What's not to love about a versatile messenger bag? These babies are perfect for nearly any occasion and for everyday use: From work to school to short weekend trips and everything in between. Plus, they're convenient, comfortable, stylish, and also contain plenty of room for any and all of your essentials.
And, since messenger bags are crossbody bags, you're guaranteed hands-free access, so you can keep texting, clicking through your songs on your playlist (so relatable), and more.
Also, we prefer the messenger bag style to backpacks for a myriad of reasons. One, your shoulders won't be sore hurting you all day from schlepping around a heavy bag with super-thin straps. Second, messenger bags give a more sophisticated and stylish look than a backpack, which, in some situations, can look a bit childish. And in addition, messenger bags take up way less space than backpacks do. No longer will you be bumping into people/people bumping into you, or hear people complaining that you take up too much room on the crowded subway and be forced to take it off and put it between your legs (been there, done that).
All in all, we love messenger bags because of their sleek appearance combined with their functionality and minimalist style. However, if you're feeling more adventurous, you can always purchase a patterned messenger bag, which is fun, flirty, and overall statement making (in the best way possible, of course).
And while lots of people opt to make their own messenger bags, you can also purchase one for way less time and for an affordable price, too (because who has the time or patience to create their own from scratch?!).
So, without further ado, here are our favorite women's messenger bags, for work, school, and everything in between!
Nevyn Leather Messenger Bag
How amazing is this statement-making messenger bag? From the chic grey hue to the simple hardware accents, this bag takes fashionable to the next level. The texture makes for added dimension, making it all the more cool. Plus, the straps are adjustable, so you can wither wear it on your shoulder or crossbody, depending on your individuals preferences (three cheers for versatility!). The bag features a zip-closure, so you can rest assured nothing will easily fall out and get lost (*sighs*).
Nevyn Leather Messenger Bag, $179, Nordstrom
Monogram Messenger Bag
What's not to love about a functional bag with a personal touch? We're obsessed with the monogram, as it adds subtle flare and lots of a style that transforms a standard bag into an extraordinary one. The bag's exterior features a waxed-canvas, faux-leather texture and material and is complete with a magnetic flap, tons of exterior pockets, and a leather trip to top it all off. The bag also happens to be super spacious both outside and inside: There's hidden slip pockets under the flap. Inside the bag, there's a pocket specially designed for your cell phone, so no longer do you have to panic every time you think you've misplaced your phone (whew!). And while this messenger bag makes the perfect holiday gift for anyone on your wish list, you'll also want to grab one for yourself, too.
Monogram Messenger Bag, $82, Nordstrom
BOCONI Tyler Leather Messenger Bag
Calling all minimalists: You absolutely need this messenger bag. It comes in a sophisticated black or an on-trend light grey — both neutral colors ideal for year-round use. The bag's clean lines and understated structure are what make it stand out from the pack: It's sophisticated, but in the most subtle of ways. The rich leather adds dimension and texture, which easily takes any look from day to night (or work to happy hour!). The flap closure keeps all your belongings safe, and the interior pockets safely secure your wallet and cellphone. Store any small essentials in the exterior slip pocket, like your license, headphones, a snack, etc. The options are truly limitless. The adjustable crossbody strap means added convenience when it comes to running errands around town / storing all your necessities without having a sore shoulder, too. Win-win!
BOCONI Tyler Leather Messenger Bag, $298, Nordstrom
Pebbled Leather Messenger Bag
Look and feel pulled together quickly with this textured, all-black Michael Kors messenger bag. Think of it as a more stylish version of a classic briefcase. With small double handles and a detachable, adjustable crossbody strap, wear the bag however you like (although we do recommend wearing it as a messenger bag for added convenience). The zip closure and leather accents add an additional touch of chicness, while still remaining functional. The leather accent pocket is ideal for storing small essentials (perhaps business cards?), while the two interior pockets help you stay organized decluttered without any hassle. Plus, since it's lined and made of polyester, it's pretty easy-to-clean in case any spillages occur (i.e. a spilled coffee or cocktails, depending on the time of day.
Pebbled Leather Messenger Bag, $278.60, Bloomingdale's
Work Now Multi-Sleeve Briefcase
This brief case bag is great for a professional setting. The double handles and padded shoulder strap mean pain-free carrying 24/7, no matter how you choose to wear the bag. Plus, the bag is designed for maximal space, storage and organization. If you have trouble staying organized (who doesn't?!), this messenger bag will become your new BFF.
Work Now Multi-Sleeve Briefcase, $195, Bloomingdale's
Pebbled Leather Messenger
If you're not a fan of this beige hue — technically "Mushroom," according to its product description — Michael Kors also makes the same bag in a plethora of others, from red to white to almost any color imagine- able. The chic, messenger bag is also complete with a feminine touch, with a leather-tie detail on the top of the bag to close it, as well as gold-tone hardware embellishments. It's also 100 percent pebble leather, and has one back slip pocket on the outside and thee back slip pockets on the inside. It's basically the bag version of a mullet: Business on the inside, party in the front (that's what they say, right?).
Pebbled Leather Messenger Bag, $85, Amazon
Coated Canvas Messenger Bag
Store all of your everyday essentials in this chic and sophisticated messenger bag from Calvin Klein. The medium-sized bag is ideal for everyday use: It's not too big, but also comfortably holds all of your materials. The silver-tone hardware complements any outfit and occasion, while the bag's solid black exterior makes for a stylish, functional messenger bag that is timeless enough to never go out of style. There's one interior pocket for all your storing needs, and two slip pockets for any necessities you need at an arm's length without having to dig through your bag while you're on the go. The Nylon fabric is durable enough to withstand even the rainiest or snowiest days, while the faux leather trim adds an extra "wow" factor and detail. Plus, the bag is currently on sale for over $50 less than its original price — so buy it fast before it sells out.
Coated Canvas Messenger Bag, $168, Macy's
Messenger Shoulder Bag
This bag is complete with tons (!) of pockets to keep you living your best life and staying organized and decluttered all at the same time. The bag comes in a small, medium, or large size, so you can choose which one works best based on your individual needs. The bag is designed for optimal functionality, with storage available to neatly stow away your iPad, cellphone, a portable charger, earphones, books, sunglasses, your wallet, keys, and anything you could ever need. Basically, all of your essentials have their own home within the messenger bag, so nothing will (hopefully) ever get lost again (if only it was this easy, right?).
Messenger Shoulder Bag, $25.99, Amazon
Carson Mailbag
Vera Bradley's iconic messenger bag gets a modern twist, complete with added functionality to boot. Store away all of your belongings comfortably, neatly, and most importantly — all while doing so stylishly. The messenger bag is lightweight, since it's made with polyester. The exterior also features a slip pocket designed to fit your cellphone, while the interior pocket features a tablet sleeve as well as two additional slip pockets. In terms of security, the bag has a zipper closing in addition to hidden magnetic closures for double the protection. You truly cannot go wrong with any Vera Bradley's bag, and this messenger one is no exception to that.
Carson Mailbag, $110, Vera Bradley
Women's Briefcase Messenger Bag
Although the bag is made out of leather, it's totally durable and able to withhold any messes, spills, wear and tears, and weather. It also comes with an adjustable and removable shoulder strap for added practicality. The flap top is complete with secure metal locks for added security, and also features a retro-style bronze embellishment to add some special flare and style for a stand-out satchel. The bag has one large compartment for miscellaneous items, in addition to two smaller slip pockets, a small zippered pocket, one open pocket in the front, and a padded compartment with a VELCRO® strap that's able to hold tablets and laptops up to 14.7 inches. And besides all that fun stuff, perhaps the best part of the bag is the floral design right in the center of the purse, which gives it a feminine touch.
Women's Briefcase Messenger Bag, $56.99, Amazon
Uni Slim Laptop Commuter Bag
What's not to love about this red-hot (pun intended) messenger bag? It'll certainly makes a statement — and yes, that's a good thing for those who love anything bold and bright. Feel free to carry the bag by its top handles, but we totally recommend wearing it crossbody for added practicality and comfort. Plus, the bag is lightweight enough on its own to place it comfortable across your body, since it's made from durable nylon, complete with a signature leather trim. There's also an exterior slip pocket, as well as an interior laptop compartment (which can fit most 13" laptops). To top it all off, the bag is complete with a specially designed cell phone pocket.
Uni Slim Laptop Commuter Bag, $168, Nordstrom
Water Resistant Messenger Bag
This messenger bag is actually water resistant, thanks to its strong buckles and durable, high-quality fabric. But, that's not all: The bag has a total of nine pockets: One main zipper pocket, one front zipper pocket, one front button pocket, two side pockets, two open inner pockets, one inner zipper pocket, and one back zipper pocket (!). There's also a padded compartment designed to hold tablets and/or laptops up to 14 inches, so it's ideal for work, school, and everything in between. Plus, the sturdy metal buckles add extra security and protection to prevent any items from getting lost or stolen. The bag is also complete with padded shoulder straps, meaning you can carry even the heaviest of books, 100 percent pain-free. And, as icing on the cake, the bag comes with a one year warranty: If you notice any issues, you can contact the company directly for a new product or money back, so you can feel totally secure in your purchase.
Water Resistant Messenger Bag, $29, Amazon
We hope you love these messenger bags! Just so you know, Livingly may collect a share of sales from the links on this page. Happy shopping!
