Men tend to have a lot to carry these days. So it's no wonder more and more guys are carrying bags—from classic briefcases and messengers to sport-influenced backpacks and rugged totes. But that also means plenty of guys are lugging around bags that are bringing down their style for various reasons. Here are three common pitfalls and easy ways to rectify them.

Right Outfit, Wrong Bag

This one's pretty simple, so we're not sure why so many guys get it wrong. Laziness, perhaps? Men don't need to swap out their bags as often as women swap out their purses, but you should probably think of your bag like you think of your shoes. If you're pulling together a sharp look and opt for some dress shoes, then your sporty backpack or rugged canvas tote might look a bit out of place. And similarly, that leather briefcase loses some of its dapper appeal when worn with sweats and your Nike Frees.

Never Cleaning It Out

A good looking bag is one thing, but just like in life, it's what's on the inside that really counts. And in the limited space of a man's bag, the less he has to tote around the better. Keep a mindful eye on your carryall's contents. Don't let it get overstuffed with nonessential items. Once a week, edit your bag's contents by taking everything out, flipping it upside down to shake out any dust, dirt and inexplicable debris that has accumulated.

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