As a fashion accessory, the bag plays an aesthetic, as well as functional, role in a woman’s everyday life. While it is good to build up a collection of bags to complement the many outfits we can create with the pieces in our wardrobe, a bag that can match well with everything is seen as one of the greatest virtues a carrier can have.

In this article, we will highlight the versatile bag colours that offer the best style mileage and will go with any look you pair them with. From evergreen neutral colours to alternative hues that are understated and striking at once, we hope to help you find your next favourite everyday bag that you will want to — and be able — use all the time, regardless of what you are wearing.


Timeless Neutral Colours

Classic neutral colours include shades like black, white, beige and brown. These timeless hues are incredibly versatile, transcending seasons and trends to complement a wide range of styles and looks, all while creating a balanced and sophisticated aesthetic.

Black Bags

Women’s Fawn panelled chain-handle shoulder bag in black – CHARLES & KEITH
Women’s Toni knotted crescent hobo bag in noir – CHARLES & KEITH

Black bags are guaranteed to go with everything. Exuding a classic aesthetic in every shape, size and design, they will rise to any occasion — both formal and casual. Black bags are unlikely to clash with darker colours and can create a visual contrast with lighter shades. They can ground a bright, patterned outfit for balance, or enhance a simple, neutral-toned ensemble with sophistication. If your life involves changing outfits frequently for various work meetings or social events, a black bag is the foolproof option that will complement everything.

White Bag

Women’s mini Errya nylon quilted puffy crossbody bag in white – CHARLES & KEITH
Women’s leather boxy bag in white – CHARLES & KEITH

White bags are just as versatile as their black counterparts, but they bring a completely different aesthetic with their pristine elegance. They will brighten up any ensemble — whether dark or light-coloured — with a chic, refreshing touch. However, they require more upkeep to maintain their spotless appearance. It is recommended to pair white bags with bright, colourful clothing, as darker items may cause colour transfer and damage the bag.

Off-white & Cream Bags

Women’s Fawn panelled chain-handle shoulder bag in cream – CHARLES & KEITH
Women’s Brigette ruched chain-handle shoudler bag in cream - CHARLES & KEITH

Off-white bags are arguably even more versatile. Ranging from cream to eggshell and ivory, their softer appearance creates a more subdued contrast. They offer an elegant, understated alternative to classic white, which some may find too bright. These bags perfectly complement muted tones like pastels and other neutrals, creating a cohesive yet subtle look. However, they may not pair well with solid, crisp white, as this could create a visual clash.

Beige Bags

Women’s Agatha chain-accent shoulder bag in beige – CHARLES & KEITH
Women’s Kora metallic-accent tote bag in beige – CHARLES & KEITH

Beige encompasses shades like fawn, camel and tan. A departure from classic black and white, yet just as elegant and versatile, these soothing colours offer a refreshing neutral option. Beige bags lend themselves well to simple yet sophisticated styles and are perfect for adding variety to a minimalist, monochromatic wardrobe. They will always complement and never compete with the other colours in your wardrobe.

Grey & Taupe Bags

Women’s Leia knotted bucket bag in grey – CHARLES & KEITH
Women’s Hertha trapeze slouchy hobo bag in grey – CHARLES & KEITH

A perfect blend of black and white, grey is the definition of neutrality and balance. A grey bag will inject a cool, sophisticated element into any look. While grey’s popularity may ebb and flow with the seasons, it has staying power and will stand the test of time. If you are looking for something polished but not too predictable, grey bags are a great starting point.

Taupe belongs to the same family as grey but has a more brown undertone. This makes it the perfect complement to earth-toned colors like olive and tan, so if these shades are in your wardrobe, it is worth investing in one. However, if your wardrobe consists of bright colours and soothing pastels, taupe bags may not be the best neutral to complement those tones.

Brown Bags

Women’s Neva two-way bucket bag in dark brown – CHARLES & KEITH
Women’s Lyla tubular slouchy tote bag in chocolate – CHARLES & KEITH

Brown includes warm and earthy hues — think deep chocolate, warm caramel and more — that have an enduring appeal. Brown bags make for classic and versatile accessories that will complement any look with a touch of subtle elegance. Like black bags, they are low maintenance, easily hiding dirt and small imperfections.

Similar to taupe, brown pairs well with other earth tones, as well as rich jewel tones like ruby, sapphire and emerald. However, if you wear a lot of black, a brown bag does not add much to the overall style. It does not create contrast and may weigh your outfit down rather than achieving a chic monochromatic look, as brown and black aren’t from the same colour family.


Alternative Colours that are still versatile

While classic colours will always be relevant, some days do call for a subtle pop of colour to liven up our look and mood. As versatile as any neutral-tone bag, some coloured bags will slot easily into any wardrobe and quickly become a treasured go-to accessory.

Burgundy Bags

Women’s Rachel elongated multi-pocket shoulder bag in burgundy – CHARLES & KEITH 
Women’s Sianna crinkle-effect slouchy tote bag in burgundy – CHARLES & KEITH

In a deep, reddish-brown hue, burgundy bags add depth, elegance and a touch of luxe to any look. Commonly associated with fall, burgundy pairs especially well with a dark fall-winter wardrobe that is dominated by shades of black, grey, brown and beige. You can always count on a burgundy bag to inject a pop of colour into a monochromatic outfit.

Burgundy also pairs well with other eye-catching shades, including pink, light blue and denim blue. Currently enjoying a resurgence in popularity, a burgundy bag is now seen as a new neutral that is well suited for all seasons. Burgundy bags are also much easier to style than carriers in bolder reds — with its muted and more understated tone, it's the perfect shade to introduce into your wardrobe if you want to start brightening it up.

Dark Green & Olive Green Bags

A rich and luxurious hue, olive green is naturally pleasing to the eye. Its refreshing quality is what makes an olive-green bag stand out. Olive-green bags match well with a broad spectrum of colours — they work especially well with classic fall colours, such as brown and orange. On the other hand, olive green is also a great companion for brighter spring hues like yellow and purple. You can always count on an olive-green bag to create a well-balanced and cohesive look.

In the same colour family as olive green, dark green is another versatile option that are incredibly easy to style. The lush forest hue look fabulous with all-black outfits. Dark-green bags will also create a striking contrast with softer and brighter outfits.

Metallic Bags

Women’s Apfra metallic quilted chain-handle bag in silver – CHARLES & KEITH
Women’s Rene metallic elongated top handle bag in silver – CHARLES & KEITH

More commonly associated as a party or special-occasion accessory, metallic bags may seem like a daunting choice to incorporate into your wardrobe. Whether in gold, silver or pewter, they bring an undeniable glamour and shine to any look. Yet, they can function as a match-all accessory too. They would complement both bold and neutral outfits, and look at home in both casual and formal settings. When paired with a classic tee-and-denim ensemble, a metallic bag instantly elevates your look as a statement piece. Regardless of what you are wearing, a metallic bag will always stand out as the focal point of your look.

A metallic bag may not look like the best option for everyday use, but it can work surprisingly well as a go-to carrier. For instance, metallic bag is perfect for adding a bold statement to a polished work outfit — it can help you look and feel confident. Find out which metallic colour best suits your skin tone before investing in a metallic bag. Gold is classy and glamorous, silver is contemporary and modern while pewter is the perfect in-between.


Black bags are not the only carriers that are versatile enough for everyday use. Other neutral colours, such as white, grey and brown, will serve you equally well as they too can match well with everything. If you are looking for something more eye-catching than a neutral-tone bag, rich jewel tones like burgundy and dark green, offer visual interest alongside style mileage. Lastly, consider high-shine metallic colours as statement-making neutral tones. Metallic bags are not only on-trend right now — they actually have what it takes to stand the test of time.

We hope that this article has been useful to you and will help you find your next match-everything bag!

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