Whenever I hear the phrase “man bag,” I always think of that episode of Friends where Rachel convinces Joey to wear a fashionable satchel to an audition, despite the hesitance of his other friends. Though the episode concludes with Joey's eventual abandonment of the effeminate accessory, it made me acutely more aware of men who did choose to carry the stigmatized “murse.” I discovered that a man with a fashionable bag is no different than a man wearing pink. Some guys can pull it off, some can't. What's the difference? Those that can brandish it with gusto and confidence, incorporating the functional item as a part of his individual style.
Take this Fashionisto for example. When I complimented him on his old school V-neck sweater and jean shirt combination and asked to snap his photo, he insisted that he wear his coat. While I liked the nautical-inspired jacket with the sharp touch of burgundy in the hood, I was confused. Why did he prefer to cover up his style? Then he reached under the table and pulled out a matching navy tote. Needless to say, I was impressed. His slim fit brown-gray pants complemented both the sweater and his brogue oxford dress shoes. I must say, he hit home runs with those neutral tones. Unlike other brogues, the softer hue of his shoes doesn't compete for attention sans their usual leather sheen. Then, the navy socks tied it all back to his matching bag and coat combination.
But really, there are so many options for guys these days — small neon backpacks, careworn messenger bags, graphic totes, leather satchels, business briefcases — that it's hard to run the risk of being mistaken for a man with a purse.
Hint: College guy with a laptop? Try this bad boy. It's functional, fits your books and your technology and it goes with everything suave.
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