Buying a bag/ briefcase?

Part I: The right bag for the working woman

It's difficult to imagine a well-dressed man going to work without a bag/ briefcase in his hand. When you buy one, however, do remember it needs to match not just your personality but also your job profile.

In Part I of this two-part series on choosing the right bag, we offered tips on bag styles for women. In this concluding part, we offer tips on how men can choose a bag depending on the kind of work they do:

• Have a question you want to ask?

~ Media/ creative

"Your bag should portray your vibrance. Go for a good sling (which hangs on the shoulder) if you are in a creative environment," says fashion consultant Shadaab Razak. "Apart from slings, you could also try out messenger bags, a briefcase (in soft or hard leather) or whatever suits your profile."

A messenger bag is usually slung across your chest while the bag rests on your lower back or over your shoulder. Messenger bags, which are a smarter version of the plain old sling bag, are a popular accessory with young men in cities across the world. It is also known as a courier bag; you may have seen it on men riding bikes to work

It is a medium, square-shaped bag with two to three compartments that can hold a lot of stuff. It is usually crafted from thick material or soft leather, and has large straps.

~ Senior management

A handsome leather briefcase is what you need. "Personalise your bag by embossing your initials in a bold script on one corner of the bag. Please do not use gold or silver for this. It should be self-print on leather. Any leather workshop can customise your designer briefcase. These days, designer brands do it too at a slightly extra cost," says Shadaab. 

~ Management

Are you a management grad? Do you work as a manager in the corporate world? A good messenger bag that can  double as a handbag, in soft leather -- or suede if you are adventurous -- in matt/ shiny, black/ brown/ burgundy is a nice choice.

Shadaab says, "These days, carrying a good messenger bag is a fashion statement for men. Be it a business suit or jeans, it definitely adds a dash of boyish charm."

"Always try and match your bag either with your belt or shoes. Do not carry a bag of a different colour when you wear a matching belt and shoes," she adds. 

~ Athlete/ sportsperson/ coach

A sports Nike bag, a Tommy Hilfiger sling, or a smart Boss tote is what you need for your entire tedious workout garb. The fact that you are making a fashion statement at the same time doesn't hurt. Some of the best slings are available at very reasonable prices.

Quick tips

• You should pick up a briefcase that suits your skin tone. A person with dark skin tones should not buy a dull handbag. Instead pick up a vibrant bag that has some gloss or bling to it.
• If have a fair complexion you probably have a wider choice. But don't overdo it; you do not want the bag to get more attention than your face. 
• Keep abreast with the fashions by browsing magazines and fashion programmes on television. "However, do not let fashion dictate you, create your own style, keeping your taste in mind," says Shadaab.
• Most metros in India have malls and stores that have originals or replicas of the latest designs.
• Hidesign, a popular Indian brand, has a great range of bags of all types. You can also try department stores like Shoppers' Stop or Lifestyle.