What Should You Carry In Your Work Bag?

By Brian Maynor

 

I love to be nosey and see what people are carrying around in their bags, especially their work bags.

Bags are common accessories now, even with men, because it’s so easy to just throw anything and everything you may need into one grab-and-go tool, but just because you can throw in a daily survival kit should you?

There are several common sense, practical and universal things you should have in your bag, but then I’ve also found some of the most random, disorganized, junk filling the bottom of the bag that just adds weight. So aside from the essentials like your wallet, phone, sunglasses, and keys what should you be carrying in your work bag, and how should you be organizing it? Here are some of my favorite tips:

1.    Phone Charger. This should be a no-brainer since we all practically can’t live without our phones, but I still find a lot of people neglecting to carry an extra one with them every day. If you don’t have a ton of extra one’s around the house, buy one and keep it in your bag. Now be sure to wrap the cord with a tie or keep it in a small bag. A loose cord will just become a tangled mess.

2.    Business Cards. This is a common, no-brainer to keep in your bag, but more important is how you store them. Business card cases are a dime-a-dozen, but it helps if you find one that’s understated, but still fits your personality. Metal ones can tend to scratch or damage the lining of your bag, so I’d recommend a soft leather case. It is sophisticated and will keep your cards in pristine condition.

3.    Touch-up Essentials. Whether these are makeup essentials, toiletries or medicine you should always carry a small bag of products you frequently use throughout the day, or find yourself wishing you had. Target or any drug store you choose will have travel sizes and cute pouches to keep everything together and contained so they don’t ruin your bag or anything else if they leak.

4.    Stress Relievers.   Whether this is a snack bar, stress ball, a book or headphones, whatever is a de-stressor for you is a must-have essential for your bag. Yes it’s tempting to dive into CandyCrush or Facebook whenever you need a break, but there are plenty of other options that are more rewarding and effective at relieving stress than playing on your phone.

Work bags have become a staple and I would say essential part of your daily wardrobe, but just as important as the bag you choose is what you choose to put in it. “Holdall” is the type of bag, not how it should be used. You want to become discerning and selective at what goes into your bag, and not simply fill it to the brim with random odds and ends simply because you can.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

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I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.