Looking for a good designer bag for a job interview?
You’re smart to consider this.
These days employers notice EVERYTHING about you – from the way your clothes fit the kind of watch you wear – and especially to your handbag.
The right designer bag can say a lot about you.
It can say that you take care of yourself and you understand how to send the right company brand image.
The wrong bag however can cause a potential job interviewer to pre-judge you even before you sit down.
When choosing a designer bag for a job interview you want to make sure it does 3 things:
- It Complements What You’re Already Wearing
- It Doesn’t Have Logos or Offensive Images Plastered All Over It
- It’s Neither Too Cheap – Nor Too Expensive
Let’s dive in – and then we’ll talk about 5 great bags that might fit the bill for you.
#1 It Complements What You’re Already Wearing
There’s no point in having a conservative black suit – and then pairing it with that bright red Gucci Soho bag with side tassel. You’ve already lost the job before you’ve begun.
If you’re planning to wear a conservative outfit – look for a conservative style bag. If the job is more relaxed and you’re going with a looser, lighter, vibe, you’ll want a looser, lighter bag (but still not too “extra” – see the next point below).
The color of your bag doesn’t have to match your outfit – but it should complement it. No pinks with reds or blues with greens. You get the point.
Your bag is there to be noticed, subtly approved of – and then forgotten as the interview proceeds. That’s it.
#2 It Doesn’t Have Logos Plastered All Over It
Sorry ladies – no Louis Vuitton Monogram print bags here. No Gucci bags with the GG logo all over them. While they may look great in your everyday life, they can turn some (especially conservative) people off.
It’s not fair yes – but it’s true.
Personally, I think a good logo-drenched bag can be fantastic given the right circumstances (like the French Riviera in the middle of summer – splashy, over-the-top and unashamedly hedonistic).
But when you’re meeting someone for the first time who’ll be assessing you based on your trustworthiness and stability, a logo-drenched bag will not send the right message.
Now that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have ANY logos on your bag – just stick with something a little more subtle (see the recommendations below).
#3 Not Too Cheap, Not Too Expensive, Juuuuuuussst Right
For a job interview, you need a Goldilocks bag – not too cheap, not too expensive – juuuussstt right.
On the one hand, you don’t want a basic cheap-looking bag. The interviewer may think you can’t afford a good handbag or that you don’t put a lot of care into your appearance (always a bad sign).
On the other hand, if you have a crazy-expensive handbag you risk making the interviewer feel insecure about their own financial situation or style – which will automatically be a strike against you.
This also depends on the level of job you’re going for.
For example, if you’re going for a CEO position or director-level position with a 6 figure plus salary, you’ll need a brand that says you’re already there and can mix with people at that level. A higher-end Louis Vuitton, Prada, Saint Laurent, Givenchy, or Dior would all fit the bill here.
If you’re going for a mid-level position you could probably go with a Prada, Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent, Stella McCartney, Gucci, Valentino, Fendi, or even a high-end Michael Kors.
If you’re going for more of an entry-level position, you may want to stick with a small, subtle Louis Vuitton, Tory Burch, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, or Coach.
If you match the bag to fit the position you’re going for, you have a better chance of looking like the right person for the job.
So What Are Some Good Designer Bags for a Job Interview?
Well, here are 5 suggestions below that might fit the bill (Note: I’m assuming that you’re applying for a more conservative type job here, for the most part). All images are clickable – you can find out more about a bag you like by clicking on it.
#1 Prada Saffiano Galleria Tote
This is one of my favorite bags of all time – as you can tell from my review here. This bag is serious, classy, timeless and elegant – but it still says you’re here to get the job done.
It’s conservative and – especially if you get it in a conservative color like black, navy or tan – it can go with pretty much any outfit.
The logo is not over-the-top in your face. It’s subtle but tasteful.
Plus, with the 3 different compartments, you can easily grab whatever papers, resume or notes that you need during the interview. You won’t spend what seems like an endless amount of time digging around in your bag to get what you need.
Click Here to Shop the Prada Saffiano Tote
#2 Saint Laurent Sac De Jour
This is another bag very similar to the Prada Saffiano. It’s structured, still holds quite a bit and has a small, classic, chic logo that is not too obvious.
Plus it looks extremely professional – especially if you go with a color like black, tan, navy or light pink.
The only thing I don’t like is that it doesn’t have as many compartments or pockets as the Prada Saffiano Tote. So it’s not as great on the organizational size.
However, because of the one main large compartment, you could probably fit a slim, small laptop or tablet in here with ease if you needed to.
Click Here to Shop the Sac De Jour
#3 Louis Vuitton Alma in Epi Leather
The Louis Vuitton Alma (BB or PM) in Epi Leather is a stunning bag – I’m always taken aback when I see it. Not many people get the LV Alma in the Epi leather (most go for the monogram design) – so it can really set you apart when you carry this bag.
It says you know about fashion – but you don’t have to shove a logo in everyone’s face.
The Louis Vuitton Alma is not as conservative or serious as the 2 bags above. It’s a little more fun and playful (which might better fit the job you’re going for).
Still, I think it’s serious enough to send the right message in a job interview – and it will certainly go with any style of interview outfit you wear.
Click Here to Shop the LV Alma Bag
#4 Givenchy Antigona
If I were interviewing for that million-dollar CEO position, this is the bag I’d choose. The house of Givenchy has always stood for class, elegance and a refined style.
The structured shape to this bag is so unique – but it’s instantly recognizable to anyone who knows fashion. And it commands immediate respect.
It’s also not a trendy bag of the moment – you have to know fashion and style to recognize this bag. And that’s exactly what you want if you’re going for that CEO or high level position.
Overall it’s a stunning, luxury bag that turns heads. But it still says you’re a professional woman (and not some millionaire heiress or trophy wife).
Click Here to Shop the Givenchy Antigona
#5 Coach Top Handle Bag
If you don’t need to carry a lot of things in your bag – and you want something a little smaller and more delicate, then the Coach Top Handle bag is a great option.
I love the feminine look of this bag. It’s much smaller and doesn’t hold as much as the bags above. But if you’re going for a more relaxed entry-level position and don’t want to overdo it with a super-expensive-looking bag, then this is a great option.
It’s not as well known or popular fashion-wise as the bags above. So it might prove to be a trendy bag – here today and gone in a few years.
But it’s also fairly affordable coming in under $500. So all of that might not matter to you at the end of the day.
Click Here to Shop the Coach Top Handle Bag
So those are 5 great designer bags for a job interview. I hope you found these suggestions helpful!
What do you think?
Do you agree? Do have another favorite bag for a job interview?
Let me know what you think in the comments below!
– Kate XO