When Men Need Handy (Not Hand) Bags

Dear Fashion Police: The other night on “Friends,” Rachel was outfitting Joey for something and, deciding the outfit was incomplete, handed him a woman’s black tote bag. He was aghast--until he realized how good he looked. Well, I’m a man, and I’m not about to carry a woman’s bag.

But sometimes when heading out for an evening with friends I need a handy way to carry my cell phone, checkbook, planner and wallet. I wouldn’t be caught dead with a fanny pack, and backpacks seem stale. I’ve thought about a messenger’s bag, maybe something in leather or a neutral fabric. Am I on the right track? Can you point me toward some sources?

--IT’S IN THE BAG

Dear Bag: We humans continue to acquire more and more stuff, from laptops to antibacterial wipes. Yes, we know that the world is a more complicated and dirty place than it was years ago, but we’re not convinced that carrying around so much junk makes for a richer life. It certainly makes for a heavier one.

Thank God you don’t want a fanny pack--you know how we feel about those. And backpacks are fine for the under-20 crowd, but they start to give off those “arrested development” vibes for anyone older.

A messenger bag is a good compromise--not as uptight as a briefcase, more sophisticated than a backpack. Designs vary, but the typical bag has a flap over the front, pockets inside and a shoulder strap.

We found a few styles for you, but first decide if you want leather or cloth. Leather certainly looks great and has a nice life span, but it also weighs more than cloth and there is some elbow grease upkeep needed (cleaning, conditioning). It’s also usually more expensive. The Sundance catalog offers a “Multi-Tasking Messenger Bag,” which, despite its modern name, is actually based on a mail carrier’s bag from the turn of the 19th century. It’ll fit an electronic organizer and other gadgets, and has compartments for notebooks and pens. It’s leather, features brass hardware, is lined in canvas and costs $445. You can order online at: https://www.sundancecatalog.com , or call (800) 571-5888.

Universal Gear offers two Kenneth Cole bags we liked; one is called “Messing Around” and is a basic flap style made of nylon with a padded shoulder strap, an exterior web pocket and key holder. It’s $69.50. The other, “A Fine Mess,” has a more casual look and is also made of nylon and is $79. Universal Gear stores are in Washington and Chicago, but you can also order online at https://www.universalgear.com, or call (800) 204-1844.

At Kenneth Cole, we also found a black leather “Get the Message” bag that has an inside zipper and a cell phone compartment; it’s $198 at Kenneth Cole stores and online at https://www.kennethcole.com , or call (800) KEN-COLE.

Luggage manufacturer Tumi has four styles of messenger bags: the small, the square, the expandable and the deluxe expandable. Check its Web site at https://www.tumi.com to see them and find a store near you. Kipling, the maker of casual luggage, duffel bags and backpacks, has a messenger bag under that label and its Hacker line. Go to https://www.kipling.com to view the bags and find where to shop.

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Dear Fashion Police: I have joined the Red Hat Society and am now wearing a hat on occasion for the first time in about 47 years. My question is, are there “seasons” for hats (wool for winter, straw or fabric for summer)? I await enlightenment.

--HAPPY HATTER

Dear Happy: Congratulations on joining the society, which was founded several years ago by Sue Ellen Cooper “as a result of a few women deciding to greet middle age with verve, humor, and elan,” according to the official Web site, https://www.redhatsociety.com . Members wear red hats and purple outfits and get together for tea. Members must be 50 or older, wear the red/purple combo, invite others into the fold and have teas. Not a bad society as societies go. Cooper must be on to something--there are more than 100 chapters and the society was recently featured on the “Today” show.

Hat wearers should adjust their millinery wardrobe to the season, but it’s nothing common sense couldn’t tell you. Colder months demand warm wool felt hats, or knitted caps. In warm weather, switch to straw or lightweight cloth. Don’t worry so much about being precise about the seasons; if it’s hot into late September and you want to wear a straw hat, wear it. And remember, ladies (and gentlemen), a hat is not only a stylish accessory, it also helps to keep that nasty sun off your face.

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Write to Fashion Police, 202 W. 1st St., Los Angeles CA 90012, fax to (213) 237-4888, or send e-mail to jeannine.stein@latimes.com.