Hayley Denziger is a recent marketing graduate who started at the bottom of the corporate ladder after landing a job with her dream publishing house in the summer of 2013. In a few short months, she has been promoted and given incredible responsibilities and opportunities, and has her closet wardrobe to thank for it!
Whether you’re embarking on the first of many college internships or looking to polish your wardrobe in the post-graduate working world, accessories will always be your greatest commodity as a young professional. Throw on a nice necklace to glam up a blasé pant suit; don a chic pair of frameless glasses to transform your appearance; and throw on a few bangles and bracelets for arm candy acceptable for any after-work festivity. While they are the most functional – aka necessary – of all women’s accessories, even a handbag stuffed with hand-written notes, an iPad, and snacks for class can look cute and enhance the rest of your ensemble. Here are our favorite picks for purses that are large and practical, but still fashionably appealing.
Messenger bag // You know those mornings when you’re balancing a tray full of coffees, bags from a lunch hour shopping excursion, leftovers from home and a file on your afternoon meeting? Those mornings were exactly why crossbody bags were invented. Casual yet modish, this teal mini messenger bag Marc by Marc Jacobs is perfect for fashionistas who need a place to keep essentials stored throughout a non-stop busy day. Throwing a bag like this one over your shoulder frees up your hands and is perfect for storing chunkier items like a makeup bag or pair of flats for when your heels begin to uncomfortably pinch. The adjustable shoulder strap makes this bag perfect for a commute in any city or a day’ of working on-site at a new location for an event or client meeting.
Tote // When you’re gearing up for a productive day at the office, always select a tote to keep things organized! Big enough to fit everything but still sleek and stylish, this Calvin Klein tote is perfect for stowing notebooks, binders, or a laptop in your bag for a night of finishing up projects at home. Exterior pockets are important in a tote bag for keeping everyday items on hand, like your phone, pen and lipstick, and internal compartments will prevent small items from spilling out as you dig about. This bag was tailor made for the professional woman on the go and the classic nude color will match any outfit you’re wearing!
Satchel // If you’re looking for structure in a handbag, then a satchel is your go-to. While briefcases and tote bags are ideal for transporting files, laptops or iPads to and from work, a smaller satchel is perfect for all personal items. It won’t take up room at your desk or be unnecessarily cumbersome to lug around all day or night. This style of purse is much more versatile due to its size, so there are literally hundreds of options when it comes to selecting a pattern and color that speaks to your personal tastes, bringing a whole new meaning to the term “arm candy”. This Coach satchel comes in an elegantly deep shade, and the leather accents make for a sophisticated office look.
Briefcase // Depending on the level of professional impression you intend to make, a briefcase might be the right option for you. We’re talking, of course, about hard plastic handbags with cool patterns and textures, not the worn out cases you would picture on a businessman from the movies. Perfect for formal interviews or client meetings, you’ll undoubtedly be taken seriously upon pulling your portfolio out from one of eBags’ vintage throwback options. Women’s briefcases come in a large variety of different styles, so you don’t find yourself restricted to a traditional black or brown. A briefcase does an impeccable job of tidying up both your papers and appearance – let this accessory add the final, polished touch to your professional attire.
Just because you have a tried and true favorite handbag style doesn’t mean that your next bag can’t stretch you out of your wardrobe comfort zone! You’re never too young to use your attire to make a statement about your professionalism, no matter what your level of expertise or position is within your business organization.
