $35.

Leatherology Kessler Medium Duffle, $, available at Leatherology

Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Bag



A more compact duffle than most, Dagne Dover’s Landon Carryall boasts multiple interior compartments and an expandable design that’s ideal for travelers looking to maintain a short packing list. This is also one of the best carryalls for women if you’re looking for a set of travel bags and accessories in the same color — and especially unique shades like this (Brat green luggage anyone?).

Dagne Dover Landon Neoprene Carryall Bag, $, available at Dagne Dover

Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe


There’s nothing worse than having to shove your dirty, sandy shoes in with all your clothes, toiletries, and travel essentials. That’s why the Catalina Deluxe, with its separate shoe compartment, is one of our top contenders. Plus this rich color.

Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe, $, available at Lo & Sons

Paravel Weekender



A monogrammed weekender bag is incredibly chic, and the ones from Paravel are second to none. Constructed from the brand’s signature Ecocraft canvas, which is made from upcycled water bottles, and vegan leather trim, it can be personalized with hand-painting or embroidery. It’s not just about looks, though — this bag is designed to fit in airplane overhead compartments, can slip over and attach to your suitcase trolley, and comes with an adjustable crossbody strap.

Paravel Weekender, $, available at Paravel

Cuyana Weekender Bag



Made with recycled plastic material, this sturdy travel bag features three large internal and external compartments for all your needs, a crossbody strap and a handle for carrying, and a luggage sleeve for those weekend travelers who don't want to sacrifice space for aesthetics.

Cuyana Weekender Bag (Recycled Knit), $, available at Cuyana

Herschel Novel Recycled Polyester Carry-On Duffle Bag



Longer weekends away call for a duffle bag with ample space for rolling and slotting all your travel necessities. This compact option blends utility with style to cover multiple days away, including your laptop (with its own pocket).

Herschel Supply Co. Novel Recycled Polyester Carry-On Duffle Bag, $, available at Nordstrom

Antler Icon Overnight Bag



The curved silhouette and dark forest green shade set this weekender apart. It’s designed to abide by underseat airline restrictions, and is all about easy but secure access to your essentials, with a hidden back pocket and a magnetic flap section at the front.

antler Icon Bag Overnight Bag, $, available at Nordstrom

Universal Thread Easy Go Weekender Bag



Not only does this cotton- and leather-look design appear way more expensive than its $45 price tag suggests, it’s also a practical choice — with multiple pockets, compartments, and convertible straps for super streamlined travels.

Universal Thread Easy Go Weekender Bag, $, available at Target

Rains Hilo Weekend Bag



Traveling somewhere rainy? This cool metallic pink duffle is made from 100% waterproof fabric and features a water-resistant zipper to keep all of your valuables safe and dry.

Rains Hilo Weekend Bag, $, available at Rains

United Colors of Benetton x Delsey Paris Softside Carry-On Duffle



We love a good baby blue moment, especially in a bag as functional as this one, a collab between United Colors of Benetton and Delsey Paris. Made of water-resistant material, this tiny tote has great storage space, with a large main compartment and a smaller external zippered one.

United Colors of Benetton x Delsey Paris Softside Carry-On Duffle, $, available at Delsey Paris

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Thursday, January 16, 2025

The Best Work Bags for Women: 28 Totes, Backpacks, & Beyond

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Whether you’re hauling your laptop, gym gear, and makeup bag on a marathon commute or strolling to your neighborhood coffee shop with your tablet and a dream, one thing’s clear: a great work bag is a must. And let’s be real — that flimsy canvas tote doubling as your grocery hauler just isn’t cutting it anymore.

Ready to upgrade? We’ve got you. From sleek leather totes to ultra-functional backpacks — and even business-trip-ready options with luggage sleeves — these picks will keep your essentials safe, stylish, and organized. Want extra fashion cred? Look for suede textures, belted designs, and geometric shapes inspired by 2025’s biggest handbag trends.

Whether you’re shopping on a budget or looking to splurge, you’ll find top picks from R29 reader-favorite brands like Calpak, Quince, and Lululemon, alongside fashionable finds from Coach, MZ Wallace, Polène, and more. 

Laptops Bags With Compartments

Laptop bags with compartments mean business. Think padded sleeves, triple-section interiors, and clever details like customizable inserts. These designs keep your tech secure and your essentials perfectly organized — all while looking sharp on the go.

Business-Trip Ready Travel Bags

When it comes to business trips, bags with luggage sleeves are a must. Options like the Béis Work Tote combine sleek, organized interiors with travel-smart features like secure laptop compartments and built-in luggage sleeves. Ideal for navigating terminals or heading straight to meetings, they’re the perfect blend of style and functionality.

Bags In Modern Shapes 

Modern shapes are the secret to elevating your workwear game. Whether structured and architectural or soft and sculptural, these unique silhouettes add instant interest to your blazers and work pants. Pro tip: carry one to your next interview — it’s a guaranteed way to stand out as a top candidate.

Work Backpacks

Backpacks are our top pick for city commuters, but they don’t have to feel blah or grade-school-inspired. Go for a fun pattern like Rothy’s checkerboard print, water-resistant matte neoprene like the Alo backpack, or sleek leather — something Coach has perfected (see the Coach Lana Bag and Coach City Tote, two forever-favorite work bags). For travelers, a backpack with a laptop sleeve is the ideal blend of function and style.

Structured & Ladylike Bags

The ladylike trend is here to stay in 2025. Channel the sophistication of the ’30s to ’60s with a structured top-handle, timeless shoulder bag, or trendy belted tote for a polished touch that blends vintage charm with modern refinement. 

Puffy Tote Bags

A puffy tote bag or quilted tote bag doesn’t just protect your office essentials — it also brings major winter vibes with its plush, cozy feel. Think of them as the chicest way to keep your stuff safe while looking effortlessly cool (and seasonally on point).

Suede Bags

Suede is the perfect mix of iconic and on-trend, with a timeless appeal that feels endlessly polished — whether it’s a slouchy or a sculptural take on the classic suede tote bag. This luxe fabric truly shines in rich earthy tones, from olive green to chocolate brown, cementing its status as a standout choice for work bags.

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Massimo Dutti’s Winter Sale Is Full Of Season’s Biggest Trends

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Home to some of the chicest clothing and accessories on the market, Massimo Dutti — which also happens to be Zara’s sister brand — has elevated everyday pieces to add to your winter wardrobe. The Spanish retailer offers classic and trending designs alike: You can get your fix of ruffles, barn jackets, and loafers, while also picking up closet staples like work pants. To make it all even more enticing, Massimo Dutti is currently holding a winter sale, with select styles up to 50% off and free standard shipping. 

From elegant winter dresses to casual square-toe boots, you can find everything to round out your wardrobe at a discount. Most styles on-site are currently between 20% and 50% off. And while there’s plenty of stock and sizes available, we can’t promise that your favorite pieces will stick around for long, so peruse the sale section to shop major deals and secure new threads. 

Massimo Dutti Outerwear On Sale

If you’re looking to curate an outerwear rotation that fulfills all your cool-weather needs, Massimo Dutti’s sale section is calling your name. From corduroy, velvet, suede, and wool, the winter coats on offer are high-quality and extra-cozy.

Massimo Dutti Tops On Sale

Whether you want a new button-down or cardigan for work, a striped polo top to run errands, or an evening blouse that hits on a few 2025 fashion trends, you can find them all on sale right now at Massimo Dutti. Most of the brand’s tops also come in neutrals, ensuring they’ll easily mesh into and complement your existing wardrobe.

Massimo Dutti Bottoms On Sale

Slip into these unique yet versatile trousers, midi skirts, and statement jeans throughout the winter and beyond. Most are on sale for under $100 right now, making them hard to pass up on.

Massimo Dutti Dresses On Sale

Ahead of the holidays, Massimo Dutti had all the holiday party outfits we wanted. Surprise: Some of those styles are still available… and now discounted! Cart up a midi dress (or two) for your winter soirées, Valentine’s Day dates, and this season’s weddings

Massimo Dutti Shoes, Bags, & Accessories On Sale

The cherry on top of any outfit is the accessories, and luckily you can find top-quality options at this brand, too. From trending green bags and loafers to decadent capes and hoop earrings, the sale section has it all.

Shop full Massimo Dutti sale

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How Left On Friday Perfected Active Swimwear — & Made It To The Olympics

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In Refinery29’s Talking Shop series, we’re chatting with owners of up-and-coming small businesses about their experiences launching, the big challenges and wins they’ve faced, and, of course, their products and services.

As I found myself eagerly watching the Paris Olympics on my television and noticing how unique Team Canada’s beach volleyball uniforms were little did I know that I was being introduced to my new favorite swimwear brand.

Launched in 2018, Left On Friday is the brainchild of co-workers-turned-friends-turned-co-founders, Laura Low Ah Kee and Shannon Savage, who, fittingly, met while working at another beloved Canadian active brand: Lululemon. Low Ah Kee came to the company somewhat unexpectedly (“I thought I was gonna be there for three months, and I was there for 12 years”), working up from being a visual merchandiser in a store to a product assistant at HQ, to a merchant, to the head of speed to market. Savage started as a design assistant for the men’s line before expanding into more categories, eventually becoming VP of women’s design. (Her “claim to fame,” as she puts it? “The inception of the women’s run and outerwear lines.” NBD.)

Low Ah Kee says they “would have night chats,” one of which planted the seed for what would become Left on Friday: “We were like, ‘Oh my god, there’s so many swim brands, but nobody is making active swim that’s beautiful and you could also wear to the resort.’”

“It was great that we were at Lululemon during the time that we were, because the training and the exposure were so robust. We didn’t stick in these tiny little lanes,” Savage says. “We could take all of those skills and be very confident in starting our own company.”

Savage and Low Ah Kee both left the company, for separate reasons, in 2016. Looking back, they both say they had positive experiences and learned valuable lessons, such as problem-solving for the consumer and, in turn, creating design solutions for the company. “I really understood the market, the brand Lululemon at the time, what was going on in the fashion world, and what was going on in the sport world, so I could tie it together and deliver something that was impactful,” Low Ah Kee explains.

As the pair grew closer and connected on their passions for active, outdoor lifestyles — and became best friends — they decided to collaborate on a new brand. “We worked together for 10 years before we went into business together, and I think that’s the key to success,” Savage argues. “I also respect her immensely, and I can’t imagine doing this with anyone else. It’s like getting married.”

Left On Friday emerged two years later. “Nobody was making bathing suits you could be active in and hang out in,” Low Ah Kee explains, noting how that inspired the duo to create pieces you could comfortably go from the beach to barbecues (and beyond) in. The brand’s “icons” (AKA bestsellers that boast hundreds of reviews each) include the Sunday Suit, the scooped Pool Days Top, the V-neck Sunday Top, the high-cut Hi Hi Bottom, and the medium-coverage Hi Tide Bottom. Each is versatile enough to style with alternative swim separates and to wear as activewear or resortwear. Plus, like a majority of the swim collection, they’re made from the brand’s soft and compressive Smoothing Dream Fabric — a nylon-polyester-lycra blend — and available in at least 20 colors.

Left On Friday’s most recognizable offerings, though, are arguably the Playa Top, the one-shouldered reversible bikini top, and the Streamline Bottom, worn by Team Canada’s Olympic beach volleyball players, Melissa Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson, in Paris this past summer. Savage designed the top specifically for them, taking the athlete’s preferences and feedback in mind. Knowing that people would want the style once they saw it, the brand launched it to coincide with the start of the summer games. 

“Every time they played, we’d get a spike in traffic on the site, and then as it built to the final game, there was a huge spike,” Low Ah Kee remembers. “In Canada, it was the highest-watched event, next to the opening ceremony.”

The brand began working with these athletes after national beach volleyball player Shaince Marcelle asked Left on Friday to sponsor her back in 2019. That led to a three-year contract to sponsor Canada’s entire female volleyball team and design the Olympic uniforms. 

“It was six years of blood, sweat, and tears, coming to life in front of us,” Low Ah Kee says. “It’s the pinnacle of why we exist. We’re all about making the most beautiful swimwear, which performs. That’s what the uniforms were, and that’s what Team Canada was.”

Savage notes that the team “very intentionally didn’t put branding on our suits. We really went after something that was timeless, and wanted it to be identifiable through the fit, the look, and the construction. Now, people can recognize it without branding or logos, so that feels like we’ve done a really good job.” 

The success of its Olympics debut has allowed Left on Friday to expand into more activewear categories — “a natural extension of the brand,” according to Low Ah Kee. In September, it launched leggings, bike shorts, tops, and playsuits, in a super-soft, fast-wicking, brushed nylon-lycra meant for out-of-water activities, dubbed the Super Moves Fabric

“It’s just the most amazing progression of the brand and the product,” Savage says. Specifically referencing the playsuits, Low Ah Kee adds: “You can literally wear it morning to night. Just throw on a blazer, a sweatshirt, a top. — honestly, this is coming from someone who was anti-dressing-up Lululemon pants.” 

There have a few additional new collections and fabrics since, too, including a moisture-wicking and thermo-regulating Sport Silk. All have helped position Left On Friday as an emerging player in the crowded swimwear and activewear spaces. 

“It’s a dream come true,” Savage says. “It’s something we’ve always wanted to do. It was just always a part of our life. And I’m so happy we did it.”

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