Picture this:
After saving for what seems like decades, you finally got that designer bag you’ve been eyeing for a while. You’ve researched the perfect bag to handle your laptop, lunch box, water bottle, and everything else you carry. You’ve fantasized about that one bag you’ll tote back and forth for years.
Only… you’re starting to doubt if you can bring a designer bag to work.
The first time introducing a luxury bag into a workplace can be intimidating. Thoughts are running through your head – will people judge me for spending this much money on a bag? Is it too flashy? Will people think it’s a fake?
I first started wearing my luxury bags to work five years ago. It was a Goyard St. Louis in black/tan which I felt was very subtle. Afterwards, I switched to a Louis Vuitton OnTheGo, and later sold my St. Louis to fund the Goyard Hardy that became my mommy and work bag. For me, wearing luxury bags to work was never an issue. It never crossed my mind that some may think of it as “taboo”. All I remember thinking was, I worked hard for my money, I wanted a bag, and now I’m going to enjoy my bag.
However, circumstances also helped me alleviate any doubts. I work in an industry that is primarily dominated by men interested in sci-fi and games so a handbag is the last thing they’ll notice. My work is located downtown, and I have my own office too. My manager, who is also a director, was primarily remote and barely came into the office. Lastly, my company is a remote-first company which meant less than 10 people were in the office when I adopted a hybrid work schedule. Needless to say, my subtle luxury bags didn’t catch the attention of many in the office. It honestly probably caught more attention when I was out and about.
Why is it considered “taboo” to wear luxury bags to work?
Despite my wearing, bringing a luxury bag to work can be seen as inappropriate or unprofessional in some settings.
Perception of Wealth
Generally, luxury bags are a status symbol. It means you have enough disposable cash to be spending thousands of dollars on a want and not a need. It doesn’t matter if you spent years saving, it just means that you have disposable cash to put aside and that you don’t have anything pressing that requires you to hand over the $3,000. This can create a perception of wealth which may cause some tension among colleagues with the idea of pay disparities. Additionally, due to the perception of wealth, you may be passed up for raises or promotions.
Distraction
Luxury bags can also create a distraction when your colleagues and management focus on your bag, rather than your professional contributions.
Judgment
Colleagues and management may make assumptions about your priorities or financial habits based on the luxury items you wear or carry, which could affect how you’re perceived professionally. If your role involves finances, you may be perceived as “irresponsible” with money.
Workplace Culture
Depending on your work culture and environment, flashy items such as your designer bag, may reflect poorly on the company’s value or image or may be insensitive to those around you. For example, it’s insensitive to wear a $3,000 designer bag if you’re working with a low-income demographic or in a low-income area.
Outshining the Boss
Lastly, the biggest taboo is the potential to “outshine” your boss with a designer bag. There’s an unwritten rule about hierarchy and respect to not appear more affluent or high-status than your superiors. If your luxury bag overshadows what your boss wears or carries, it might disrupt the perception of authority or professionalism.
Things to consider when wearing your luxury bags to work
Consider your role and workplace culture
Like the point I made above, consider your role and workplace culture first. Are you an entry-level junior? I would consider wearing a contemporary brand or unbranded bag as a junior. Is your workplace culture more conservative or are you in a culture where everyone is wearing luxury? What are your team members wearing? What is your boss wearing?
Consider something low-key
Consider picking bags that are subtle without big logos or bright colours. For me, I like dark colours where the brand is not big or noticeable. Also, consider the brand you’re buying; check out “quiet luxury” brands such as Loewe or The Row, but keep your Chanel and Hermes at home. If you still want to carry a nice bag, consider contemporary brands such as Coach, Marc Jacobs, or Tory Burch. Alternatively, you can also opt to carry a small handbag or crossbody bag with a backpack to avoid a large tote.
Balance it
If you’re going to wear a luxury bag, try not to wear head-to-toe designer clothes. Not only is it tacky, but it amplifies the perception of wealth, and the chances of colleagues judging and gossiping. The most I would carry is 3 designer items – a bag, a belt, and shoes.
How do I wear my luxury bags to work?
If you’re still thinking of wearing your luxury bags to work, here are some tips.
Scope the place
For new hires, I recommend scoping out the place for a few weeks to get a feel for your manager, team, and workplace culture. If the majority of your team members are wearing designer totes, you’re safe to carry your tote in, but if your team is bringing in a smaller bag, consider buying a small shoulder bag instead.
Keep it out of sight
Having an office is great for keeping personal belongings out of sight. But, if you don’t have one, consider putting your bag in a drawer, or buying a bag hook to hang it on your desk so it’s out of sight.
Don’t rotate your bags constantly
If you got your first designer bag, chances are, you’ll want to expand your collection. If you’re buying bags for work, keep them to 1 or 2, maximum. It’s distasteful to bring a new designer bag for each day of the week. For me, I only have 2 work totes – the LV OnTheGo and Goyard Hardy.
Just wear it!
Look, working hard to get your dream bag is a big accomplishment. So, wear it! I believe the more you wear your luxury bag, the more confident and comfortable you’ll be with it. Plus, some people may not even care or notice as much as we may think.
Thoughts
I’m a big believer that the belief that bringing luxury bags to work is inappropriate is outdated. As an HR Professional, your interest in bags isn’t going to affect my view of you or your work ethic, but, the sad reality is, that some people get jealous easily or make grand assumptions about someone’s life based on what they have.
Since starting a new job, I have ultimately decided to ditch my designer bags and switch to my beloved Lululemon backpack – not in fear of judgment or outshining my boss, but more that my age is showing and carrying a 15” laptop only on my left shoulder is creating shoulder tension and imbalance in my body. A backpack just offers more support.
I think the biggest takeaway from this post, and the one tip you should walk away with is to do what makes you comfortable. Without being able to access your workplace and industry, it’s difficult to assess if it’s appropriate or not for you to bring your luxury bag to work. So, it’s up to you. Personally, if you’re already doubting luxury bags in the workplace, you’re probably subconsciously worried about the negative impacts a bag may have on you. If that’s the case, simply wear another brand and wear your luxury bags on the weekend or at cocktail functions.
