Tote vs satchel : which one is more elegant/stylish and professional?

Stuti

Sveta's handbag post got me geared up.
I need black bag.
I can't decide between type so can't go forward.
It's mainly for work and sometimes smart casual.
Also need to carry for interview.

What do you ladies suggest, textured leather tote (structured) vs satchel?

12 years ago

Dressing

10 replies

Latest reply was from Von

Active Member

Satchel can be professional yet stylish.
Here is an example for you

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12 years ago

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

You need both
I think you can't go wrong with either style, so you need to select the one which you like more and which works better for your style. I really like structured satchel style but sometimes tote works better (e.g. if you need to carry your laptop or papers).

12 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

I have both. The Brahmin satchel goes everywhere and the Tori Burch tote hauls files.

12 years ago

deb

Veteran

Satchel is more elegant.

12 years ago

Anonymous

I vote satchel, although I guess it also depends on what you need to haul around!

12 years ago

Deborah

Veteran

For work I prefer something that has structure. So I don't really mind which as long as it reads as elegant and kind of 'tailored' .

12 years ago

VernieJane

Active Member

I really like the look of a leather tote bag... A large leather bag with practical straps and a large volume...I have seen some cute ones lately...Something like this, but not this colour of course...black, or even cognac would be lovely--a versatile style of bag that is huge but classy...

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12 years ago

gryffin

Veteran

Stuti - I work my bags back by putting out exactly what I need to carry. Then I figure out what size bag I need for that amount. Do I need things all the time or sometime? On a day bag, I carry the smallest bag my things will fit in nicely. If you are "schlepping" that might by a tote. If you have less, than the satchel. Also if you go with the tote, you can do the "double bag" keep a small crossbody, clutch, wallet on a chain with your id, cash, keys that you can take out of the tote for brief trips, evening, lunch when you don't need the tote. If you mostly have a small amount to carry, think about a very nice collapsable or expandable tote to leave in your desk or at home for emergencies. I hope that helps!! Good luck a nice bag that works is such a pleasure!!

12 years ago

Glory

Veteran

I think the satchel has somewhat more structure which makes it more professional. But, it really depends on what business environment you are in, what types of meetings you would be going to, what you need to carry.

12 years ago

Von

Veteran

I think it depends on how you need to use your bag. I am a bag switcher and change bags every day, which bag I grab depends on if I'm going to any meetings and need to haul the bag. Hauling the bag days mean I need to bring a bag with straps that are comfy and stay on my shoulders, or even better, my satchel that converts to backpack.

Hauling my laptop home? That eliminates bags not sturdy enough for 6+lbs of laptop, cords, junk and notebooks.

Just carrying my bag as decoration that day? From car to office? That means I can have more fun, carry something less function oriented, something heavier, or more delicate, or something that I won't need to stuff more than phone + wallet into.

Satchels are lovely, but I can't deny that my tote is my workhorse. I can stuff it, and stuff some more...and not worry about breaking it. My satchel is decorative w/capacity to carry a small lunch container inside.

12 years ago

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