You can have a great outfit, but without the right bag, it can feel like something’s missing. Accessories should never be limited to just an afterthought. They’re what can make an outfit feel actually styled versus just thrown on. A good handbag does a lot: it pulls your look together and holds all your essentials (like your lip gloss, your other lip gloss, and your lip liner). And while bag trends come and go, one thing you can control is the color scheme of your purse lineup.
So, which ones should you keep in your closet?
From cherry red to Barbie pink, the options to choose from are endless. But we’re here to help. For starters, celebrity stylist Jenny Rodriguez says that you can’t go wrong with neutrals. “You’ll never question whether they go with an outfit, and you can wear those colors for everyday work, going out to brunch, or going on a date,” she says. Personal stylist Narges Motamedi concurs, adding that metallics also function as neutrals.
Meet the expert
- Narges Motamedi is a personal stylist and personal shopper based in California’s San Fernando Valley.
- Jenny Rodriguez is a celebrity stylist and personal shopper based in Los Angeles, California. Her clients include Kamie Crawford and Vanessa Lachey.
Continue scrolling for eight handbag colors that go with everything and should always be in your rotation.
Red
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When worn correctly, red is practically a neutral, and this goes for any shade of the bold color. The burgundy hue here complements this outfit well, but so would an ever-so-bold cherry red. The heartthrob hue stands out against an earth-toned outfit but also pairs perfectly with leopard print. “The best colors that go with red are pink, because they are in the same color family; green, because they are opposites on the color wheel; and navy blue for a nautical moment,” says Motamedi.
Lilac
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This pastel purple is a unique handbag color that’ll always be a good match. Lilac provides a calming contrast to colors like emerald green, custard yellow, poppy red, and myriad other shades. The possibilities are endless. However, Motamedi offers a caveat. “Lilac tends to get washed out when it’s against darker colors, so it works best with similar pastels.”
Brown
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Swap out your classic black clutch for a rich chocolate brown, says Rodriguez. The mocha color plays nicely with jewel tones like magenta as well as softer shades such as baby blue and pink, and even neutral shades like white. As far as which colors to avoid? Green and brown tend to evoke Shaggy from Scooby-Doo vibes, and brown and orange may be too close for comfort, the stylist adds.
Pink
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If you ask Motamedi, purses were made to come in pink. The rosy hue can enliven outfits composed of soft gray and camel or add a bit of romance to coral, yellow, and indigo pigments. For what it’s worth, pink and green are also a classic color combination. “Like lilac, you should pair a light pink purse with lighter colors. If your bag is classic pink, though, you’re fine to go for black, brown, or even navy,” Motamedi says.
Look of the day
Silver
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“I love a metallic bag, especially in silver,” says Motamedi. “It’s probably the only bag that truly does go with everything, regardless of color, texture, or structure.” Even better, a reflective handbag can double as a mirror. Although we’re no longer living in the disco era, silver and chrome prove that metallics deserve their place in the present.
Green
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The popular verdant shade is loved for a reason: It breathes life into creamy whites and business blues while blending seamlessly into fuchsia, violet, and even blood orange. Plus, you can always pair it with other shades of green for a mossy monochromatic look.
Blue
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The oceanic hue provides a bright punch of color, instantly transforming a gray fit into a Watching New York-worthy ensemble. Let nature be your guide and pair your sky-tinted satchel with an array of vibrant hues from lavender to terracotta. “A light blue bag is perfect for preppier, Chanel-inspired tweed looks,” says Motamedi. “And you can get a navy blue bag to channel your inner corporate baddie.”
Black
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Every closet should have a black bag ready to be tapped in. It’s the perfect no-fuss neutral that goes with everything and can be made more personalized with its hardware or bag charms. Wear it sleek with a monochrome dark-toned outfit or have it contrast against brighter shades.
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