8 Genius Ways to Pack a Smarter Work Bag

You got to the gym in the middle of the workday? Success! You just checked off a workout without getting up early or sacrificing your night. In order to make it happen, prep is key: First, find a gym bag that looks professional — carrying around a bulky duffle won't fly. Next, fill it with your gym gear (deodorant, water bottle, workout clothes, a chia seed bar or something to fuel you), and slip out in sleek sneakers (choose nice ones and you'll save room while still looking professional-ish). Finally, add the post-workout necessities, such as shower sandals, Simple's Micellar Cleansing Water (an award-winning product that clears away makeup and sweat but leaves skin instantly hydrated), dry shampoo (in case you don't have time to wash your hair), travel-size perfume, a brush, and a makeup kit with all the essentials.

You deserve to take advantage of that $3-drafts-and-wings-until-7 deal. Don't let an obnoxiously bulky work bag get in your way! A sleek purse easily transitions from the office to the bar. Pack a slim clutch that can serve as a makeup bag now and your going-out bag if you decide to downsize for nighttime. Add-ons that just might make you tonight's hero: a flask for pre-gaming and a wine opener in case of emergencies.

Doing double-duty as a working woman and Master's student is no easy task. Make your life simpler with a roomy bag that fits all your stylish school supplies: a cool notebook, an iPad in a cute case, headphones, nice pens, and lip balm (sitting through a lecture with chapped lips is no fun at all). Don't forget a snack, lest you get hangry mid-midterm.

We all know it's the cheaper, healthier option, but few of us can get it together in time to brown-bag it. Enter a chic lunch box, cute silverware, a pretty water bottle, and colorful cotton sandwich wraps (much better for the environment than plain old baggies). Suddenly, lunch feels all fancy, even if you're just eating a PB&J. Don't forget hand sanitizer for before and afterward.

If you like to get your fitness in by walking to work (which, props), you'll want a luxe, lightweight backpack to avoid a whole messed-up back situation. Don't forget a slim wallet (because, again, lightweight!), a small MP3 player, earbuds, sunglasses, and a water bottle to stay hydrated. Oil blotters and heels will help you make a Clark-Kent-to-Superman-like transformation once you get to the office. There: workout done, fresh look achieved.

If you're frequently burning the midnight oil at the office, you'll need purse-stuffers that keep you comfortable and focused. Fill your bag with supplies that make work a little bit luxe, like a gold Apple laptop, a portable phone charger, a sleek leather notepad, a pretty business card case, a nice pen, and a coffee mug for that fourth pick-me-up. But don't forget the important extras, like face towelettes (we dig Simple's new Micellar Makeup Remover Wipes, which leave skin instantly hydrated) and comfy flats (who wants to teeter home in stilettos at 11 p.m.?). In case you hit a second wind and go out after working super late, always have a bold red lipstick, mascara, and mints on hand.

Women who pump on-the-go or at the office should opt for a multifunctional diaper bag, like Pacapod, to tote all their necessities. In addition to a breast pump, don't forget hand sanitizer, a pacifier, a small blanket, a changing pad, plastic bags, diapers, wipes, and a burp cloth. Other smart tagalongs: baby-safe sunscreen and some toys to keep your little love busy.

Can't find anything in your bag? (Isn't that all of us?) For the girl whose purse somehow always tops even airline's carryon allowances, here's the secret: Opt for a small, structured, cross-body bag that only fits the necessities. Poof: Now there's no way you can overload it. Deserving of precious cargo space: a leather card case (much slimmer than a wallet), a small compact mirror, a lip pencil, a keychain, and fold-up sunglasses.