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)
