7 functional and stylish bags for every type of job industry!

Your work bag is the one which works the hardest, so it’s important that you invest in a bag that truly caters to your needs for high quality, no less!

By Cheng Jee Yan - 23 Jun 2016

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We all know the value of a functional and stylish bag. It elevates your entire ensemble and makes you look professional and powerful. However, what constitutes a work bag depends on what you do for a living. For young executives, I know it’s always a challenge to find the perfect bag for work because there are just too many options to choose from.

If you travel regularly (be it in or out of the country) you probably require something that is big enough to fit your laptop. For those of you who have to commute for a long period of time to work, you might need something mid-sized Ã¢â‚¬â€ big enough to fit your books and gadgets whilst still being compact enough so that you can maneuver easily on a crowded train.

Finding out what you like to carry is really a matter of trial and error. But I know you ladies don’t have a budget big enough to make too many purchasing mistakes! I know GSS is upon us now but before you hit the shopping malls, remember that all bags look stunning and to-die-for in the store, right up until you fork out the cash to pay for it. Don’t cave in just because a certain bag is on sale, or you think you can ‘try to make work’.

Bags for work must be functional and serve a purpose. But I know that the idea of the black-boring-but-necessary office bag is growing pretty stale by now. So here are some of our best recommendations Ã¢â‚¬â€they are anything but boringÃ¢â‚¬â€ for every type of occupation.

Leather and printed suede tote, $373 by Zac Zac Posen from The Outnet

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1. Finance / banking / law (anywhere coporate that requires a suit)

Young ladies, sleek and structured is the way to go. I know it might be a little on the safe (and boring) side but you’re just starting out and it’s important to let your work take centre stage.

Don’t draw too much attention to your clothes and accessories to keep the drama on a down low. Tip: If you want to come across as more amicable, you can try to swap out the go-to black for a bag in a shade of soft grey instead.

Suede and leather bucket bag, $257 by Halston Heritage from The Outnet

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2. Public Relations / Event planning

These jobs look glamorous and fun but trust me, they require lots of ‘hard labour’. You have to be prepared to shuttle around to take care of every single little detail yet still look well put-together. Avoid tote bags because they are cumbersome to run around with.

Go for a mid-sized bucket bag — best if they can fit A4 — so you can fit things like samples, swatches or documents that your client might need. Colour wise, dark hues are good because they won’t get dirty so easily.

Leather backpack, $725 by kara from Net-A-Porter

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3. Tech

In a world where sweat suits are power suits, and meetings are held in a circle of bean bag chairs, you can afford to be more casual and laid back when it comes to your outfit. Creativity and innovation are more important skills to show off, so don’t go too over-the-top with your bags.

But this is probably one of the rare offices where you can get away with a backpack! The benefit of this is that backpacks are functional and easy to use. Pick one with some detailing to show your personality.

Leather box bag, $615 by Building Block from Need Supply

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4. Fashion

Probably the most judgmental industry to work in, where you will only receive an approving nod from your boss if you are carrying the latest bag that the fashion circle is currently obsessed with. Nah, I am just kidding. Whilst it’s not that harsh, you have to remember that in this industry, your style is an extension of your personality.

Of course you don’t have to dash out and spend your last dollar on that trending bag, but it’s good to invest in classic style that can go with most of your outfits. You can also go for under the radar bridging labels that have one-of-a-kind designs to wow your boss!

Leather-trimmed jacquard tote, $330 by Tory Burch from The Outnet

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5. Design

You communicate through your visuals and you often have a penchant for all things quirky and out of the norm. If you are working for a design agency, chances are you are likely to get away with bright coloured bags, even those with dramatic motifs, so make use of that. Any silhouette will work for you. You should consider a tote style if you have tools you need to take around for sketches.

Calfskin leather tote, $388.42 by Whistles from ASOS

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6. Sales and business development

Like the PR and event planning ladies, you are client facing and are always on the go because you need to liaise with all stakeholders. You definitely have lots of things you need to ferry around e.g. laptop, documents, samples or even multiple phones. Don’t settle for anything less than a capacious lightweight tote. You need all the space you can get and to protect your spine, opt for a bag with minimal detailing in soft buttery leather.

Calf leather bag, $700 from Coach

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7. Education

If you are an educator, I think it’s best to err on the side of classic and conservative with regards to your bag silhouette. I think a simple shoulder bag with chain straps would work best with your work outfits e.g. pencil dresses, formal trousers.