Jess Cartner-Morley on Fashion: Ditch the Office Bag, Embrace the Holiday Tote – Your Guide to Switching Off
Is there truly any point in setting an “out of office” reply on your emails when you finally head for a holiday? “I won’t have access to emails.” Let’s be honest, that phrase probably isn’t fooling anyone anymore. In 2025, virtually no one goes on vacation without their phone. Your colleagues know perfectly well that if you don’t answer emails, they can still reach you via text or direct message. Theoretically, they could even call you, though, of course, that’s another relic of the past that simply doesn’t happen in our modern era. Tweak your out-of-office message all you like – you might as well be sticking your fingers in your ears for all the good it does.
No, the most effective way to truly shift your brain into **holiday mode** isn’t by logging out of your emails. It’s by performing a simple yet profound ritual: **signing out of your Work Bag.** Swapping your daily commute bag for a more free-and-easy alternative is a far more powerful psychological gear change than any digital notification. In my day-to-day life, I change handbags as infrequently as possible; the very real potential for leaving keys in an inside pocket and getting locked out is a deterrent too strong to ignore. But when you arrive home after your last workday, knowing you won’t be returning for a week or two, there’s something immensely satisfying about marking that moment. It’s the joy of throwing away leaky pens, marveling at how you accumulated 14 hairbands, and then shaking the bag over the bin, feeling disproportionately thrilled when a forgotten pound coin tumbles out. Stashing that work bag—complete with your office pass inside—is the ultimate “out of sight, out of mind” maneuver.
The Psychology of the Perfect Holiday Bag: Size, Style, and Serenity
Your chosen “holiday” bag, whether your break involves traveling afar or simply enjoying downtime at home, sets the immediate tone for how you spend your well-deserved rest. Personally, I switch to a bag that’s even bigger than my work bag. Why? Because if I find myself waiting for a bus or leisurely eating a sandwich, I want the freedom to delve into a good book rather than instinctively reaching for emails. However, if your typical workday involves lugging a laptop, true freedom might feel like a smaller, unburdened bag, not necessarily a larger one.
Always carry sunglasses. The right pair has the power to bestow instant cool and glamour in a way no other accessory can.
My absolute dream handbag—well, aside from the elusive Hermès Birkin—is a **straw basket**. To me, it embodies the very essence of summer. When I sling a basket bag over my shoulder, I swear my pulse rate visibly slows. If I’m not working, I actively avoid the rush-hour-tube energy that comes with shiny hardware and a rigid zip fastening. The artisanal, leisurely “pottering-about” vibe of a basket bag offers the perfect antidote. For holidays away, I opt for a generously sized one that perfectly maximizes the under-the-seat-in-front-of-you space on a plane. This ensures ample room for a swimsuit neatly rolled up in a soft cotton towel, alongside my current captivating book.
To avoid rummaging and keep essentials at hand, I always include a **brightly colored pouch** inside my holiday bag. This pouch serves as a dedicated home for money, keys, and my phone. It’s something pretty and practical that I can keep conveniently on my lap or on the table during lunch, saving me from constantly being vigilant about valuables stored in a larger basket at my feet.
For those blissful summer days spent at home, I cannot overstate my affection for my **Sézane Farrow Bag, priced at £130**. This bag strikes the perfect balance: it has enough room for everything you need without being so cavernous that you can’t find anything. It also features an elegant yet highly functional leather drawstring, offering secure closure if you happen to venture onto the tube. This marks the third summer I’ve used it, and it remains as strong and robust as the day I bought it, while many lesser bags have long since unraveled or developed straps teetering on the brink of snapping.
The Power of Accessories: Sunglasses and Beyond
What you put *inside* the bag matters just as much as the bag itself. Given the inherent simplicity of summer dressing, accessories become powerful outfit-makers.
Take **sunglasses**, for instance. The right pair possesses an unparalleled ability to bestow instant cool and glamour. Truly, no other accessory (or indeed, anything you can wear) can achieve this with such immediate impact. While I am generally cautious of fleeting trends in eyewear—it’s genuinely hard to beat the timeless appeal of the classic **Ray-Ban Wayfarer** style, which famously suits almost everyone, men and women alike—I’m making a notable exception this year. The angular **cat-eye style** is currently ubiquitous, and for good reason. & Other Stories offers an excellent pair, available in versatile black, classic tortoiseshell, sophisticated off-white, and various other appealing colors, all for a pleasing £27. As an added bonus, they seem to magically create defined cheekbones for those of us not naturally blessed in that department!
So, there you have it: a basket bag casually slung over your shoulder, stylish shades perched on your nose. Your “Out of Office” mode is now truly, psychologically, activated. Enjoy your break!