Changing your purse every day to match your outfit for work is a hassle. You’ve got to transfer all the contents, big and small — and there’s a chance you might forget something important, like your work badge. This is why you should use only one bag for the office.
But purses come in all brands, materials, sizes and colors, and not every one is work-appropriate. The right bag is effortlessly functional and has the same qualities you want to convey at the office: professional-looking, organized and perfect for the job.
So, which everyday purse is the right fit for you? Keep these qualifications in mind:
Brand: Normally, the label isn’t the most important part of a purse. But because you’ll use only one bag for work every day, a designer brand is the way to go. The price tag can be high — from a couple hundred dollars to a couple thousand — but the quality will be worth every penny when you consider the wear and tear it’ll need to withstand from daily use. Plus, a designer bag will dress up your work outfit, which is especially helpful if your job allows for a casual wardrobe, such as jeans, or a uniform, such as scrubs.
Material: Durability is key to a work purse, so look for sturdy material. Leather and canvas are dependable, risk-free fabrics that won’t rip easily from general use and can survive wet weather and rough surfaces. Suede is strong but not as water-resistant, while polyvinyl and nylon will wipe spills away with ease but may be more prone to tear. Stay away from handbags made of trendy or flashy material such as straw, which isn’t appropriate during cold-weather months; metallic or sequins, which should only come out at night; or denim — just think of how long a pair of jeans lasts.
Size: Go a little larger than usual for your work purse. You’ll need it to carry the essentials such as your wallet, phone, keys and sunglasses, but you also might consider toting items like an umbrella, a water bottle and a notepad — you never know when you’ll need them. Look for bags at least one-foot long, but don’t go larger than two feet in length. Otherwise, you might be tempted to overfill your bag, which will make it difficult to find items in your purse and would put too much pressure on your shoulders.
Color: Your work purse should match any outfit you’d wear to the office, so stick with an overall neutral color, such as black, brown, navy or even red. White and beige are also neutral, but they dirty easily. If the idea of a neutral bag bores you, it’s OK to mix in some color, so long as the bag will still blend into your wardrobe. For instance, a bright color is appropriate when paired with a neutral in a two-tone bag. Or, look for neutral-colored purses with bright lining. Colored patterns are appropriate so long as the pattern is not overwhelming, such plaid, and the main look is overall neutral. Stay away from trendy or seasonal patterns, because they’ll go out of style. Also be wary of having a work purse that shows off the bag’s logo in a flashy, obvious way; there’s a chance someone might be tempted to steal it if left unattended on your desk.
