When it comes to business attire, I will be the first to admit that I’m not riveted by the wardrobe options that fall into the workwear category. I’ve been working in an office environment for ten years, and I can’t remember a time that I was enthused to shop for blazers, basic blouses, or dress pants, but is anyone? Business attire is traditionally conservative and often comes across as stale, but it doesn’t have to be that way! There is nothing worse than feeling bland or uncomfortable about what you’re wearing, especially for 40+ hours a week. Fashion should be fun both inside and outside of the office, but it takes some tweaking to perfect your office wardrobe and still present as a professional.
I work in an office that leans on the business casual side of the dress code spectrum, so admittedly I have a little more wiggle room to play with my office looks. I rely heavily on accessories to put a chic twist on my workwear, and naturally, my handbag is an integral part of elevating my 9-5 outfits. Handbags are my go-to statement pieces, as they have the ability to transform an outfit as simple as a pair of neutral work pants and a blouse to a feel-good ensemble.
I am a self-proclaimed lover of logos and statement bags, but I usually select more demure pieces for the workplace. Recently I have been wearing my Mulberry Bayswater on repeat to the office. My Bayswater is a fiery red-orange hue, which is a fun pop of color against my neutral office clothing. Many people in my office would likely be shocked to learn my bag is designer because it flies under the radar with its lack of logos. Last week I wore my Bayswater with a black jumpsuit, which was ideal because it was on-trend while still matching the professional standard of my office.
A plain neutral-colored tote bag is always a solid and safe choice if you are new to a position or unsure about the wardrobe culture in an office. Once you are comfortable with branching out, you can start to experiment with your office fashion. Personally, I opt to wear bags that make a statement but are understated and sleek. I’m not afraid of a little color, but neutrals are never a bad pick for the workplace.
I rounded up my favorite bags to bring to the office. I would wear any of these to business meetings or traveling on the clock. After all, I want my experience and talents to be what stands out to my colleagues (while still feeling good about what I’m wearing, of course!).
Gucci Zumi Medium Top Handle Bag ($3,980)
Prada Medium Saffiano Lux Tote ($2,490)
Mulberry Bayswater Tote ($1,495)
Salvatore Ferragamo The Studio Rock Bag ($2,500)
DeMellier Montreal Leather Bag ($575)
Chloé Small C Leather Tote ($1,290)
Fendi Peekaboo X-Lite Soft Calf Satchel ($4,550)
Marc Jacobs The Editor Large Pebbled Leather Tote Bag ($495)
Wandler Mia Calf Leather Tote Bag ($970)
Loewe Cube Two-Tone Top-Handle Bag ($2,990)
These bags are all very beautiful, and they look usable!
Nice bags, but the neutrality is a little boring, even for the professionalism of an office setting; however, to each their own. On the other hand is the Fendi Peekaboo still relevant? I like it, but it seems that while the price keeps increasing the mass appeal is almost nonexistent. Am I wrong? IDK.
Call me a conspiracy theorist but out of the 6 purseblog articles “trending” right now, 2 of them feature the Fendi Peekaboo as cover images. Vlad and Megs have also mentioned the bag the forums with Vlad saying it’s been Megs’ go-to bag for the last couple of weeks.
Could be a resurgence, could be paid advertisement. If it IS an ad, it’s working…the bag was never on my radar (i knew it existed, just was never actually interested), but eh, I could go for a simple, understated, relatively not-in-your-face-designer leather bag.
I have reflected over the same thing!
Which ones hold a computer?
Exactly. This is a pretty useless piece because it fails to include any analysis of whether these bags would function as work bags. At a minimum, measurements should be included. It would also be great if there was discussion about bag material and ways to carry.
Aren’t “work bags” subjective? Personally, I wouldn’t carry any of these, but that’s because I carry a large Dior tote (that is no longer made). Also, do you really need someone to give you the dimensions of each bag, show you how to carry it and inform you of the material? Maybe you’d also like links to the stores where you can purchase and directions to the store? ? If you like a bag, and think it could work for you do your own research! Good grief, Megan!!!
Yes, what constitutes a “work bag” is subjective, which is why I think it would be interesting for the writer to provide some analysis of why the bags she selected make good work bags. Does it fit a laptop? Can it be carried more than one way? Is the material durable for every day wear? Otherwise, we’re left with a list of 10 seemingly random medium sized bags, which I don’t consider to be particularly useful content. You’re free to disagree with me, but I do enjoy that I appear to have gotten under your skin so much. Your overreaction gave me a good chuckle this morning.
Actually, I would never intentionally write anything to hurt anyone. It was satiric humor, so over the top, and meant to provide a “chuckle”. ?
The Wandler bag stood out the most! beautiful!!
Personally I don’t feel comfortable with carrying a work bag that cost thousands of dollars to work. Maybe that’s just me…
I wouldn’t trust that an expensive bag would never disappear when I use the washroom or leave my desk for a meeting.
Been carrying them for years and not once have they been stolen! I think I can vouch for my co-workers as well! Most people have secure offices, meaning you have to badge in/out. Also, most desks can be locked and some of us have offices and lock the door! :o)
The Peekaboo X-Lite is a really beautiful bag in person, but I found the shape very awkward for a big tote. It almost felt like a leather magazine bin.