Help with bag color - black, brown, or neither - YouLookFab Forum

Category

General

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Help with bag color - black, brown, or neither

marianne

I came across a cross-body bag that I think would be great for my MOTG lifestyle. It's fairly simple, matte leather, hobo style, great quality and on big sale. The problem is, it only comes in black and dark brown (very dark cool color). I am trying to decide what color I should go for. I think you have seen most of my wardrobe - I do have a few black jackets, a b/w false plain coat, a dark green and red trenches. And quite a few black shoes. I wear mostly cool colors. Would black be too much black? Would very dark brown even make a difference? I have a couple of black bags but not messenger style.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

General

17 replies

Latest reply was from marianne

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

Go for the dark brown for the visual interest. I recently got a dark plum bag with brown trim and I am finding that I use it with everything -- black, brown, brights, whatever. It goes with everything because it adds another layer of color to the outfit.

RoseandJoan

Veteran

Are you disappointed there are no other colour options? If so I say to keep looking. However if you really love the bag, I would vote black for you. I'm just thinking back to your thread on boots and remembered that you prefer a monochromatic look!

Louise

Veteran

I'm with R&J are you happy with a neutral or would you prefer a colour? x

Anonymous

It might help to think about how much you use your other black bags. If they get lots of use, you can be confident with the black.

marianne

Thank you for your opinions! Julie, it's not like I am unhappy with the color selection - it would have been even harder for me to make a decision if there were more options. I think I prefer a neutral, but I haven't figured out what the optimal color would be.
Joy, I am currently only using one bag - a cheap grey cross-body, and it works pretty well, but isn't going to last long, and I was thinking this could be a good replacement. I rarely use my other bags, because they aren't hands-free. When I do, I wear black bags with non-black coats and vice versa. I am not sure though, if a dark brown bag could serve as non-black... I am hopeless with bags *sigh*
I am going to think about it till tomorrow. I'd appreciate any additional thoughts

Maya

Veteran

I would be inclined to keep looking honestly. I haven't seem the bags so I might be wrong, but I like to have contrast between my bags and clothes. Even if it isn't a different color, texture is always nice. If the black were patent, crinkled, quilted, moc croc, or something to give it more depth, I would go with that (of course that looks odd on a slouch bag). If the brown were a lighter, warmer shade of brown, it could also work as a nice contrast. The fact that they are both so similar and basically flat colors makes me think it might be worth continuing to look around, unless you don't mind the fact that your bag isn't really gong to be a prominent accessory, which is completely legitimate. I think of bags and shoes as instant ways to liven up an outfit, and since my feet are fussy, I tend to rely on bags more. Maybe you don't have to.

I have seen a lot of women tying short scarves onto their bags here (some come that way as well). I don't know if that is happening where you are or if you even like the idea, but it does give the option to add color.

For what it's worth, I have a black trench coat and wear a lot of black in general, and I love how my cream cross-body looks against it.

marianne

You have a good point, Maya. I think I'll pass on this one. I actually forgot that I own a VERY similar black hobo, although its strap isn't long enough to be worn across... but still, it would be a black hobo overload. Back to the drawing board, I guess. I do really like the idea of a cream bag.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Oooh! How about a cobalt blue bag, Marianne?

marianne

Oh, I've never even considered blue bags, Angie. Do you mean a bright color like this? Or darker and more subdued?

RoseandJoan

Veteran

I love the bag you linked to, it's a lovely colour. Do you have Radley bags in the States, I'm lusting over this one in green
http://www.radley.co.uk/Produc.....dbags.aspx

marianne

Ooh it's a pretty bag, Julie! And great size and shape. Thanks for the link - I never heard of them but would definitely check them out. I just did a quick search, and apparently they do sell them in US, although not around here. And they don't offer that mustard-y color in US. I hope you get a hold of it

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Bright blue just like that, Marianne. Or a little less bright, but NOT navy.

Very yummy bag Julie posted – which looks like a dirty shade of citron to me :0)

marianne

Got it, Angie! This will go with my palette, and would be a little unexpected. I am going to do some research, since I've never paid attention to blue bags.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Cobalt blue will work well with the blacks, inks, reds, greens and greys that you like to wear. Mustard will too, so keep your eyes peeled for both colours!

julijuli

Ohh - Marianne I love that blue bag you posted. I thought I saw some mustard colored cross body bags at Macy's. Did you check them out?

Ariadne

Veteran

I love that blue bag! If you could find one in that shade, you would be SO set. I want one too now (except bigger, to hold diapers/bottles/etc.). This forum is bad news! (Just kidding of course.)

marianne

Thanks everyone for the great advice! I feel like I have a reasonable plan
Brianna, yes, that bag is too small, even though I don't need that much space, but I need to fit an umbrella and a diaper pack... the bag Julie posted is a very good size.
JJ - I'll check out Macy's, thanks for the tip!