Colour of a Messenger Bag

[water]

Brown, black or tan?

Used for work, with suits. Unlike most here, I like black shoes; I wear lots of brown shoes, but often prefer black.

Undoubtedly the brown messenger bag will age better, which is why I think I will go that route. Anyone think it would look odd against the black shoes/belt?

 

[bigbris1]

Yes, your purse should match your shoes.

 

[water]

What about my eye-liner?

 

[brad-t]

Originally Posted by water

What about my eye-liner?

Contrast your eyes.

Also, the notion that your bag must match your shoes is quite antiquated. (this one is serious)

 

[aleksandr]

To back up a bit - since when is a messenger is considered formal enough to be paired with a suit?

 

[Karo]

I'd go for black if you're pairing with suits. Brown/tan is too casual for a suit unless you were refering to a jumpsuit.

 

[robin]

Originally Posted by aleksandr

To back up a bit - since when is a messenger is considered formal enough to be paired with a suit?
It never was.

 

[water]

I was just wondering if people thought a brown briefcase/bag with black shoes looked strange.

Not formal enough for a suit? From what section of the rule book was that gleaned?

 

[bigbris1]

Originally Posted by Uncontrol

Also, the notion that your bag must match your shoes is quite antiquated. (this one is serious)

Any man who wears a purse should at least have the good sense to match it with his shoes

 

[james_timothy]

Originally Posted by bigbris1

Any man who wears a purse should at least have the good sense to match it with his shoes

 

[Threadbearer]

Originally Posted by water

Brown, black or tan?
I'm of the opinion that a messenger bag reads more to the eye like a piece of luggage than like an accessory. If that's true, then matching it to your shoes or belt is not terribly important. What is important, I believe, is that the bag be of noticably high quality, that it be big enough to not be mistaken for a purse, and that it be no color other than black or brown.

My murse is black, by the way, because I think it looks good with the topcoat I wear most often when I'm carrying it.

 

[bigbris1]

Having been a messenger in NYC for 6 years (I loved that job) I can say that the messenger bag is a thing of beauty & extremely useful--for a bike messenger.

Anything else, especially if meant to be worn over the head with strap across chest=purse.

 

[academe]

Originally Posted by water

I was just wondering if people thought a brown briefcase/bag with black shoes looked strange.

Not formal enough for a suit? From what section of the rule book was that gleaned?

I don't think it necessarily looks strange to pair a brown bag with black shoes. Sure, it might look more co-ordinated if they match, but if you only invest in one high quality bag, then I would go with brown and not worry about matching the bag with the shoes or other accessories. I actually prefer brown briefcases or leather messengers, because the texture, sheen, etc. of a high quality brown leather bag develops a nice patina over time that IMO has more character than a black bag. It also depends on the styling and design of the back. Some messengers will look informal regardless of colour, etc. *because* of the way they are styled. Others that are styled more classically will go well with a suit. Do you have a photo of something that you have in mind? It's a little hard to form an opinion without seeing...

 

[blahblahblah]

Originally Posted by water

Brown, black or tan?

Used for work, with suits. Unlike most here, I like black shoes; I wear lots of brown shoes, but often prefer black.

Undoubtedly the brown messenger bag will age better, which is why I think I will go that route. Anyone think it would look odd against the black shoes/belt?


Not matching the bag to shoes is just fine. However, I would not wear a messenger bag with a suit (or with anything else, but that might be just me - I think they make men look childish). Why not a well made canvas tote bag, or a proper leather briefcase?

 

[water]

I have a few different models in mind, but this one will likely win out: