If you’re anything like me, a handbag isn’t something you purchase all too often. Unlike ready-to-wear pieces or even shoes, handbags don’t demand a continual seasonal refresh, and while there may be some exciting trends that catch your eye, a classic piece will be a loyal companion for years to come, no matter the season or occasion. That being said, finding a new favourite handbag is a reward like none other, and who are we to deny ourselves that pleasure? Especially when the new season styles are just so good. And whenever I’m beginning a search for a new handbag, I always start by picking out one key element: the colour.
In the world of handbags, you can always trust that certain classic colours will come back to the forefront of trends—which is great news, as you can invest in a style now and be confident you’ll get plenty of wear out of it for years to come while remaining very on-trend. From my inspection of Instagram and runway snaps, it looks like this season’s classic colour favourites include ultra-luxe hues like cream, deep browns and the all-time favourite, black.
If you’re looking to be particularly on trend and break away from the core classics, there are options for you, too. Top of the list? Burgundy—a rich, warm red that is perfect for an autumn colour palette, and is undeniably dominating the accessories world this season.
Whatever your colour match, scroll on for some autumn handbag inspiration—along with my edit of some of the best options, whether you’re working with a high street or designer budget.
SEE THE 6 AUTUMN BAG COLOUR TRENDS WE’RE LOVING:
1. Deep Brown
Style notes: Brown is a colour that exudes effortless elegance, and feel particularly appropriate for autumn wear. This year, deep, rich hues are the most on-trend browns to go for, whether you opt for a slouchy suede tote or a glossy, neat shoulder bag.
Shop the Shade:
Reformation
Medium Silvana Bucket Bag
Such an easy, throw-on-and-go bag.
& Other Stories
Large Braided Tote
A chic woven leather bag without the Bottega Veneta price tag.
DeMellier
The Large Tokyo
This mocha suede is deliciously good.
SAINT LAURENT
Voltaire Embellished Leather Shoulder Bag
A timeless investment piece.
THE ROW
Half Moon Textured-Leather Shoulder Bag
The minimalist’s dream autumn bag.
2. Burgundy
Style Notes: Burgundy is without a doubt the colour that every fashion lover is lusting after this season. Forget the cherry red or the tomato hue—it’s this rich, purplish red that is the one to seek out.
Shop the Shade:
Arket
Crescent Shoulder Bag
This would be such a great work bag.
Loewe
Small Puzzle Bag in Mellow Calfskin
The latest Puzzle bag release is at the top of my wish list.
MANGO
Shopper Bag With Buckle
Shopper totes are a trending silhouette.
I love the Nineties vibe of this mini bag.
KHAITE
Olivia Medium Suede Tote
3. Cream
Style Notes: Move over optic white—cream is the tone of the season. It may not be the most convenient colour (scuff it at your peril) but that’s just part of the reason it makes any outfit look extra polished.
Shop the Shade:
COS
Swing Crossbody – Leather
The crossbody that so many influencers love.
MANGO
Pebbled Effect Shopper Bag
A cream tote doesn’t have to break the bank.
A more elevated take on the cream tote bag.
BOTTEGA VENETA
Parachute Small Intrecciato Leather Shoulder Bag
I’m obsessed with this braided style.
SAINT LAURENT
Manhattan Small Leather Shoulder Bag
4. Green
Style Notes: Green is a handbag colour that keeps coming back into trend circulation, and for good reason. This season, the top green hues are earthy versions—think forest green or khaki, in sleek leather or ultra soft suede.
Shop the Shade:
Loewe
Mini Hammock Hobo Bag in Classic Calfskin
This is one of my favourite Loewe styles.
BOTTEGA VENETA
Sardine Small Intrecciato Leather Tote
The green and gold work so well together.
This khaki suede is so beautiful.
Reformation
Medium Vittoria Tote Bag
Throw on with jeans and a jumper and you’ve got an effortlessly cool look.
KHAITE
Olivia Small Suede Tote
Khaite is really delivering on suede bag styles this season.
5. Black
Style Notes: It’s hardly a surprise, but black is undoubtedly a top hit in the world of handbag colours, and this season is no different. From day to night, a black handbag will be your most loyal accessory, guaranteed to go with pretty much every outfit.
Shop the Shade:
I can’t believe this is a high street piece.
Reformation
Medium Rosetta Shoulder Bag
Half-moon shapes are definitely trending at the moment.
THE ROW
Everyday Small Textured-Leather Tote
I’m in love with the shape of this bag.
TOTEME
T-Lock Leather Shoulder Bag
A minimalist’s must-have.
6. Animal Print
Style Notes: Can’t settle on one colour? Lean into another top autumn handbag trend: animal print. While there are plenty of options to choose from, it’s clear that leopard print and zebra stripes are the most popular patterns for this season.
Shop the Shade:
Damson Madder
90’s Frill Shoulder Bag – Leopard
I love the playful styles from Damson Madder.
H&M
Patterned Crossbody Bag
It’s giving Naomi Campbell in the Nineties vibes.
STAUD
Tommy Beaded-Zebra Pattern Shoulder Bag
The kind of bag you can wear with jeans by day and with your favourite party look by night.
REJINAPYO
Sofia Bag Pony Print Leopard
KHAITE
Simona Snake-Effect Leather Shoulder Bag
