Bored of Basic Bags? Here Are 8 Handbag Colour Trends More Exciting Than Black, Brand New for 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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6. LUXE MERLOT

Style Notes: As long term advocates of burgundy, we're not surprised to see it make the list for 2025, in fact, it should be one of the top colour trends every year. Rich merlot is as classy as it's name suggests, and now it has the backing of Chloé's Chemena Kamali and Hermés' Nadège Vanhee-Cybulski, you can guarantee that other luxury fashion houses will be following suit. Wondering what colours to wear with burgundy? We've taken the liberty of pulling together a handy edit for you.

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7. Fresh White

Style Notes: Call it minimalist, call it understated, but just don't call it boring. White and ecru bags might not be reinventing the wheel, but after a season of jewel and earth tones, this breath of fresh air comes at just the right time. Consider this your palette cleanser after all of the quiet luxury, mob wife, Y2K and fisherman aesthetics—sometimes a back to basics approach is the best for a new (or recycled) trend, and there's no denying the luxe appeal of these ladylike styles.

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8. SKY BLUE

Style Notes: Pastels for spring may not be groundbreaking, but pale blue in particular is asserting itself as the bag colour to know right now. Having appeared in countless collections during the S/S 24 runway shows (most notably Stella McCartney and Fendi) the shift now moves to baby blue bags as the natural evolution. According to fashion search engine Tagwalk, light blue was up 19% from spring/summer last year, a sure sign of it's continued growth and growth.

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