[Photo: Left: Bag from TUMI, Right: Smart leather messenger bag from Fossil]

Q Is it appropriate for a man dressed in a button-down shirt, trousers and leather shoes to carry a backpack to work? What are some suitable backpacks that can match his workwear?

A While it is not unheard of for men to carry backpacks well past their student years, this is more acceptable in creative industries where casual attire is the norm.

It sounds like the person you have in mind works in a considerably more formal environment, so I say it is time to embrace a briefcase.

Cecellia Telkes, associate consultant of image consultancy firm Imageworks Asia, says: 'The whole premise of clean, strong lines for the business look is to achieve an end result that looks sharp, smart and professional.

'That is why business shirts have the yoke across the shoulders - to give men a cleaner, stronger and sharper look. Polo shirts, on the other hand, tend to give a rounder, softer look. A backpack is more like a polo shirt.'

Not only is it virtually impossible to keep documents neat in a backpack, but it is also very likely that your bosses would not be too impressed if you met a client with contracts in your backpack, she says.

There are plenty of options available at any department store and you should look out for a non-floppy one in dark-coloured leather for the best professional effect.

I like this simple and unstuffy one from Tumi ($1,040).

If you prefer an easier transition from your trusty backpack, you could also go with this less formal but still smart leather messenger bag from Fossil ($428).

This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times.