10 Handbags Under $500 to Set a Recent Grad on the Right Style Trajectory

College graduations have started happening around the country (southerners: we do this stuff early), and that means that many of you might have someone in your life who’s about to venture into the world of work on wobbly deer legs for the first time, and that person might even be you. Getting a first gig isn’t a simple task, but looking the part can help a lot.

Even in a creative field, job interviews are not the place to let your freak flag fly. It’s best to stick with neutral colors and traditional shapes, and allow the details or structure to vary depending on your personality and the expectations of the field you’re interested in. Avoid bags with obvious logos, and if a bag comes with extra hang tags or charms, remove them if possible. Whether you’re stocking your work wardrobe for the first time or buying a grad gift for a daughter or niece, it’s best to let those principles guide your choices.

Below, we’ve picked ten bags we think would be strong choices for both the interview circuit and a new grad’s first office job. Some or more conservative and some are better for a casual workplace; if you’re looking for a graduation gift, look no more.