Does this bag say serious business woman to you?

[echinaceadreams]

I've fallen in love with This bag! could I use it for the commute to the office?

Thanks for the tips!

Well, I don't know what your field is and if you're in something like finance, then there probably are people with very rigid attitudes in positions of power. In my field, though, and others, it's people destined NOT to be in leadership who conform.

In my field, where there are few women, it used to be that we couldn't go near anything feminine. These days, I have realized that I can demonstrate power and/or just do what I want with a couple of items as long as I do also wear items that a TV lawyer would wear.

I'm looking for a bag to take to a conference, as I usually don't need one with handles to get my laptop to my office, and I'd be fine with the OP's choice since the rest of my outfit is sophisticated. If I looked completely boring, people would (and I'm not being paranoid; there's a lot of judgment towards women) interpret that as a sign of weakness and stuck-in-the-lower-ranks-and-trying-to-impress,.

Sorry I still had in mind the previous post from Moistbushes, I* *was replying to which went on about senior and junior.

There is nothing wrong with the bag.

Que ?

😁😁

so I want a bland boring corporate look

Except you neither want nor need that.

Sorry, a bit Cath Kidston for me. Nothing wrong with that but not a sophisticated office bag.

If you want more of a corporate/power bag (as much as I hate the phrase), I'd go for a leather bag with handles or a shoulder strap.

Yeah, it’s depressing that it has to be that way if you are wanting to fit into ageist sexist corporate culture. Much as I would like to say stick it to the man, be yourself etc, that would be unhelpful because it wouldn’t reflect reality.

That said, I genuinely like the bag as well, I think it’s cool and would enjoy using it as a weekend bag but just wouldn’t go there for work. It’s that saying about dress for the job you want not the dress you have, and kudos to you that you have realised that there is a shitty game to be played in the workplace.

It says "yummy mummy nappy bag" to me

This is the thing. I want a bag I like with a bit of character but unfortunately I do need to fit in in at this stage. I'm still winning over the people reluctant to change and as part of that I think I need to not rock the boat too much stylewise.

Thank you - I think you 100% get the culture and situation I'm in. I'm sure with time it will change but for now I need to come across powerful and authoritative and not rocking the boat. Yes this is "just" a bag but trust me these people will pick up on anything! I'm going to look at forest green bags as a pp suggested.

Thanks very much everyone. Will probably get this for next summer as a casual bag if its still around then.

Well only you will know the people you are working with but to what extent do they see your bag anyway?

You've been given some frightfully dull alternatives on this thread

I'm still winning over the people reluctant to change
What does this mean, and how much do you think they'll be influenced by your bag? You don't carry it into meetings, I presume?

It says mum carrying everybody else's crap, baby wipes, carrot sticks and half a banana for later. Or Year 10 with half-done homework, a lunchbox and an excuse note for games,
But I'm not sure why you need to impress the passengers on the train?

Not at all

Hah, I fear I am that mum 😂

In which case OP, ignore that I like the bag because I evidently have no sense of style!
Baby wipes are always handy though…

I'm new in the position. Relatively young for the position and female. They are all stuck in their ways and need to shake things up but I need to be careful how I do this.

Excellent for I am that mum!

I found a fab flowery rucksack from moshulu for that purpose which was basically a tardis. I could fit everything required for a full day out into it, including a changing mat, despite it not being much over 12 in high. Whereas my husband has to take an enormous army rucksack thing that could zip shut with the then 2 yr old in it just to go to a cafe and still doesn’t have tissues! 🤷‍♀️

Nappy bag

I just think the person wearing it would have a smudge of self raising on their shoulder and make a lovely sponge.

I'm in professional services and would totally use it for work. But then I'm senior enough to not give a shit. I'm great at my job and if anyone wants to write me off for a bag then more fool them. I wouldn't have used it when more junior though.

No

Practicality in fulfilling the responsibilities of your role answers the question.

If you will be carrying a work computer or other confidential work materials; on your back, where you don't even have view of it; then you need a far more secure closure than two faux-strap magnetic poppers! Also a more structured and weatherproof body, straps designed to carry a substantial load, and cushioned internal sections to protect electronics.

Assess your professional requirements first, then flavour with the more subjective aspects already discussed upthread.

At the moment you sound a bit 'cute puppy! let's justify taking it to work' :)

It's more chintzy than 'business'.

The style and the material are part of the problem - its not just the pattern.

A fabric bag isn't formal enough imo.
A backpack style bag in leather might be practical for commuting by train or bus, but it will look less formal than one with handles.