This Handbag Color Trend Is Chicer Than Black, Burgundy, and Brown

I almost always go with the black option when it comes to large, budget-altering investments. That's not exactly a shocking statement—I know—but I say it because I recently strayed from my norm. Two months ago, I flew to London, took a two-hour train ride to Paris, jumped in a taxi to Alaïa's store on Rue de Marignan off the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, and spent a significant amount of money on a handbag that wasn't black. It was navy blue, and if I'm being honest, it's chicer than any of my black bags. Hell, it's chicer than all of my other handbag colors too, including brown and burgundy.

Funnily enough, despite planning a day trip to Paris for the sole purpose of buying an Alaïa Le Teckel bag, I ultimately flew home to New York with a bag I hadn't intended to purchase. I'd done all kinds of research, and from it, I decided to invest in a burgundy suede Le Teckel Clutch. However, when the sales associate told me it was completely sold out and black was the only color left in stock, I immediately widened my search. That's when I laid eyes on the larger version of the original Le Teckel shoulder bag in navy-blue nubuck leather. Just like that, the decision was made.

I'd never really considered buying a handbag in the non-black neutral despite it being a color I wear very regularly in my apparel. Burgundy, cream, and shades of brown? Sure, but never navy. Once I owned one, though, I started digging into the handbag hue, realizing quickly that many of fashion's top brands were trading in traditional colors for navy in 2025. Bottega Veneta, Khaite, Toteme, and The Row all debuted navy versions of their most famous bags in the lead-up to the New Year, including Bottega Veneta's Lauren and Sardine styles and The Row's Edith and Half Moon silhouettes.

Luxury designers weren't the only ones catching on, though. More affordable labels like Polo Ralph Lauren, Longchamp, and Coach launched navy-blue handbags, and Madewell, J.Crew, and Mango also got on board.

Suffice it to say, I felt vindicated and more ready than ever to show off my nontraditional handbag color choice as often as possible. If you feel equally inspired to add something different to your bag collection, keep scrolling. All of the chicest navy-blue handbags can be found and purchased below.

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