Get the Look: Affordable & Professional Handbags

When I was in school, lugging a ton of books back and forth, I went through at least seven bags in three years.  Seven! I felt like Goldilocks because each bag was either too flimsy, too small, too casual, or too expensive.  At that time (2010), the large Le Pliage bag from Longchamp was everywhere.

It seemed like all the girls had this bag and it was perfect.  It was sturdy, large, professional, no glaring logos, and came with an array of colors.  It also cost $145.  Yikes.  Nope, not for me.  It’s not an outrageously priced bag, but back then we were in the midst of a recession and I had no job prospects and BarBri fees looming.  I couldn’t justify spending that type of money, even if I would have used it for a long time.

Finally, my 3L year, I found a gorgeous bag at a reasonable price; it looked professional, structured, and had a gorgeous faux dark crocodile finish.  It lasted about a month before graduation when suddenly the straps snapped off on my way to court!  After that I gave up and just decided to wait until I started a job before buying something else.

Ok so I made it through law school without an appropriate bag, but I knew that going into my first job I had to have the right handbag.  I wasn’t carrying huge casebooks anymore, but I knew I’d be carrying files, my lunch, books, and according to my husband, weights (he can’t get over how heavy my bag gets).  I needed something sturdy, professional, and very affordable.  Happily, I found the perfect place that sells these bags: H&M.

I know!  Usually their clothing doesn’t last a super long time–”fast fashion” and all that.  But one day, I bought a nice-looking bag (a little over $30) and suddenly almost a year had passed and it still was looking and working perfectly.  Even though now I can afford higher-end bags, I opt to stay at H&M because of the culture at my work.  As a public interest attorney, I would seem kind of tone-deaf walking around with a bag that costs hundreds of dollars.  But honestly, even for casual wear, I still go for H&M because I just like them!

I’ve taken casual cross-body bags to Europe on two vacations where they withstood the use of travel, and looked great in those settings.

I also use the larger handbags for work and not only do they look professional, but they don’t show signs of wear very easily.  In fact, I only buy new ones because I get bored with the same bag.  The best part is that they fit all the requirements at really reasonable prices–I don’t think I’ve ever bought a bag over $50 from them.

This is my current bag, which I purchased the week H&M started selling online in the U.S. (so it’s pretty old!):

If you’re in the market for a new handbag for work or school, I really recommend the ones at H&M.  Where else is a good place to get looks for work at a great price?