I haven’t commuted in a while (thank god), but I’ve been getting questions lately from people that will be interning/working in DC this summer and I thought listing a few commuting essentials might be helpful.

First, you’ll want a large tote that will easily fit a laptop, iPad, paperwork—whatever your biggest item is. Besides fitting that item, you’ll want to be sure it has plenty of room for other things and easily accessible pockets so you can stay organized. Lastly—the tote should be professional-looking enough to come with you to a meeting but not so expensive that you’d cry if it gets grease all over it when you run it into the side of the escalator at the train station.

Here are some options under $100:

1. American Apparel L’Epicier Bag, $95 - This bag comes in tons of color options but I like the neutrals best. The one downside is that it doesn’t seem to have a lot of pockets.
2. Sydney Love Pebbled Tote, $20.99 (from $105) - If you want something with more color, go for red or yellow. This large pebbled tote has straps that lengthen too.
3. 7Chi Reversible Tote, $58.95 - This reversible tote looks more expensive than it is, but may not be the best if you like things more organized inside.
4. C. Wonder Striped Nylon Tote, $88 - I love the preppy stripes but it may be too weekend for work. If you have a more casual office, go for it. It has three interior pockets and a top zipper—love top zippers.
5. Longchamp Le Pilage Tote Bag, $100 - This is the DC commuting bag of choice (I’d see about 50 per commute). Personally, I’m not the biggest fan but I hear they hold up well.
6. Topshop Double Zip Luggage Bag, $100 - This is the ideal bag if you’re taking a laptop to and from work. I love that you can wear it messenger-style too.

Once you’ve packed your must-haves (a laptop, Kindle, lip balm, keys, etc.), consider including these emergency items too.

1. Band-Aid Advanced Healing Blister Cushions, $3.67 - Never assume you won’t get a blister. No matter how comfortable your shoes seem in the morning, don’t make the mistake of underestimating the potential pain of walking 6 blocks with 70% humidity in the summer. Put a few in your bag and a couple in your wallet.
2. Goody Hair Elastics, $6.32 - If your hair goes nuts or you’re sweating and gross, you may want to put it in a bun or ponytail.
3. Altoids - Because there is nothing more annoying than someone smacking their gum on the train.
4. American Apparel Cotton Canvas Coin Purse, $5-$8 - I liked keeping some cash ($20 or so) and my Metro card separate from my wallet. I’d put my coin purse in an easily accessible outside pocket or attach it right to my bag.
5. Kiehl’s Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant Cream, $16 - I’ve never actually used this, but I’m intrigued by all the amazing reviews. It’s a little classier in a bag than a stick of Degree.
6. Avon Nail Enamel Remover Wipes, $7 - If you get a chip in your nail polish or have an unexpected meeting and your nails look terrible, a few of these along takes care of the problem. Better to have naked nails than chipped polish!
7. Sumajin Earphone Cord Manager, $14.95 - If you like using headphones on your commute, you’ll want some sort of cord manager for your bag.
8. Extra Phone Charger - You can never have too many phone charger cords. Leave one at home, one at work and carry another with you.
9. Essie Good to Go Topcoat, $10 - If you remove your nail polish and don’t like the matte look of your nails, this super fast-drying topcoat is a quick fix.
10. Hammacher Schlemmer Umbrella, $29.95 - After buying (and losing) one too many drugstore umbrellas, I finally bought a good one that I never let out of my sight. This is the tank of portable umbrellas. It won’t turn upside down in winds up to 35 MPH.
11. Yosi Samra Flats, $66 - A pair of foldable ballet flats is a non-negotiable. These are the best ones I’ve found under $100.

Do you have anything else to add?