If I buy a gunmetal Le Pliage might I just as well give up on fashion forever?

[explodingkittens]

It's payday. I'm tempted by a Le Pliage (large, long handles) in gunmetal grey. I really badly need a new work bag that will hold tons of A4 files/papers etc, plus iPad, large purse, water bottle etc etc and also look reasonably smart.

But...since I've started thinking about buying one, I've just realised they're everywhere. And it's not as if I'm a fashion maverick (I currently tote around a knackered old Herschel backpack fgs) but...are they just too, too dull? Or are they a classic which I will never regret buying?

I don't have the normal one you see everywhere but I do have a backpack, which was a brilliant handbag with toddler twins - I couldn't deal with a bag slipping off my shoulder at that stage.

I also have a black leather one for work. OP consider a leather one. They are more expensive but so practical and it really does look good.

I just use a handbag organiser and bought cheap ones til i found one that worked!

There's also a new one called a Neo which is V similar but has a handy cross body strap. It's just one colour as opposed to having the tan flap.

I think if I was going to get another I'd try that one out.

I bought a Longchamp way before they became so popular and I hate using it now. Sometimes it gets used for a trip to the gym or shop but I hate using an item half the universe is. It looks so dull and unimaginative

I love Longchamps totes - they're just so indestructible and roomy. Agree they are a bit ubiquitous these days - I like the Planetes version (sadly discontinued but pop up pre-owned, sorry pre loved ). I just prefer the kind of rubberised finish to the nylon material and they're just a bit different.

Would love a leather LC but they're so £££!

I like the style of the Neo but the colours are dull.

For everyday I have a small handbag/cross body bag for essentials which I chuck into my large pliage. That way I can leave my pliage full of papers, shopping etc under my desk or in the car, and just take the small bag out for lunch or whatever.

Girlywurly - can you share your washing instructions please?

They also telegraph "posh girl with swishy hair doing an internship" so if you are happy with hat pigeon-hiking, go for it!

They are great for what they are : useful, hardwearing work bags. I find them completely inoffensive. I use the big, overnight travel bag for carting my marking home. They are also great if you want to get a few bits from the supermarket.
They look far better than carrying round your extra gear in a plastic carrier bag!

I have a black neo and whilst it will not set the fashion world alight, that's not what I bought it for. As others have already said, it's functional and inoffensive enough to not look out of place wherever I'm going or whatever I'm wearing or doing. The gunmetal looks great, that's what I would probably get if I was buying one again. I also like the myrtille version.

Tbh they ARE a bit dull. But you buy them cos you need a light waterproof workhorse for a specific task, as a work bag or a travel bag.

I have other trendier bags when I want to actually look cool, but I'm bloody glad I have that old workhorse!

I was never a fan originally as you see them everywhere. But then I bought one anyway and now I'm totally converted!

They're so light compared to the Bayswater I used to lug to the office. I'm currently on mat leave with 2 under 2 and use it as a change bag for all the kids' crap - I can chuck it on the floor in the park and wipe down the inside if something spills.

I've also chucked mine in the washing machine to no ill effect.

I'm currently lusting after the black Neo - it really is lovely and very chic with the black on black, somehow not boring at all.

I'm a fan even though they are ubiquitous, at least in London. So light and easy to use. Have a plain black one and three 'limited edition' versions - they do new ones every season - which aren't boring and often get admired.