In the world of fashion, the most versatile handbags are often the simplest ones. By investing in a few timeless pieces in neutral colors and quality materials, you can ensure that your bag will pair effortlessly with any look—whether you’re dressing up or down. These bags can take you from day to night, season to season, and trend to trend, making them worth every penny.
7 Handbag Colors That Go With Everything in Your Closet
Stylists share their picks.
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An eye-catching handbag is your best friend for leveling up your ensembles. After all, the difference between wearing an outfit and styling one lies in the accessories. Handbags serve as a fashionable yet functional complement, providing you with a cute carryall for your everyday essentials. But one question proves quite difficult to answer: Which handbag colors go with everything in your closet?
Deciding what purse to pair with your ‘fit can be tough given the hundreds of color options to choose from. 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 seven handbag colors that go with everything.
Red
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When worn correctly, red is practically a neutral—and this goes for any shade of the romantic 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 go with most of everything. 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 bests 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.
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 fuschia, 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.”
