How to Pick the Best Purse for Work

It’s fall which means everyone’s back to the regular daily grind.

If you need to spice up your office wardrobe, you might be looking for a great new purse for work.

Here’s what to look for when finding the perfect one!

These days my uniform is a bikini or a pair of pjs.

The only real “purse” that I need is my Travelon anti-theft backpack, and on travel days my Monos carry-on.

But once upon a time, I actually did work in an office.

Several offices, in fact, in the high-energy, high-output, low-personal life working world of corporate Canada—which is just like corporate America but with better benefits.

During that time, one of my prime office accessories was my work purse or “professional bag” as I more commonly referred to it.

This was a clean-kept bag that exuded style and professionalism that I ONLY carted around in professional settings.

That way, no matter how I felt about myself that day, I always felt like I had a powerhouse bag to go with my boss girl attitude.

A purse says a lot of things about you.

And when it comes to a professional setting, a purse can really help differentiate your professional style from that of your peers.

But how do you pick the best purse for work?

Here’s what you should be looking for: 

Focus on style

Style is one of the main factors that can turn just any old bag into a real purse for work.

This depends highly on the type of job you do and environment you work in.

But if you’re aiming for a bag that screams professional style I like a simple-but-chic bag like Michael Kors’ Charlotte Tote. 

You want something that is nice but not too flashy (unless that fits your personal style, then go for it).

It needs to be both an everyday bag and something that will work for a work event, such as a boardroom meeting or networking. 

I recommend opting for neutral colors, so that your bag can go with everything.

Good neutral colors include blues, blacks, or greys.

But if you want to add a pop of color a light pink or blue also gives a professional feel while having a bit of fun!

Image: Amazon

Pick the best size

Your purse for work has to fit everything you need to bring to the office.

The actual size you need will highly depend on you and what you carry along on a day-to-day basis. 

I tend to carry a lot of things in my bag:

• wallet
• touch-up make-up
• notebook
• pens
• business cards
• iPad

…sometimes even my laptop.

Image: Amazon

But I find that even that changes day-to-day for me.

If I was simply headed to the office, I needed different things than I did while working on an off-site event.

If you’re someone who changes your purse needs daily, instead of one single purse you might want to consider a purse set like this affordable one!

That way you can switch it up based on what you’re doing that day.

Functionality is important

Functionality is really important when it comes to choosing the best purse for work.

You need something that not only fits your style and can hold everything you need.

But you also need to make sure it functions how you need and want it too.

If you have to carry around your bag with you as you move through an event, you might want to ditch the handbag.

Likewise, if you have to cart around a laptop daily, then something like a crossbody briefcase like this one by Madewell probably works best.

Functionality simple means that your purse works for you and isn’t work to carry around!

Aim for versatility

Carrying around a purse for work that’s versatile like a convertible purse can also come in really handy.

Especially when you’re in a position where you have to rush from place-to-place. 

A convertible bag like the Parker can be worn as a backpack when you’re rushing down the street.

Then you can throw it over your shoulder during a lunch meeting, or cart it around by the handle when moving from room to room.

Convertible bags are great for people who need options and want added functionality with your purse.

Plus, you can get these convertible purses in some really cute and chic styles.

Go with something you love

Style, size, functionality and versatility are all important when it comes to picking the perfect purse for work.

But the most important thing to do is to choose something that you love. 

Don’t carry around any old bag around simply because that’s what everyone else is carrying.

Don’t pick something because you think you should bring to work.

Choose something because it fits your personal style and you actually WANT to bring it to work.

Image: Amazon

Honestly, if you want something funky and colorful, go for it.

If you want something simple and sophisticated, then stick with that.

But if you want something in the middle that carries a little fun and a little sophistication!

An accessory like a purse is an extension of your personal style, and it’s important that you treat it like that.

You want a purse that will help you feel confident in your work environment.

Don’t go with something that makes you feel awkward and out of place, even if it’s the “professional” choice.