8 Handbag Colour Trends More Exciting Than Black for 2025

As many of us know, finding a superior, everyday handbag doesn’t come easy, and ready-to-wear trends may come and go, but the right bag will stay in your wardrobe for years to come. That being said, you don’t have to settle for anything less than the freshest styles the market has to offer (and 2025’s new-season offerings are particularly good), but when it comes to starting the search for a new handbag, where does one begin? That part is easy: the colour.

We know that when it comes to accessories there are certain classic colours that will never go out of style, and you can be confident that a black leather bag will get plenty of mileage out of out it for the foreseeable. But, after a deep dive through the 2025 runways, the next season is throwing out some new hues that are strong contenders for the next classic title too.

So, if you’re a bag-fan looking to be particularly on trend or just curious about the next big thing, keep scrolling for some spring/summer handbag inspiration along with my edit of the top picks, whether you’re working with a high-street or designer budget.

1. RICH BROWN

(Image credit: Who What Wear/LaunchMetrics)

Style Notes: Black bags might be considered a staple, but in 2024 brown bags have been on the rise and rise as the street style set’s arm candy of choice. From deep cocoa to hazelnut, glossy chestnut to mahogany, the runways were full of earth-toned accessories paired with outfits of just about every colour and style—proof of deep browns versatility. With such a myriad of options on the market, there’s a wealth of types to choose from, but we’ve noticed a particular lean towards big totes and supersized shoulder bags that make themselves the real focus of the outfit.

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2. DESERT SANDS

(Image credit: Who What Wear/ LaunchMetrics)

Style Notes: One colour that always looks chic and expensive (no matter the price) tag is biscuitty shades of camel and tan. This sandy hue lends itself well to simple yet sophisticated styles that should be considered just as timeless as a black top handle. When black can feel too severe for spring/summer, and pastels can be divisive with a winter palette, sand beige toes the line between the two, looking just as good with floaty dresses as it does with chunky knitwear and denim (just ask Gucci).

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3. SMOKE GREY

(Image credit: Who What Wear/LaunchMetrics)

Style Notes: Is it just us or are grey bags suddenly everywhere? Last autumn/winter grey was the ready-to-wear colour of the season, and after taking off in street style and making its way onto the high street, we’re now being treated to grey bags to match the coats, jumpers and jeans we stocked up on over the last 12 months. The more we see of them, the more grey makes sense as new neutral. Subtle, pared-back, and the foundation of some great colour combinations, if you’re looking for something polished but not too stuffy—this is as good a place as anywhere to start.

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4. HOT RED

(Image credit: Who What Wear/LaunchMetrics)

Style Notes: Forget the Christmas connotations, hot reds have been blazing a trail for the last two years, and continue to burn bright into 2025 too. Those familiar with the “unexpected red” theory will know just how easily a red bag can elevate a look, and even in different shades of crimson, scarlet and cherry, this now iconic accessory is perfect for those who like to stand out from the crowd.

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5. VERSATILE NAVY

(Image credit: Who What Wear/Launch Metrics)

Style Notes: Our Who What Wear editors have spoken—the unsung colour hero of 2024 is officially navy, and the look extends to our bags too. Take it from Who What Wear US’ fashion editor Jasmine Fox-Suliaman: “Hear me out. Embracing colour can be challenging for the fashion crowd (no shade intended). But opting for an unexpected neutral like navy allows us to make our everyday staples feel a bit more elegant with little effort… this colour is actually, dare I say, the “new” black.” From the nautical detailing at Miu Miu and Prada to the dressy, evening take at Ralph Lauren, expect to see a lot more navy over the next 12 months if the runways have anything to do with it.