Break away from your classic black handbags and let these bold and beautiful styles inject some colour into your wardrobe.
With spring fast approaching, even the biggest monochrome devotees are embracing a little colour. Even if that colour comes in the form of sunglasses or a chic, non-black handbag. Everyone from Mulberry and Gucci to cool-girl favourites Wandler and Anya Hindmarch have created beautiful bags in neutrals, pastels and brights, giving our wardrobes a cool and relevant update.
Black leather bags can feel too harsh for spring outfits and this season’s neutral colour palette trend is the perfect place to start having fun with accessories. Ivory, sand or tan styles will look great with ready-to-wear in classic colours, especially if you add in some delicate gold jewellery. Look for classic, timeless styles in playful shades and embrace quirky colour combinations to banish any ideas that bright and pastel leather are too bold to wear day-to-day.
Natural tones and textures are the perfect way to channel holiday vibes in the city; from belt bags to canvas totes. Crossbody bags are perfect for those days when you just can’t face a heavy tote hanging off you, while structured shoulder bags will elevate an understated outfit in an instant.
Whether you’re looking for a tote that is smart enough to take into office while showcasing your personal style or a colourful backpack, these are the best non-black bags to add straight to your spring wardrobe.
Mulberry
We didn’t believe in love at first sight - until we spotted this exquisite top-handle bag from British heritage brand Mulberry. Structured but not too rigid, the Iris bag is polished enough to make an impression in the office, but relaxed enough to wear on the weekends too. Not ready to commit? This bag comes with a choice of five colourful braided handle options, so you can create the style you love.
Gucci
No woman’s handbag wardrobe is complete without a chic shoulder bag. This sunshine yellow design feels every bit as classic as black, but a whole lot more fun.
Shop Gucci 1955 Horsebit GG Supreme shoulder bag at Matches Fashion, £1,750
Zara
Bring a bold splash of colour to your everyday work wardrobe with this pillar box red tote. Thought the colour might be attention grabbing, the minimalist style of this handbag keeps it smart enough to wear to the office.
Anya Hindmarch
Anya Hindmarch has a reputation for creating playful styles that are equally sophisticated, and this spacious tote doesn’t disappoint. This mood-boosting clementine design is entirely made from recycled plastic bottles, and has zero carbon footprint.
Shop Anya Hindmarch I am not a plastic bag small motif tote, £650
Valentino
Looking for an alternative to black but don’t want to go too bold? This blush bag is the perfect spring update on the wear-everywhere handbag that will look just as chic for a city getaway as it does on the 9-5.
Shop Valentino Garavani Rockstud leather tote at My Theresa, £885
Topshop
The practical backpack has never been so chic. You probably have a black style lurking in your wardrobe already, give it a summer-ready update with this eye-catching lime green style in a faux-crocodile print.
Stella McCartney
Looking for a vegan design that’s no less luxurious? Stella McCartney’s non-leather belt bag is super chic. Wear it with a white shirt and jeans all summer long.
By Far
LA footwear label By Far launched bags recently and fashion insiders are obsessed. This mini style is the perfect partner for all of your summer occsaionwear.
Shop By Far mini dark brown mock croc handbag at Selfridges, , £405
Nanushka
Another stunning faux-leather option, this khaki green crocodile-effect tote from Nanushka works with all of this season’s major trends; from utility to beige for daytime to bold statement wrap and midi dresses for evening.
Shop Nanushka khaki mock croc mini handbag at Far Fetch, £285
Images courtesy of Getty & brands.
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