The Men’s and Women’s Guide to How to Dress for Your First Day of Work

First impressions are everything, especially on your first day at work. Making a good impression can set the tone for your entire time at the company, and a key component of this is your outfit. However, it's important to remember that a complete look includes more than just the clothes you wear. Accessories such as bags, shoes, and jewellery play a crucial role in your overall appearance.

In this piece, we'll explore what types of outfits are best for different dress codes, as well as the men’s and women’s leather bags that go well with them.

A Men’s Guide to First-Day-of-Work Attires

Gentlemen, as you prepare for your first day at your new job, it's important to dress appropriately for your work environment. Dress codes can vary widely, from casual to formal, and it's crucial to make a good impression. Here are some tips for what to wear and which bags to carry on your first day of work in Singapore:

Smart Casual

For a smart casual dress code, consider wearing a pair of tailored chinos or dark jeans, paired with a collared shirt or a knit sweater. A blazer can also elevate your look. Choose comfortable yet stylish shoes, such as loafers or dress boots. Complete your outfit with a leather tote bag or a crossbody sling that can hold your essentials and elevate your style.

The Musketeer Aramis iPad Tablet Clutch Folio is an excellent choice in leather bags for men who prefer to carry their laptops by the shoulder or hand for a sleek, casual look! Its elegant body elevates any smart casual outfit while providing a touch of discerning sophistication. This bag is designed to snugly fit an iPad, with multiple interior slots for added functionality. An exterior compartment further contributes to convenience, and the detachable shoulder strap makes for multiple styling options.

Another hands-free men’s work bag option is the Hare & Tortoise 13/14" Laptop Messenger Crossbody Sling Bag, a versatile choice that can be worn as a traditional messenger bag or as a crossbody bag. Its adjustable strap allows for a comfortable fit for individuals of all sizes. The leather bag also features a quick-access front pocket for items you need to grab on the go, as well as a padded laptop sleeve that’s able to fit both 13 inches and 14 inches laptops - keeping your device safe and secure when commuting and travelling around! Not to forget, there are also additional 3 interior pockets for you to organise your belongings such as earphones, credit cards, name cards, keys and many more!

Business Casual

For a business casual dress code, you can wear a pair of dress pants with a button-down shirt, or a blazer paired with khaki pants. You can also try pairing a collared shirt with a sweater vest. Loafers or dress shoes will complement your outfit well.

For your bag, the Musketeer Athos Laptop Backpack (Nylon Leather) is a great option. It's spacious enough to hold your laptop (14 inch and smaller) and other essentials, and its stylish design adds a touch of sophistication to business casual outfits. The backpack is made with a combination of durable nylon and genuine leather, ensuring that it can withstand the wear and tear of daily use. Plus, its adjustable straps make it comfortable to carry around all day.

Another great option is the Musketeer Dryna Laptop Backpack (Nylon Leather). This backpack is made of high-quality nylon leather that makes the bag lightweight and water resistant which is perfect for everyday carrying!

The bag also has plenty of room for your laptop (14 inch and smaller) , papers, water bottle, umbrella and any other work-related items. Its sleek design and high functionality make it the perfect choice for corporate professionals looking to elevate their business casual style for their first day at work in Singapore.

Business Formal

For a business formal dress code, a tailored suit is a must. You can also try wearing a dress shirt and tie with dress pants, or opt for a classic dark suit. Make sure to wear dress shoes and choose a leather briefcase to carry your important documents.

When it comes to choosing an ideal briefcase, consider something like the Musketeer Porthos Two Tone 13"/14" Laptop Crossbody Sling Briefcase. This elegant bag is crafted from suede nylon leather, lending it a sophisticated yet contemporary appearance that complements business formal attire. Additionally, it comes equipped with a crossbody strap that facilitates ease of carrying, while capably accommodating your laptop and other essential work items.

Whether your dress code is smart casual, business casual, or business formal, these stylish and functional bags from Gnome & Bow will elevate your look and meet your practical needs. Make a lasting impression on your first day at a new job. Shop our full collection of men’s leather bags online today.

A Women’s Guide to First-Day-of-Work Attires

Ladies, just like our male counterparts, we want to put our best foot forward on our first day of work. While we may have a few more options, we should aim to look professional and polished. Here are some suggestions for what to wear for various dress codes on your first day of work, along with some bag recommendations to complete your office outfits and attire:

Smart Casual

For a smart casual dress code, choose attire that strikes a balance between comfort and professionalism. Consider wearing tailored pants or a skirt with a blouse or a knit top. If you prefer a dress, opt for one that isn't too short or revealing. Complement your work outfit with practical shoes like loafers, pumps, or ballerina flats, and accessories such as a chic clutch or mini backpack for women.

The Jekyll & Hyde Reversible Mini Crossbody Clutch is an excellent work bag choice for adding sophistication to your smart casual outfit. This versatile clutch features a reversible design with one side in black and the other in printed canvas. With a detachable strap, it can be held as a classic clutch or worn as a crossbody or shoulder bag, making it a great option for women constantly on the go. Despite its compact size, the clutch is roomy enough to hold your phone, wallet, keys, and other small essentials.

Alternatively, the Three Musketeers Athos Small Crossbody Backpack (Leather) is an excellent option for women who want to keep their hands free while carrying all their daily essentials to their first day of work in Singapore. Made from high-quality leather, this backpack is both stylish and practical, effortlessly complementing any smart casual attire.

Featuring a main compartment that can hold a wallet, keys, phone, water bottle, and 11” Ipad, the Three Musketeers Athos is an ideal choice for women who appreciate compact designs but need slightly more storage space for their work essentials. As the cherry on top, the bag’s exterior zippered pocket also grants easy access to more frequently used items for extra convenience.

Business Casual

For a business casual dress code, you can wear a dress or a skirt and blouse combination, but make sure it's not too formal. Tailored pants paired with a blouse or a blazer is also a good option. You can also try pairing a blouse with a midi skirt. A good pair of comfortable heels or loafers is also recommended. For your bag, opt for a spacious leather shoulder bag or a medium-sized handbag in Singapore that is perfect for carrying your documents and daily necessities.

For a practical and stylish addition to your business casual outfit, consider the Envelope Flap Long Wallet Crossbody Sling Bag (RFID). This bag is made from high-quality leather and features RFID-blocking technology to keep your personal information safe. It can be worn as a crossbody bag, keeping your hands free while you navigate your workday. The bag also features multiple card slots, a zippered pocket, and a spacious interior to keep your essentials organised.

Another practical and stylish bag option is the Three Musketeers Dryna Crossbody Handbag. Made from high-quality leather, this medium-sized handbag is both spacious and versatile, making it ideal for carrying your daily essentials and documents. It features a secure zippered closure and a comfortable crossbody strap that keeps your hands free while you travel to work. With its elegant design and functional features, this leather handbag is a perfect choice for the modern working woman.

Business Formal

For a business formal dress code, it's essential to make a professional and polished impression. Women in Singapore can opt for a tailored suit or a knee-length dress paired with a blazer for a timeless and sophisticated look. Another option is to wear a skirt with a blouse or a dressy pantsuit that shows off your style while still being appropriate for the workplace. Closed-toe heels or pumps in a neutral colour will complete the first-day-at-work outfit and add a touch of elegance to any business formal attire.

Carrying a functional yet stylish bag is also important in completing your business formal look. The Three Musketeers Dryna Leather Backpack is a great option for women who need to carry more items to work, such as a 13” or 14” laptop. Made from high-quality leather, this backpack is spacious enough to fit your laptop, documents, and other essentials while still looking sleek and sophisticated.

Another excellent option is the Hare and Tortoise 13”/14” Laptop Tote in Canvas Leather. This bag is perfect for women who need to carry their laptop to work while still looking fashionable. Made from durable canvas and high-quality leather, this tote features a spacious interior with multiple compartments to keep your items organised. The tote also comes with a dedicated shock-absorbent laptop compartment to help you breeze through café hops and airport checks, making it an excellent choice for women who have to travel or meet up with clients more often than not.

Of course, at Gnome & Bow, we offer a lot more options than those featured above. While the above bags are what we recommend as best options, those with a more nuanced taste or a niche working environment can shop our other bag options to find their perfect work companion. Browse our full collection of women’s leather bags at Gnome & Bow for more options.

Find the Perfect Work Bag from Gnome & Bow Online

Altogether, making a good first impression on your first day of work is crucial, and the bag you carry can play a significant role. Whether for smart casual, business casual, or business formal outfits, no matter if you’re a man or a woman, Gnome & Bow has got you covered. Shop our best-selling leather goods for men in Singapore and our women’s bestsellers at Gnome & Bow online.