I'm attending a women of influence event. I'm invited to a VIP cocktail hour with the speakers beforehand. Do I carry around my purse? If not where do I put it, the cocktail reception is not where the meal is. Or do I leave it at home? It seems stupid because, of course I carry my purse, but I read a blog entry recently that says to leave it at home. These are the types of things where I can tell I've been out of the workforce for a while- I don't remember what I used to do!
Blog link! Srsly, would love to read the rationale behind no purse. I get not carrying a huge work bag around with you, but what's the harm in a purse? Feels vaguely sexist without knowing any more detail!
I have a few bags I rely on for professional events, they are neutrals and comfy to have on my shoulder as I meet people, etc. I have a small wristlet I use occasionally, but avoid it for cocktail hours, as it bangs around on my drink hand or shaking hands hand - no good!
I always carry a tote to work. At a networking event, I will check it or leave it in a secure area of the room if possible. If not, I carry it with me. For that reason, I tend to carry one to networking events that will not stand out or otherwise make any impression and that can be carried very comfortably on my shoulder.
For reasons that are probably irrational I feel weird carrying a smaller purse/clutch/whatever with business attire, so I do carry my normal tote-sized bags to networking events.
Blog link! Srsly, would love to read the rationale behind no purse. I get not carrying a huge work bag around with you, but what's the harm in a purse? Feels vaguely sexist without knowing any more detail!
I could see something flashy being an issue, but I'd like to hear any rationale beyond that too!
I always carry a tote to work. At a networking event, I will check it or leave it in a secure area of the room if possible. If not, I carry it with me. For that reason, I tend to carry one to networking events that will not stand out or otherwise make any impression and that can be carried very comfortably on my shoulder.
For reasons that are probably irrational I feel weird carrying a smaller purse/clutch/whatever with business attire, so I do carry my normal tote-sized bags to networking events.
I also carry a tote to work, and it's what I bring to businesslunches/breakfasts. It seems more professional, and less personal than a purse? But it's big so I think a purse would be better in this case?
Blog link! Srsly, would love to read the rationale behind no purse. I get not carrying a huge work bag around with you, but what's the harm in a purse? Feels vaguely sexist without knowing any more detail!
I have a few bags I rely on for professional events, they are neutrals and comfy to have on my shoulder as I meet people, etc. I have a small wristlet I use occasionally, but avoid it for cocktail hours, as it bangs around on my drink hand or shaking hands hand - no good!
Here it is. It popped up when I googled the topic.
It's fine to carry a small purse. Try to put some biz cards in the outside pocket for easy access. I woul opt for something with a strap to keep your hands free.
Hahahahahaha, don't bring a purse but definitely bring at least these 3 to 10 essential items! Bulging pockets or juggling around your calender, wallet and phone to shake hands looks super professional. Sorry i think that blog is kind of over thinking things. I would just bring something i like, that is reasonably small and easy to handle. You'll do great!
(That snarkiness was entirely at the blog and not at all at you. I hope I didn't come off that way. )
Blog link! Srsly, would love to read the rationale behind no purse. I get not carrying a huge work bag around with you, but what's the harm in a purse? Feels vaguely sexist without knowing any more detail!
I have a few bags I rely on for professional events, they are neutrals and comfy to have on my shoulder as I meet people, etc. I have a small wristlet I use occasionally, but avoid it for cocktail hours, as it bangs around on my drink hand or shaking hands hand - no good!
Here it is. It popped up when I googled the topic.
See, but that seems like kind of silly advice. If you leave your bag at home, where are you supposed to put your wallet, phone (which I need to have with me in case work emails come in), keys, work badge, any work papers you need to bring home, etc.? I can't not have those things with me.
But I *am* very happy when there's a place where I can check my bag. I hate having to hold onto it at an event -- particularly a crowded one. Too easy to bump into someone's drink/plate/etc.
See, but that seems like kind of silly advice. If you leave your bag at home, where are you supposed to put your wallet, phone (which I need to have with me in case work emails come in), keys, work badge, any work papers you need to bring home, etc.? I can't not have those things with me.
But I *am* very happy when there's a place where I can check my bag. I hate having to hold onto it at an event -- particularly a crowded one. Too easy to bump into someone's drink/plate/etc.
Wherever men put those things :-) I will be going from work so I don't actually have to bring anything other than business cards. But it would be more convenient not to have go back to the office before driving home.
See, but that seems like kind of silly advice. If you leave your bag at home, where are you supposed to put your wallet, phone (which I need to have with me in case work emails come in), keys, work badge, any work papers you need to bring home, etc.? I can't not have those things with me.
But I *am* very happy when there's a place where I can check my bag. I hate having to hold onto it at an event -- particularly a crowded one. Too easy to bump into someone's drink/plate/etc.
Wherever men put those things :-) I will be going from work so I don't actually have to bring anything other than business cards. But it would be more convenient not to have go back to the office before driving home.
I think that's what men carry briefcases for? I am having trouble thinking of a man I know who doesn't carry a bag to work.
I guess you could leave your extra stuff in your car? If I was dealing with a situation where I had a car and pockets, I'd probably leave my bag in my car and just take my keys and business cards in with me. If you're taking public transit/cab/etc. it is trickier.
I always have a tote with me for work because I bring my laptop back and forth every night. I either check a bag or leave it where I can see it. Very occasionally I'll wear it on my shoulder but it gets heavy.
I leave it in my car if I have my laptop with me- I put business cards, phone and keys in my blazer pocket. If it's a dinner event I put it under the table right away. Cocktail events are trickier since I am often in a dress with no pockets. I usually just carry it.
I appreciate what Coach Yvette is trying to do with her advice, but I'm sorry - if there's food (and it looks good) I'm trying it (by the way, most of the men will typically eat the food in my experience - at a networking event last week they had steak pizza flatbread and we all dove at it, 5 men and myself, which was a funny icebreaker) & I am totally carrying my bag since I am often wearing a shift dress without pockets and need to keep my phone and business cards handy!!!
Don't overthink this. There are no rules here. Carry what you are comfortable carrying. if you find it easier to move about with a wristlet, use that. If you prefer something bigger with a shoulder strap, carry that. If you want to shove things in your pocket, do it. As you can see from the results here, everyone has their own preference.
Men are not going to notice. And any woman that judges another woman for what she carries her phone and tampons around in is just not worth your time.
I just came back to see what ESF said (which I totally agree with) and re-read gingers original post....this is a women of influence event! Hell yes bring the purse!!!!