(SPOT.ph) Apple founder Steve Jobs became famous for his black turtleneck and blue jeans “uniform”—he wore the same thing pretty much every day to cut down on the time he spent dressing up so he could focus on more urgent matters. Don’t panic, we’re not about to suggest that you do the same. Sticking to just one OOTD forever isn’t something we can all commit to, so instead, we recommend starting with small time-saving changes: Opt for classic wardrobe pieces that are versatile and can be worn on all occasions, shop shoes that go with pretty much anything, and invest in practical bags that require no second thought. We round up 10 functional but stylish bags perfect for busy days. Whether you’re lugging all your things around for an entire day of activities, or if you need to hold on to just the essentials as you jet from place to place, you’ll always know which one to reach for.
Here are 10 bags you can count on for running errands:
Cory Tote (P260) from Outlines
Ah, the ubiquitous canvas tote—perhaps the quintessential bag that comes to mind when you know you’ve got tons of errands on your agenda. We’re currently eyeing this one from local brand Outlines, which has a minimalist sketch that’ll make even your laziest outfits look effortlessly chic. The pocket-free, bulk-free, fuss-free design is perfect to grab on any day you’re rushing—just throw all your stuff in and you’re out the door.
Available online.
Rectangular Shoulder Bag (P599) from H&M
For certain errands (like hitting the salon, going to your doctor's appointment, getting your car washed, et cetera), all you really need in your bag are the bare necessities. Keep them in a little shoulder pack like this one from H&M. The compact design is enough to hold your phone, cards, cash, keys, and a few other small items.
See a list of H&M branches.
3D Gym Sack (P2,500) from Adidas
If you’re heading out for a post-gym sesh, you can count on a drawstring bag to hold things like a small towel, an extra shirt, some snacks, travel-friendly toiletries, and the like—and you’ll probably still have space left for more. This black one from Adidas has the usual no-frills silhouette, but with a cool geometric pattern that makes it stand out from the rest. It even has a little zip pocket on the side for easy access to your bag’s contents when you’re on the go.
See a list of Adidas branches.
Lane Messenger (P2,739) from Herschel
This stylish messenger bag from Herschel will be your best friend while commuting. You can conveniently wear it crossbody-style, so you won’t have to hold onto it while moving around. It’s got a storage sleeve inside where you can place your laptop, plus several zipper compartments—including one on the front for anything you might need to reach for at a moment’s notice like spare change or a beep card. The elongated shape and clip-fastened front cover will ensure that all your valuables are safe wherever you go.
Herschel is available at SM Megamall, Alabang Town Center, SM Mall of Asia, SM North EDSA Annex, Uptown Mall, SM Aura Premier, UP Town Center, Eastwood, Trinoma, Robinsons Place Manila, and Greenbelt 3.
Nendo Bag (price available upon request) from Longchamp
Count on this Longchamp bag for days when the items in your bag may be unpredictable—that is, when you’re picking things up along the way. Inspired by Japanese folding cloths called furoshiki, the bag fully opens up to the shape of a large circle that you can lay down flat. Its flexible design can take on the shape of whatever it carries, making it super versatile and useful for carrying all sorts of things—especially handy for travel. The ultra-chic design is modeled after Longchamp’s classic Le Pliage bags.
Available at Longchamp in Greenbelt 5.
Rucksack Bag (P1,750) from MUJI
If you’re loyal to the practical ease of a backpack, this one from MUJI might be a good option for busy days. It’s got laptop storage as well as side pockets and front pockets so you can arrange all your essentials exactly as you please. Plus, it’s designed to distribute weight evenly between your shoulders, preventing severe back pain even after a long day—perfect for standing in line, riding out long commutes, or hopping from one place to another.
See a list of MUJI branches.
Shopper Bag (P1,495) from Mango
A spacious leather bag like this one from Mango is a handy companion for shopping days when you just want to throw all your little purchases into one bag—much better than holding several tiny shopping bags everywhere you go. Unlike other shopper bags that have a slouchy structure, this one has a sturdy, boxy silhouette that’ll hold its shape even when you’re packing a lot of stuff, ensuring that you still look effortless and put-together—no one will be able to tell you’re carrying a paycheck’s worth of goodies inside.
Available at Mango branches nationwide.
Seattle (P1,999) from Doughnut
Go hands-free with this cool belt bag from Doughnut—ideal for days when you need your hands for other things like drawing, writing, typing, and the like. Plus, since it’s right there on your waist, you can reach for things easily (be it a shopping list, pens, or small tools) even when you’re in the middle of a tedious activity.
See a list of Doughnut branches and retailers.
Nylon Mini Shoulder Bag (P590) from Uniqlo
You’ll want to collect all the colors of this handy shoulder bag from Uniqlo, which comes in bright pink, mustard yellow, navy, red, and more—you can have one of each to go with any outfit. Plus, the functional design is spacious and durable enough to hold all your essentials (phone, wallet, keys, and so on), while also being super easy to carry thanks to the bag’s lightweight material and adjustable strap.
See a list of Uniqlo branches.
Contrast Bowling Bag (P2,395) from Pull&Bear
Some days are just packed with errands from start to finish—we’ve all experienced them, right? You hop from the gym to the office to the bank to a meeting to a dinner to a drinking sesh all in one go. When you really need to lug everything around, a duffel bag like this one from Pull&Bear is a lifesaver. The spacious silhouette will let you keep all your necessities in just one bag that you can bring pretty much everywhere. Plus, the unique vintage colorway and preppy design will ensure you’ll always be able to find your bag ASAP even when it’s kept next to other people’s bags.
See a list of Pull&Bear branches.
