These Handbag Colors Will Never Go Out of Style

When you think about timeless staples, what do you automatically picture? Little black dresses? White button-downs, perhaps? How about tailored trousers? While these items are foundational parts of a capsule wardrobe, they're not the only thing that matters. One could argue that accessories, like purses, play a pivotal part too. On a functional level, bags allow us to carry all our essentials out in the world, but on an emotional level, they're a part of defining our personal style. We all have a handbag silhouette that has its place in our closets and hearts whether it's a shopping tote, mini bag, or crossbody style.

We might alternate between the different types of bags, but when it comes to what colors we gravitate toward, that's when they become genuinely timeless. After all, bag trends change from season to season, but colors are less beholden to the trend cycle. Therefore, when investing in a handbag to add to your wardrobe, you must consider buying one that comes in a color you can count on to look chic for years to come. But which hues do you count on to be around for the long haul? Ahead, we're sharing the eight best handbag colors based on their longevity, versatility, and popularity. Scroll on to see which color is your favorite (and maybe shop a new silhouette).

1. Black 

Black will always be, well, timeless. You can never go wrong when purchasing a black purse, as the color can pair with just about anything. Plus, designer bags that come in this color retain a higher resale value than any other shade.

2. Dark Brown 

Just like black, you can't go wrong with any shade of brown. If you go through the fashion archives, you'll see more than a handful of brown bags you'd still wear today.

3. Gray 

Are you searching for a neutral hue that doesn't feel stale? Consider gray. While black and brown bags may be more common, gray options allow your accessory to feel a bit more unique while still being as versatile as any other color. While we recommend opting for darker gray bags to up the drama, any version of this shade will have the same effect.

4. Beige

If you need to expand your neutral-bag collection, we highly suggest going for any shade of white—like beige, ivory, or cream. While this style may take more effort to maintain, the hue is versatile enough to wear year-round.

5. Bright Red

When you want to make your outfit pop, you can always count on a red bag. Red bags are our favorite styling trick to elevate a neutral outfit.

6. Dark Green 

Contrary to its slime-green cousin, darker shades of green (like olive and forest green) will never go out of style. There's something about the darker versions of this hue that makes any bag look impeccably chic.

7. Butter Yellow

Hear us out: Yellow is a neutral! There will always be room for butter yellow in our closets because it's deliciously fun. Often, handbags in this color have the ingredients needed to make any outfit feel brand-new again. Your everyday blazer-and-trouser combinations can serve again with the addition of a yellow handbag.

8. Navy Blue 

Lastly, we'd be remiss to not mention navy blue. Although this color might not seem like the most exciting one of the bunch, it's by far one of the most enduring because of its close ties to our other beloved wardrobe staple: denim. After all, dark-wash denim has remained classic for years, so of course, it would stand to be that in bag form too! You might not end up wearing this purse with jeans, but you can rest assured that it will remain a perennial favorite of yours for years to come.

This post was published at an earlier date and has been updated by Jasmine Fox-Suliaman.