The Best Briefcases

Why it’s great: The Carl Friedrik Vallance is, in a word, chic. Whereas the Palissy uses clean lines and symmetry to sell itself, the Vallance could be marketed by its spotlessness. Instead of the heavier-duty straps that line the sides of the Palissy briefcase, the handles on the Vallance touch only the top of the bag. Also, the Palissy has a considerable zipper, while the Vallance zips only across its top. The Vallance looks pristine, and it’s easy enough to open and close, as long as you’re carrying only the essentials—a laptop, your wallet, and a road map for your glamorous, wind-swept road trip along the coast. Like the Palissy bag, the Vallance is made from vegetable-tanned leather, and we expect this bag to look just as good with a blazer as it does with a puffy jacket. Also, its tough sides help it stand tall without any support. For the Vallance, Carl Friedrik offers a lifetime warranty that covers repairs or replacements for functional damages.