Let's talk about purse color - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Dressing

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

Let's talk about purse color

Kari

Veteran

Let's talk handbags!

Whether you have a huge bag collection or, like me, focus on one or two purses at a time: What colors of handbag do you use most frequently? Tell me why it's a favorite or used so often (Because it's a neutral that goes with everything? Because it makes you happy? Because it's a versatile color?)

What color bags do you avoid or not wear often, and why?

I have a small handbag collection. I tend to use one or two bags regularly for long periods of time because I find changing out handbag contents to be frustrating.

I tend to use blue handbags; my current bag is a thin cobalt crossbody (I've been using this since summer) and a few years ago I used a peacock blue bag regularly (I need to get the strap repaired before I use it again.)

The most unusual color I wear regularly (typically between late spring/early fall) is a mustard structured bag that I've loved for 5 years and find to be just about as versatile as the blue purses.

They are all relatively bold colors; not neutrals, but tonally work with the colors I love (jewel tones, deep greens and blues, burgundy.) For that reason it's VERY rare that I swap out a bag because it clashed with the colors of clothing I planned to wear.

I own a couple black bags. One is a matte leather medium semi-structured satchel I got as a gift. Honestly I hardly ever use it because it doesn't make me as excited as my happy-color bags that also coordinate easily with clothes.
I do use my black tote often because it's a nice size and shape to pop smaller items in, holds my work laptop as well as my purse, and the texture and shine (it's a shiny textured suede) make it more interesting to me than a matte black would be.

Kate Spade New York Cobble Hill Ellen

View Info

Top Pick

5

View Info

View Info

Dressing

47 replies

Latest reply was from Karie

Eliza

Veteran

It is interesting how well the pop of color bags work with a variety of looks. I think that it avoids the whole matchy matchy question and also can elevate a look. I spent years focused on the fabulous black bag du jour and now that is probably the color I use least often, too. I wore one great medium gray satchel to death and now have a much lighter pearl gray one that gets a lot of wear. I love how gray plays with my favorite ink and black neutrals. My bordeaux bag gets a lot of use (probably the most seasonal color for me), and so does the deep teal blue one. I also like having a good white bag. Once in awhile, I like my orange bag with blue or denim looks. As you can probably tell, bags make me happy and I enjoy using a range of color options.

Like your colors!

rachylou

Veteran

I use basically one purse that I wear around my waist. It's army green. A nice RATE colour to go with my RATE self. Blends in with what I'm wearing usually

Aziraphale

Veteran

Your bags are fab, Kari. I like the bright colours. If I was a handbag collector, I'd probably have one brightly coloured one too, along with several neutral colours.

I like handbags in theory, but in practice, I only ever own ONE at a time. My current one is sort of a light brown/cognac leather. I like how that colour looks with black, grey, army green and all shades of denim, which are the colours that make up the bulk of my wardrobe. I thought of getting a black bag, but since most of my coats and jackets are black, I thought it would be a bit much.

And to be honest, I don't remember the last time I actually wore the bag. This is because I'm a student now, and after one semester it became abundantly clear that a handbag was not the appropriate item to carry things in. I now own a backpack as well -- a "real" one, not a fashion one -- that allows me to carry my laptop, some supplies, my "big wallet", and sketchbooks. The backpack is camouflage patterned. I like it.

If it's at all possible (i.e. if I'm not going to school), I don't carry a handbag at all. I love the freedom of not having a bag to schlep around. In my jacket and/or pant pockets, I carry a tiny "wallet" (a man's cardholder, actually), a lipstick, my keys, and my phone, and that's it. I stick sunglasses on my head if need be. However, in the summer, I wear more skirts, which always seem to be pocketless, and no jacket -- so I do carry my handbag instead.

JAileen

Veteran

I have a lot of bags. Most are vintage Coach that I thrifted. I just like looking at them. The bag I'm using most now is a seat belt bag in charcoal. ( I did take the tag off, though. I hate dangly things like that). I can fit a small knitting project in it, it's cross body, and I like the color.

For an evening event, I can use a small bag. Here are some of the small bags I use. All except for the charcoal one are cross body. I use whichever one works color and style wise. The small black one I used last fall at the CASA appreciation dinner, where I wore a charcoal sweater dress. I used the small red bucket bag last week when we went to a Gershwin concert. I wore grey and black, and a plaid wool coat that has red in it. I last used the mustard bag last summer to a barbeque. I wore olive pants and a white Eileen Fisher linen sweater. The round red one is not very useful. I'm not sure my epipen even fits! But it's just too cute. I use the blue one a lot, because I wear a lot of blue and grey.

This post has 2 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Ginger

Veteran

Wow, I'm just like you! I really hate swapping out bags. I like bags with lots of organizing space, and that's doubly annoying to swap out.

I've tended to use one big until it starts to look really ratty, or I get really tired of it, or need a new size and shape. In the last couple years I've settled on a favorite style (satchel, with both shoulder strap and handle(s)), and I've settled on two colors. The first is an oxblood burgundy, which I use in all the winter months. The second is mint; the shape isn't quite as good, but it's very similar.

Both are decided colors, but both also work pretty well with everything I wear. Oxblood/burgundy/maroon might as well be a winter neutral; it plays nicely with everything, and isn't terrible even with red. The mint bag was a perfect find last spring. I love how greens play with each other (I've heard it called "God's neutral"!), and it's a lovely fresh color on its own. In the past, I've had red, mauvey rose, and sunshine yellow bags; also khaki and black, but that was quite some time ago. I have vintage ones in black, navy, green leather (hexagonal box shape, deserves a WIW), and multicolored telephone cord.

Interesting that you have several blue bags! I LOVE blue, and own over 12 dresses in various solid blues alone. But I've never had a modern blue bag, except for a tiny navy wristlet. I'm very picky about blues clashing; I would not be happy with a single bag for months of use.

Diana

Veteran

Honestly, black wins out most of the time for me. The main reason being that it matches 100% of my wardrobe and I can't deal with switching bags every single day. Second place for me would be red, partly because I have a soft spot for red leather items.

I did recently get the Kate Spade floral tote, but that's still a black background.

BrieN

Veteran

I am not a handbag person at all; I wish I were on some level as they add such finish to an outfit.
I usually carry a black backpack type bag but have recently broken out of my rut and found a muted silver backpack which I have been carrying this fall/winter. My daughter made off with my blue-green backpack purse so I'll be looking for a new spring bag.

Anonymous

I have a Kipling backpack in nylon fabric, that is a kind of mottled black-grey-white. I feel the mottled pattern makes it pretty neutral, so it does not clash with anything really. I only use one purse at a time, and have switched things up style wise frequently - neutrals, brights, patterns. Using a backpack style is new for me though.

Kari

Veteran

This is great! I'm really interested at the differences in what bags we are most attracted to.

Further thoughts on NOT using a purse:
At my last job, when I worked downtown and had a long bus and walking commute, I stopped using a purse most of the time. I already carried a laptop and adapter in a laptop backpack; I worked in evenings and on weekends so carried my computer constantly. As a result my back/shoulders started to hurt and I stopped using a bag until the last few months at that job when I switched to the small cobalt bag, as that could fit into my backpack.

I used a TINY wristlet, which is still what I'm using in lieu of a wallet. It's convenient because I can pop it in my pocket when I take Lucy for a walk or to dog park.

As for the color? BRIGHT ORANGE, a color I really don't wear! But I never lose it.

(My previous, larger wallet is also bright orange as I thought it was a fun contrast with my bright handbags.)

View Info

Kate Spade New York 'cedar street - lacey' wallet

View Info

Top Pick

1

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I actually do like handbags, more than I originally thought in fact. Funny thing is that I don't really carry all that much but I like having the option at hand so to speak. I go for satchels with a cross body strap these days as I like to have the flexibility to move it around. Neutral colors are my choice. In current rotation I have a medium taupe/gray that I used most of the winter because it was a cooler neutral that went with my taupe booties, deep plum fleece jacket, and nearly everything else (I wear a lot of charcoal gray), a warm cognac satchel I don't use as much but enjoy at times, an ivory satchel I used all last summer and a new navy bag on it's way to use this spring/summer in rotation with the ivory one again I imagine. The only black bag I own is a dressy clutch (oh and a super large tote for traveling). I also have a rose gold metallic clutch for dressier events.

I have other bags but they are mostly cross body bags that bother my shoulder to wear so I'm likely going to donate them.

I typically switch out with seasons but once in a while I do change bags to go better with an outfit's color scheme.

Cerinda

Veteran

Boy, I love that mustard, Kari. I actually went looking for a similar color, but came home with yet another neutral. At least this one has multiple neutrals and pattern. I tried, really I did.

Just call me bag lady. For somebody who loves bags and switches at least daily, I have a very small collection. They're my way of mood dressing, my happy pieces. I favor clutches and satchels (with a shoulder strap to use only momentarily); as much as I love the look of big dramatic shoulder bags, they hurt my back too much now. I love bags that talk to my footwear and I love matchy-matchy, too. But the whole batch is composed of neutrals.

Commuting with a laptop is definitely a pain -- clutch plus backpack or tote (only the perfect length to put straps on shoulder and the weight in the hand) is the only solution for me. Of course, I only learned this after finally investing in what I thought was the perfect black Binh bag for a 13", a vertical cross body/messenger I can't seem to part with.

Sal

Veteran

I have finally worked out my colour palette for bags.

Cognac/ tan- goes with blues, blacks, whites, greens, pinks, greys, warm red
Bone - nice with black, neutrals, red, coral

Between these two I am covered.

I have three clutches - black sequin, blue beaded and orange leather. I would quite like to add another leather clutch or small cross body in black or bone.

I have a couple of vintage evening bags too but I rarely use them.

I also use a standard backpack for day trips, etc.. I may upgrade here if I do more biking which I always intend to do....I like Astrid's backpack.

Your blues play beautifully with your colour palette Kari.

plonkee

So bags I use currently are navy, teal/blue-green, cobalt blue, and navy oilcloth with flowers. I've previously loved purple and soft blue bags. Had cream twice, didn't like overall.

I'm most drawn to versatile coloured bags that 'go with' but don't match my outfits. I avoid black and hate brown. I'm a one bag person in the sense that I have one bag of a particular size/function at a time. And I also balance style with function. It must be sleek and in one of my colours but must also be the perfect size with the perfect number of pockets.

gradfashionista

(website)

Veteran

Handbags are my most expensive purchase. I won't tell you much I spend out of embarassment, but it's enough that I refuse to buy anything super colourful that might clash with my wardrobe. Moreover, each bag serves a function and no two bags overlap in function (yet). As a commuter, the look, durability, and design of bags are extremely important to me. I want bags that work well in professional, social, and black tie contexts, The bags should also hold my items securely, and allow me easy access to them.

At the moment, I own a blush wallet clutch with a chain, which I used daily for a long time; a navy suede crossbody with gold buckles, which hasn't been used in many months; and a black leather Le Pliage, which is used frequently.

The bag I use depends not on the colour of my outfit, but how I want to carry my gear. Since I've temporarily returned to knapsacks, I don't use my Le Pliage as often, and in fact, haven't been using a purse at all. My love of crossbody bags has blinded me to the fact that they are responsible for the buttons coming off my jackets.

My next bag, currently en route, is a tiny black satchel with feet and an optional crossbody strap. It looks like the perfect bag for my lifestyle, but is super expensive, and I haven't been able to find its equivalent at a lower price point.

ETA: The new bag on route can be found much cheaper in cobalt. I have agonized over whether the price difference for a colour is worth it. Unfortunately, it is. I don't want something that clashes with purple, or that looks too casual at weddings.

Anonymous

I love every single one of your purses, Kari. I'm in love with mustard, as I think it works well with browns and tans in summer footwear, and looks great with denim and a white t-shirt.

I'm a closet coloured-bag lover. I don't own any coloured bags, but have really thought hard about getting one recently.

I have a

- black leather tote for winter.

- black unstructured clutch that can be worn cross-body.

- black fancy round clutch for formal nighttime events (I must upgrade.)

- grey cross body for summer

I really think a backpack would suit my outdoor lifestyle with the kids. Totes are good for me too, because I'll throw my runners in, towels, or random camping stuff. I despise looking for my wallet in the cavernous depths of a tote though. I need some sort of lanyard situation to pull my wallet to the surface.

Joy

Veteran

The bags that I use the most are pewter ( in any size). They are metallic but not mirror shiny and go with everything year round. I also use a navy croc textured satchel and, in summer, a medium teal satchel. I get lots of use from a grey snake patterned clutch and off white clutch/crossbody. What does not get much use are brown and red. Black is in the middle. Bags with silver toned hardwear get more use than gold toned.
I can get almost everything needed into a wallet which is easy to transfer from bag to bag.

kerlyn

Veteran

Brown, brown, and more brown! Well, actually, cognac, taupe, and camel. So I guess I do have more variety than I thought! Ha! I generally switch between my small cognac satchel and my taupe cross body in the winter. In the summer I break out the brightly colored crochet cross body.

kerlyn

Veteran

Oh, and I meant to add...I tend to wear a lot of brown boots in the cool months and brown or tan sandals in summer. So while I certainly don't think bags and shoes have to match, I just find it easier to coordinate since I don't own a lot of bags.

Barbara Diane

Veteran

I have a lot of bags in my closet but I usually use just one at a time. I've been using a large zip Longchamp black fabric with brown leather bag for a few years. I bought it at the NAS. I carry way too much, but love that I can throw in a notebook, snack, etc. My larger goal is to be organized before I leave the house so I can leave home some of what I carry. I found the navy Longchamp at TJ Maxx, I'd been wanting it for several years. I plan to use it this spring as there is more navy in my spring/summer clothing. I also have a much older Longchamp from several years back that is a lighter grayed blue that I also plan to start using again.
I should add that my husband never notices anything, and he mentioned that he liked the navy bag.
My goal is to sometimes use some of my cuter smaller bags, especially this summer, as I think they will look more cohesive with my clothing. But I think they are all gray and black and I am thinking about adding one with color.
Oh, and I have a few cross body LeSportsac's I only wear when taking a walk.
I only wear bags with shoulder straps as I hate to have my hands occupied. I need them to shop, or talk with.

Longchamp 'Le Pliage Neo - Large' Tote

View Info

Top Pick

5

Robin

Have been thinking about this lot since I need to build my bag collection. keeping an eye on this thred.

Barbara Diane

Veteran

I should have added that I found the Lonchamp bags because I put so much weight in the bags that I can't add the weight of a heavier bag. And they can hold a surprising amount of weight without damaging the bag or the handles.

milehighstyle (Linda)

Veteran

I use my olive and navy bags most of the time, followed closely by cobalt, tomato red, and caramel. In the summer I use a pale blue and a light tan bag a lot. I have a beautiful green bag that is a color that clashes with a lot of my wardrobe, so sadly I don't use it enough. I tend to use the same bag for a week or two at a time and get frustrated if I have to change out my bag halfway through the week because the color looks terrible with my outfit. I don't need to match, but I want to look somewhat cohesive.

DonnaF

Veteran

I used to buy and use only black purses. My hair used to be black (now it's salt'n'pepper), most of footwear was black, and black was my neutral of choice. At some point, even pre-YLF, I decided that black bags were pretty boring, so now I rarely use the black ones I still have and will not buy any more ever unless it's patent and/or heavily textured.

My most versatile colored bag is/was orchid/plummy purple. (It's looking a bit sad now, but I don't really want to throw it out.) The color makes it more multi-seasonal than a really dark color like forest or pine green. Next was a pewter bag I thrifted and wore out. I also have an apple green bag that works with a lot of things. My leopard print clutch works with a lot, but I don't like to use it if I'm wearing a pattern heavy outfit. I also have a tonal dark gray leopard print clutch that I would use instead.

I think I would like yellow/mustard, orange, cognac, and pewter purses. Matching never quite works for me, so I find it better/easier to have a bag in a color I don't tend to wear.

Penny

Veteran

During the week, a burgundy satchel that works with all my professional clothes, on the weekend, usually a metallic pewter clutch. Although I have other options, including black, I like to select black as a deliberate choice for specific outfit. Interesting thread!

Sara L.

Veteran

I'm definitely not a bag person and use one bag for seasons until it wears out or I finally get tired of it. Currenty I have a medium sized pewter grey one that can be worn over the shoulder or cross-body. It seems to go with almost everything in my wardrobe. I'll change my bag out for a clutch in the evenings, but I don't have that many date nights (maybe one a month). If I had to pick a color though, I think I would go for a burgundy bag. It would go with most of my wardrobe.

Isabel

Veteran

I have 3 that get a TON of use in the Winter : a deep purple/grapey color , a black one and a navy and black one. I have a deep gunmetal one that I use too. I choose according to where I am going and how big they are and what I need with me.

In the summer , I branch out the colors. I have a mustard one that I LOVE. I have a red one. A burning gold one. A lovely deep army green tote. A multi color one that is navy, black and deep tan. : )

tallgirl

This topic is near to my heart because lately I've been thinking that I ought to change out my bag more often to elevate my look. I am drawn to bright colours/fun patterns in bags but then I get lazy and don't change them out, and my bag winds up doing nothing to complement my outfit. I am in the midst of trying to decide whether to go neutral with my next bag or whether I am going to make an effort to swap bags out. I went through my closet on the weekend and I do have a fun assortment of bags - I don't need much new, I just need to USE what I have. There is a blush bag at Banana Republic right now that would complement several of my spring outfits, but I am also considering a new bag in a neutral solid solid (white? camel?) if I accept the fact that I am too lazy to go the bag-changing route.

catgirl

Veteran

I think I have some kind of bag disorder - I love them and can't seem to stop accumulating, yet I do not switch out by outfit and tend to use a bag until forced to switch (travel or some other precipitating event). Need to decide whether to make more effort to use them all or take the time to hone down my collection.

AviaMariah

Veteran

I am a one bag per season girl. And truthfully, if I manage to switch them out in a new season it's an accomplishment. Right now I'm using this MK bag and it's perfect for me. I bought it for myself for Mother's Day last year so you see I've gotten good use out of it. I keep looking for a new spring bag but I can't seem to settle on a color. I am drawn to bright blue or bright pink. But I wear a lot of those colors in the spring/summer so really think my bag should be different. Bright yellow? But I haven't see a shade I really like. White? Floral? It's all so challenging. I've included some that I've been looking at. I may just go back to the robin's egg blue Fossil bag I used a few years ago. Thanks for the interesting thread.

Neiman Marcus Last Call

Elena Mini Leather Satchel, Gloss

View Info

Top Pick

1

Rebecca Minkoff 'Micro Perry' Satchel

View Info

Top Pick

3

Kate Spade New York Cedar Street Rose Maise

View Info

Top Pick

4

Anuschka Handbags 525

View Info

Top Pick

0

Rebecca Minkoff 'Moto' Satchel

View Info

Top Pick

2

Fossil 'Sydney' Satchel

View Info

Top Pick

11

Michael by Michael Kors 'Medium Colette' Zip Detail Satchel

View Info

Top Pick

3

12