The “Boring” Handbag That You’ll Never Regret Buying

Ever since I can remember, I’ve been a bag lady—family members can recount how I’d often carry my tiny little mini bag around as a toddler. It was an early indication of a lifelong passion for scouring resale sites, sales, and digital racks in search of the perfect purse. Of course, like all bag fanatics, I’ll admit to maybe owning too many; but I won’t ever succumb to the belief that this accessory is trivial. For collectors, we know that a bag can make or break an outfit. So even if we all delight in following new trends or donning a rhinestone-adorned version, we know at the end of the day, we must have at least one basic bag that can go with everything. What that staple handbag looks like depends on our personal preferences, but it’s safe to say there is one color that’s agreed upon as a must-have: black. After all, this is the fashion color—it’s a must-have for every other accessory, so why wouldn’t it be for bags too? It’s a piece that can pull together any look and be worn anytime or anywhere. But to say that all black bags are created equal would be a lie. As a picky shopper, I know there can be bland black bags, and there can be stylish ones, you just have to do some digging. In that vein, I’ve scoured the internet to find the 42 best black handbags at every price point. From special hardware and materials to shapes and sizes, the details of each bag prove that this staple is far from boring.

Pair this with a tweed jacket, and you’ll be the epitome of polished.

I own the marron version of this bag and wear it all the time, so you better believe the black version is on my wishlist.

The buckle detail is everything.

Ok, chic.

Isn’t the chain strap on this shoulder bag so cute?

Everyone that’s in the know is vying to get their hands on this bag.

A little black baguette is never a bad idea.

Why settle for just a black bag, when you can have the best of both worlds?

The interwoven vegan leather paired with the chain strap makes this bag look so luxe.

I’m a sucker for a two-tone bag, especially if it’s on sale.

You can’t beat this price.

Oh, they didn’t come to play with this unique bag shape.

This bag is made for you if you’re a devout fan of ’90s minimalism.

Thanks to this cute baguette, supporting a small Latinx brand has never been easier.

Every cool girl in Brooklyn knows about Edas’s bags.

Hardware can always make any piece ten times cooler—case in point: the bag above.

Nothing about this bag is bland—from the shape to the whipstitching to the handle.

Now, here’s the perfect everyday shoulder bag.

Yes, she unzips fully, in case you’re wondering.

Commuter totes can be chic.

While Brandon Blackwood has only been around for seven years, this brand has managed to become a fan favorite among the fashion set.

Such a chic handbag shape.

I own this bag in white, and I have to say it’s well worth buying in black. It has four different sections within the bag, making it super spacious; plus, it can be worn as a shoulder bag or clutch.

I could gawk over the gold hardware on this Tory Burch bag all day.

Want to support a rising brand? Buying one of Mlouye’s architectural bags is the move for you.

Yuzefi’s uniquely shaped bags are well worth the investment.

So elegant.

Dreamy.

A black clutch bag is a must-have for any wardrobe, but this bag’s enlarged frame and puffy leather silhouette make this staple all the more special.

The turn-lock closure is what sold me.

Gucci’s Blondie bag is one of the biggest it-bags of the year.

I could cry over how gorgeous this bag is.

What makes a black bag truly worth investing in all comes down to versatility. Case in point: this Loewe bag which can be worn as a shoulder, clutch, or bracelet bag.