6 Major Handbag Colour Trends We're Buying This Autumn and Wearing Forever

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

£398

Such an easy, throw-on-and-go bag.

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Large Braided Tote

£225

A chic woven leather bag without the Bottega Veneta price tag.

DeMellier

The Large Tokyo

£425

This mocha suede is deliciously good.

SAINT LAURENT

Voltaire Embellished Leather Shoulder Bag

£2350

A timeless investment piece.

THE ROW

Half Moon Textured-Leather Shoulder Bag

£1290

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

£189

This would be such a great work bag.

Loewe

Small Puzzle Bag in Mellow Calfskin

£3300

The latest Puzzle bag release is at the top of my wish list.

MANGO

Shopper Bag With Buckle

£50

Shopper totes are a trending silhouette.

H&M

Small Shoulder Bag

£19

I love the Nineties vibe of this mini bag.

KHAITE

Olivia Medium Suede Tote

£1890

This oozes quiet luxury.

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

£110

The crossbody that so many influencers love.

MANGO

Pebbled Effect Shopper Bag

£30

A cream tote doesn't have to break the bank.

DeMellier

The Tokyo Tote

£445

A more elevated take on the cream tote bag.

BOTTEGA VENETA

Parachute Small Intrecciato Leather Shoulder Bag

£3140

I'm obsessed with this braided style.

SAINT LAURENT

Manhattan Small Leather Shoulder Bag

£2245

So sophisticated.

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

£1400

This is one of my favourite Loewe styles.

BOTTEGA VENETA

Sardine Small Intrecciato Leather Tote

£3320

The green and gold work so well together.

Arket

Suede Tote Bag

£249

This khaki suede is so beautiful.

Reformation

Medium Vittoria Tote Bag

£498

Throw on with jeans and a jumper and you've got an effortlessly cool look.

KHAITE

Olivia Small Suede Tote

£1730

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:

H&M

Strap-Detail Shopper

£45

I can't believe this is a high street piece.

Reformation

Medium Rosetta Shoulder Bag

£398

Half-moon shapes are definitely trending at the moment.

DeMellier

The Midi Paris

£485

How elegant is this bag?

THE ROW

Everyday Small Textured-Leather Tote

£2460

I'm in love with the shape of this bag.

TOTEME

T-Lock Leather Shoulder Bag

£1100

A minimalist's must-have.

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

£50

I love the playful styles from Damson Madder.

H&M

Patterned Crossbody Bag

£33

It's giving Naomi Campbell in the Nineties vibes.

STAUD

Tommy Beaded-Zebra Pattern Shoulder Bag

£248

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

£275

I need this bag.

KHAITE

Simona Snake-Effect Leather Shoulder Bag

£1660

Such a cool shape.