My New Work Bag
The Madewell Essential Bucket Tote
You know the struggle: you’ve got a massive 16-inch work laptop. Your company is forcing you back to the office (only part of the week, if you’re lucky) and you’ve decided if you’re going back into the office, you’re going to dress like a real human for once. You want to be chic, but all of the cute work tote bags only fit a 13-inch laptop. I’m saying you, but I really mean me.
Thankfully, I found one. Just One! Enter: The Madewell Essential Bucket Tote.
A girl on my FYP was showing off her Fall Madewell Haul and I got got. You might even be here trying to figure out if it’s worth it. Unlike most things on TikTok, this one is the real deal. And on sale (which is probably why I saw her content in the first place, but that is NOT THE POINT.)
What I love About It
What I absolutely adore about the Madewell Essential Bucket Tote is that the price is so reasonable at $178 (and for real leather!) that I don't have to treat it like some priceless artifact. It’s sturdy and stylish enough to take the beating of daily office life, without crying over a scratch or two.
Unlike a lot of work tote bags, this one has a single strap, but it’s wider than most and I actually find it more supportive on my shoulder than any other tote I’ve carried. Whatever physics are going on there, I couldn’t tell you, but it definitely distributes the weight more evenly. The strap is adjustable and as a 5’0 shortie I had no issues getting it to sit right. I’m also obsessed with the gold belt-buckle hardware. It’s very chic.
The shade that I purchased, Chocolate Raisin, is stunning! I was worried it might pull purple IRL, but it’s truly the perfect warm chocolate brown tone. If that’s not your thing it also comes in navy, black, and a warm tan shade. All are gorgeous!
Did I mention it fits a 16 Inch Laptop?!!! I have quite literally been searching for an entire year for the right bag for my 16 Inch Macbook Pro. I can easily fit my laptop, cosmetics bag, waterbottle, phone, keys, wallet, etc. and probably more in here. It’s more spacious than you would think, while maintaining a pretty slim profile. The base is squared, so it doesn’t sag much either, but somehow maintains a really great slouch to it. IDK, again—the physics are beyond me. There’s also one interior pocket to keep your keys and wallet easily accessible.
Final Thoughts on The Madewell Essential Bucket Tote
It’s just one bag after all. In short, if you've been on the hunt for the best work tote that can accommodate your 16-inch laptop, your search might just be over with the Essential Bucket Tote from Madewell. My hunt for a work bag is over!