Look the business: Women's work bags

Go preppy chic and follow Mulberry’s catwalk style – sling a satchel across the body Photograph: Corbis/Corbis

Structure is this autumn’s buzz word: take inspiration from Versace’s horizontal tote Photograph: Stefania D'Alessandro/WireImage

Hot flourishes to covet this season are zips, tassels and a chain handle. This River Island bag (£29.99) has the chain … Photograph: River Island/River Island

… while this Whistles number (£180) has the zip and subtle tassels Photograph: Whistles/Whistles

Go grey instead of black or brown for added interest – this Banana Republic one (£125) is festooned with handy compartmental action Photograph: PR shot/Banana Republic/Banana Republic

Gap’s canvas tote (£35) is brilliant for carting gear around – you can still lift it even when it is stuffed with the contents of your desk drawers Photograph: Gap/Gap

Leave the Eastpak backpacks to school kids, but if needs must this Cos rucksack (£129) is practical, androgynous and has “utility” stamped all over it Photograph: Cos/Cos

If you’re looking for neat, tidy and feminine, try Topshop’s peachy pink leather square (£80) – tassels and a chain handle to boot Photograph: Topshop/Topshop