Messenger bags are often seen as only suitable for corporate or office settings, but they have now evolved way past business casual territory. A casual or relaxed outfit can now live up to its vibe even with a messenger bag thrown on.
These bags are great for taking to work, sure, but they have style potential if you know how to wear them right.
Let’s talk about how to style a messenger bag without giving off a corporate or formal energy.
Choose the Right Fabric
The easiest way to make a messenger bag feel casual instead of corporate is to switch up the material.
Canvas or nylon messenger bags (郵差包) automatically add a casual and laid-back look to your outfit. They’re also lighter, more functional, and a lot less stiff than leather.
You can save the sleek leather styles for more formal fits or structured outfits. For everything else, go with texture, flexibility, and something that won’t look out of place next to a hoodie and sneakers.
Rethink Your Outfit
Your outfit does a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to the overall style and vibe. If your clothes are casual, your bag will look casual as well – even if it has a more structured or formal design.
You can wear a messenger bag with:
- Oversized hoodies and sweatshirts
- Baggy t-shirts or flannels
- Cropped bomber or denim jackets
- Cargo pants or shorts
Just avoid the full business casual look unless it’s what you’re aiming for.
Change the Way You Wear It
You don’t have to wear a messenger bag like you’re commuting to the office. For a casual vibe, don’t wear it on your shoulder with a stiff arm hold.
Instead, you can try wearing it:
- Crossbody style. Let it hang diagonally across your body, slightly behind or at your side.
- Higher on your shoulder. Wearing it a bit higher by adjusting the strap gives a more modern and laid-back energy.
- Backwards sling. For an extra casual look, wear it backward so it rests against your back.
Pick a Different Color
Black and brown are classics for messenger bags, which contribute to the formal touch they give.
For something more laid-back, go for:
- Muted earth tones, like olive.
- Subtle pops of color, like navy.
- Patterns and patchwork.
A colorful messenger bag adds personality and makes it look like a style choice, not a boring formal look.
Don’t Overstuff It
If your bag is bulging with things like chargers, folders, and other documents, it might whisper, “I’m headed to work.”
If you’re going for a casual look, treat your bag the same way you would a backpack. Put in the essentials like your wallets and keys, and leave the rest behind. This will also make the bag hang better and keep your fit looking effortless.
Go for Minimal Design
Too many buckles, clasps, or shiny details can give a more structured, formal look. For a more relaxed feel, look for bags with simple zippers and minimal embroidery or logos.
The goal is to find something clean, functional, and low-effort.
Lexy Summer is a talented writer with a deep passion for the art of language and storytelling. With a background in editing and content creation, Lexy has honed her skills in crafting clear, engaging, and grammatically flawless writing.
