What’s in that case?

Abha Chaudhary

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A business briefcase complements the way we look and shows the respect we give to documents and personal belongings stored in it. It plays an important part in reflecting a person’s professional image at the managerial and administrative level. However, the size of the briefcase, its condition, the colour and the brand name, all say a lot about the person carrying it.

Therefore, one has to take its quality and condition seriously and see that it complements one’s external image and not deviates from it. For this, there are certain rules to be followed.

Keep it in leather

An impressive leather briefcase is mandatory for a business person. The case should not be too full and carry only work-related items.

Match it to the colour of the shoes

Adjust the briefcase colour to the colour of the shoes most worn by you. A quality briefcase will have all its parts made of leather — the inner part, the outer part as well as the handle. Certain practical details like leather straps, double stitching, reinforced handle and inside pockets for orderly storage, locks, or upper zipper closure for security —must be checked while selecting a briefcase .

For the women

Women managers have different considerations than men when choosing their briefcases. Some tips—

Select a good leather briefcase that fits the type of clothes you wear. Dark leather bags look more expensive. Brown or burgundy is also a good option.

The work briefcase is your business case and no personal items are intended to be there. It is recommended that basic personal items like wallet, phone, keys, makeup, etc. be put in a separate purse, which indicates the separation you make between your personal and business life, as well as enabling you to go out for lunch carrying only a small bag.

Pay attention to the wallet

A wallet is also an important every day item, to be judiciously invested in, by both men and women. While investing in a good quality leather wallet, one must take into account classic styles in neutral colours like black, gray, beige, navy blue, burgundy, brown, camel, rust, light beige or warm gray. The statement made by a lady’s purse must not be underestimated. Therefore, it is important in terms of what the purse transmits, mainly how it fits your body and integrates with your appearance.

If the purse is larger than the area between your waist and hips, it is likely too big. A purse with a shoulder strap is a very comfortable one. Ensure that the shoulder strap is short enough so that the purse itself rests on the hip bone. If lower than that, it will make your silhouette look wider.

A hand purse is another classic. One may attach a long strap and carry it on the shoulder when needed. An envelope type bag (clutch purse) is more elegant, ideal for business because it can be easily placed in the briefcase. The best investment for an evening purse is a small purse with a clasp, in a black or metallic colour.

(Chaudhary is a Chandigarh-based image and style consultant)