Why a Tan Handbag Can be Your Only Handbag - Bridgette Raes Style Expert (2024)

Despite the fact that I use a lot of different handbags when I create outfits for this blog, I know that most women have their staple everyday bag and, maybe, change it out every now and then, or once their go-to bag wears out. It can be challenging enough to put a halfway decent outfit together, forget taking the time to change out handbags to go with each and every thing you wear. So how does someone keep it stylish, yet functional? Is it possible to have the handbag you use daily be an enhancement to every outfit you wear? It is. And in today’s Accessorized 5 Ways I am going to show you the easiest way to do it.

Before you run out and purchase a black bag thinking it will be the most versatile handbag you can use I am going to suggest you purchase a tan handbag instead. Unlike the black bag, that you think will go with everything, a tan handbag will go with more.

Tan matches everything, black doesn’t

Everyone believes that black accessories, like shoes and handbags, work with everything. But what happens when you wear brown or navy? Often, wearing these colors requires a bag change. However, if your everyday bag was tan this wouldn’t have to be something you’d need to worry about. To get the most out of the handbag you use everyday, you want to choose a color that will fit right in with whatever you are wearing, from different shades of neutrals, like black, grey, navy, olive and brown, to any color of the rainbow.

What shade of tan is right?

There are about a gazillion shades of tan on the planet, from light buff to deep cognac. How does one decide which shade is right to use. There is no right answer to this, but going lighter in the warmer months and richer in the cooler ones is probably your best bet. Also, look at your wardrobe on a whole. If your wardrobe is more yellow-based, meaning colors like autumnal shades, a warmer or more yellow based tan bag is better. If your wardrobe is filled with bright jewel tones and blue-based colors, more of a taupe tan will probably work better.

How to make a tan handbag your only handbag

Using this tan handbag from Nine West, below you will find five outfits of all different colors that look great with a tan handbag to show how easy it is to pair this color with whatever you are wearing, even black. What you will also notice is that this bag not only works well with every color but the shade adds a level of sophistication to outfits that a black handbag can’t. This is certainly not to say that you never need to buy a black handbag again, but, in terms of mileage, a tan handbag can be the one bag you can use the most often.

Outfit #1- A tan handbag with black

Why a Tan Handbag Can be Your Only Handbag - Bridgette Raes Style Expert (1)

The reason I suggest a mid-brown or tan handbag over a brown handbag is because most women trade off between different base neutral shades in their outfits. While a brown handbag can be rich in appearance, like a black handbag when you wear brown, a brown handbag doesn’t always work well when you wear black. However, a tan handbag can go with both black and brown.

In this outfit, richness is added to this all black outfit using the tan handbag. You don’t lose the sleek sophistication of the Reiss cardigan and black Elie Tahari pants over the simple white tank when this bag is added, in fact the outfit just gets richer and more interesting in appearance. While black shoes could be used in this look and be just fine, I, instead, added a pair of burgundy suede flats to show how pretty burgundy and tan look together. Lastly, a Stella & Dot necklace was added as a finishing piece.

Outfit #2- With prints and navy

Why a Tan Handbag Can be Your Only Handbag - Bridgette Raes Style Expert (2)

Pick a print, any print, and it is likely that a tan handbag will work. This can take a lot of aggravation out of getting dressed. I also love the way tan works with navy, which is why I wanted to use this Boden dress. Here the bag adds a touch of elegance to this simple outfit that is finished with navy heels, a gold bangle and green earrings. Of course, a navy bag would work just fine with this outfit but, in an effort to simplify, the tan bag enables you to not have to change your handbag the next day if you are not wearing navy.

Outfit #3- With shades of brown

Why a Tan Handbag Can be Your Only Handbag - Bridgette Raes Style Expert (3)

Whatever shade of brown you are wearing a tan bag will be an obvious winner. The beauty of a tan handbag is it can be used in a dressy way or in a casual manner. While the bag elevated the previous two looks, here it adds some rugged sophistication to the outfit of a tunic top, J. Crew jeans, gold heeled oxfords and hoop earrings.

Outfit #4- With red and shades of grey

Why a Tan Handbag Can be Your Only Handbag - Bridgette Raes Style Expert (4)

Red and tan is a gorgeous color combination, as is grey and tan. Often, when wearing grey, it is common to accessorize it with black. But shades like brown and tan look equally good, if not better. Additionally, if you are looking to do more with red, besides wear it with black, try tan. It’s so rich.

In this outfit, a pair of grey corduroys, ivory tunic sweater from Modcloth and rusty red French Connection coat gets a soft punch of class with a tan handbag. The outfit is kept warm with a pair of cognac booties and teal earrings are added for a pop.

Outfit #5- With coral…and just about any color

Why a Tan Handbag Can be Your Only Handbag - Bridgette Raes Style Expert (5)

For the sake of example, I styled this handbag with this coral dress, however, any solid color can be worn with tan, from green to purple, orange to yellow, tan works. Whenever you can use a black handbag a tan handbag will most likely work just as well.

Tan is also seasonless. This outfit is much more summery than the look before, yet it still works. This outfit is complete with a pair of seafoam wedge sandals and mixed-media necklace from Banana Republic.

Why a Tan Handbag Can be Your Only Handbag - Bridgette Raes Style Expert (2024)

FAQs

Does a tan handbag go with everything? ›

Tan bags are one of the most classic types of handbags. A tan bag goes with almost every outfit and they look great in both spring/summer and fall/winter. A tan bag is the ultimate neutral. Wear this type of handbag with most clothing and most shoes!

Is tan a good bag Colour? ›

Both tan and black leather are good choices for a timeless leather tote bag. It's only a matter of taste and preference on which one to get.

Can you wear a tan purse with black? ›

While a brown handbag can be rich in appearance, like a black handbag when you wear brown, a brown handbag doesn't always work well when you wear black. However, a tan handbag can go with both black and brown.

What season is a tan purse? ›

So, try selecting a color like tan or grey that is somewhere between a winter and summer color. Brightly colored purses make great summer purses.

What color handbag should every woman have? ›

Black is the all-time favorite classic choice of color that will go with anything. You can choose a black bag style that can be used for causal or business attire. This is one bag you must have in your wardrobe.

What best color for a bag goes with everything? ›

If you need a bag for every occasion, you can't go wrong with choosing a black handbag. One of the most attractive characteristics of a black leather handbag is how the colour is complementary to any colour of clothing.

What is the best neutral color for a handbag? ›

If your wardrobe is mostly cool, stick with cool neutrals like black, gray, white, silver. For warmer colors, a neutral like brown, camel, ivory, bronze or gold will coordinate well. 👉You prefer an all-neutral palette.

What colour is tan leather? ›

Tan is a pale tone of brown. The name is derived from tannum (oak bark) used in the tanning of leather.

Can you carry a tan purse in the winter? ›

A well-made leather beige purse can be worn all year round if you style them correctly. One way to do so is to pair your leather beige purse with navy, brown, green, or red-colored clothing. Because it is a neutral-colored bag, a beige purse should be able to complement well with your winter wardrobe without hassle.

Is tan handbag versatile? ›

The Versatile Tan Bag

They work with almost everything in my wardrobe, and add a dose of classic chic. I've come to consider them a wardrobe essential.

Does your purse always have to match your outfit? ›

When answering the question of 'does your handbag have to match your outfit', it's a straightforward and easy answer - there are no rules! The most iconic outfits are those that are worn with confidence, and so it's all about wearing the looks that you love.

Are red handbags in style 2023? ›

Red. This isn't just a bag trend. It's an everything trend. Red was all over the runways, making it one of the best fall 2023 fashion trends, and I predict it's going to be everywhere, come fall.

What time of year is best to buy purses? ›

End-of-season usually means May-July for summer stock or November-January for winter stock, which provides you half a year to buy your bag, and you are only required to wait a few months.

How old is the oldest handbag? ›

The oldest known purse dates back more than 5000 years, and was a pouch worn by a man, Ötzi the Iceman.

What is the average number of handbags a woman owns? ›

According to Mintel Research the average woman owns 9 handbags. However, I'm a firm believer in investing in high quality handbags that will last a lifetime.

What should always be in a woman's purse? ›

These three items are crucial for modern-day life: phone, wallet, and keys. Your wallet should fit snugly into your purse so you can grab it when needed. It should contain your ID or driver's license, credit cards, and cash.

What bags are always in style? ›

Top-handle bags with structured, hard cases as well as more fluid shape are the most fashionable bags of spring summer 2023. What bags never go out of style? Classic Chanel 2.55 bags, Hermès Birkin bag, and Hermès Kelly bag, are some of the classic bags that never go out of style.

What is a color that goes with everything? ›

A neutral is a color without much intensity or saturation—a color that's lacking in color, if you will, which generally goes with everything. Examples of neutral colors include: Tan. Beige.

What colors can you wear with everything? ›

The Basics: Black, Beige, and Grey

Since they are all neutrals, you can wear these colors to offset a more vibrant outfit. Of course, with these neutrals, you can either mix and match or keep them in a similar tonal family.

Do bag and shoes have to match? ›

No, there is no rule that would say that shoes and a purse have to match for a wedding. Nor any other formal event. However, people believe that wearing matching shoes and the bag makes women look more sophisticated.

What color purses for fall and winter? ›

Timeless and beautiful quilted leather has a refined and elegant look along with the soft, warm appeal that's perfect for the winter months. Black is always a staple for fall and winter, though you can find classic quilted styles in a variety of other colors as well.

How do you match handbags with outfits? ›

Strive to be matching, not clashing. Your clothes should ideally be of a different material as your bag. Prints and patterns should also be mixed up, especially if you are looking to make a statement. Just be sure to strike a balance without going over the top.

Are big bags coming back 2023? ›

Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta, and Chloe were just some of the few fashion houses that sent reimagined jumbo silhouettes down the runways during Spring/Summer 2023, and now It-Girls around the globe are catching on to the trend.

What colors attract money? ›

Attracting Money: Decorate in Red, Purple or Green

Think of walking the red carpet or wearing a red power tie," explains Laura. Purple and green are also key colors for attracting prosperity but there's a hitch. "If you really can't stand the color green, it won't work for you.

What is the color for wealth and prosperity? ›

The colour gold represents financial riches in Feng Shui.

What is tan leather called? ›

Vegetable tanned leather refers to the tannage, or method of tanning the cowhide into leather. It's called “vegetable” because of the natural tannins used in the tanning process like tree bark.

What colour goes with tan? ›

Six Outstanding Colors to Enhance Your Tan
  • Coral. You'll probably end up falling in love with this color! ...
  • Orange and Gold. Doesn't orange make you think of a sunrise or sunset? ...
  • Purple. The lighter tones of purple are fantastic for highlighting hazel and green eyes in addition to your tan. ...
  • White. ...
  • Blue. ...
  • Pink.
Jun 15, 2020

Is tan leather Real leather? ›

Vegetable-tanned leather is a type of leather that is dyed using only natural dyes and is not treated with potentially harmful chemicals. This type of leather is known for its distinct look. Vegetable tanning is a method of tanning animal skins and hides that has been used for thousands of years.

What should you not carry in your purse? ›

Seven Things You Should Not Keep in Your Purse or Wallet
  • Your Social Security Card. At the top of the list is your social security card. ...
  • Your Birth Certificate. People don't often make a habit of carrying this document with them. ...
  • Your Passport. ...
  • Your Checkbook. ...
  • Spare Credit Cards. ...
  • A List of Passwords. ...
  • Spare Keys.
Jul 14, 2020

Should you hang handbags? ›

Refrain from hanging your bags — this will distort the shape of the handles. If you have it, store your bag in its original box. Otherwise, line your bags up on a shelf in your closet. If the shelf is not tall enough, do not allow the handles of the bag to be pressed down — in this event, the bag should lie flat.

Is it OK to store purses in plastic bags? ›

It is not recommended to store purses in plastic containers. Leather and other commonly used purse materials need to breathe. If a handbag cannot breathe, there is a chance of mold and mildew growth, as well as premature decomposition. Keep your bags safe by putting them in breathable dust bags.

What to look for when buying handbags? ›

11 Key Considerations When Buying a Bag
  • Durability. Everyone wants a bag that has a long life span. ...
  • Quality. Quality is king when it comes to shopping. ...
  • Size. Bags vary in size. ...
  • Weight. You do not want to buy a bag which will be too heavy to carry. ...
  • Purpose friendly. ...
  • Design. ...
  • Presence of a zip. ...
  • Presence of pockets.
May 7, 2019

What is a high end handbag? ›

They are made by highly appreciated and valued craftsmen as opposed to usual handbags that are made in factories in unfavourable conditions. If your concern is being ethical and intentional when it comes to your bag purchases, luxury bags and handbags should be your go-to. The design is unique and original.

Can you carry a brown bag with a black outfit? ›

A brown leather bag is something that you can pair up with any outfit. You can leverage your versatile brown leather bag to keep up the great outfits game. A brown leather bag can never go wrong with a professional outfit.

Which purse goes with everything? ›

White: It's a stylish, classic color that goes with anything and everything. If you're looking to invest in a handbag that will never go out of style and can take you from day to night, white is the color for you. White handbags for women remain timeless.

Are you supposed to put money in a new purse? ›

When giving a gift of a wallet, purse, piggy bank or anything that is meant to hold money, you should put money in it so the person will have good luck. By putting money in a wallet or purse that is being given as a gift, you ensure that the wallet or purse will never be empty of money.

Can stores look in your purse? ›

Yes, as long as the procedure is voluntary. The bag inspection should occur past the last point of payment solely for the purpose of verifying the sales transaction that just occurred. The door bag checker is looking to see that the cashier correctly charged for all items in the shopping bag or cart.

What is the most popular handbag for 2023? ›

Baguette-Shaped

If there's one spring 2023 handbag trend that will surely never go out of style, it's the baguette bag. With its signature snug under-the-shoulder carry and flap closure, you can't go wrong with the shape made iconic by Fendi.

What is the hot trend color for 2023 fashion? ›

Digital Lavender, Luscious Red, Sundial, Tranquil Blue and Verdigris are the color names for 2023. Who chooses the names of the new colors? Names are selected by the WGSN and Coloro color team, before being verified by our in-house Equality Vision Team to ensure a proper translation on a global scale.

What is out of style for 2023? ›

Are high waisted pants out of style 2023? High waist pants are out of fashion for spring 2023 – especially the carrot pants, paper bag pants and palazzo pants. And high waisted pants will be out of style for fall winter 2023/24, too. In fact, the high waist pants were not seen on the fall winter 2023/24 runways.

What age group buys the most bags? ›

Globally, younger women (23% of 18-24-year-olds) are more interested in purchasing luxury bags or wallets than older women (9% of 55+) and men of all age groups combined (12%). But in countries like US and Britain it's the 25-34-year-old women who are most likely to spend on expensive bags (13% both).

What is considered vintage in purses? ›

Whilst the term has no strict definition, a designer bag is mostly considered to be 'vintage' when it is over 20 years old. Designer provenance is important here, and it can vary depending on the brand and style.

What is the rarest bag ever? ›

The ravishing Hermès Himalaya Birkin bag is considered the Holy Grail in a handbag collection, while the Himalaya Kelly bag is fabled as 'The Rarest Handbag in the World'.

What is the rarest handbag in the world? ›

This style has become known as 'The Rarest Handbag in the World', making it no surprise that this example, set with 229 diamonds totalling 9.2 carats, achieved the world record for a handbag at auction. The world record for a non-diamond handbag sold at auction is also a Himalaya Kelly sold at Christie's.

What is the oldest bags brand? ›

Realising that women would want to keep their precious belongings at hand during their travels, Delvaux filed its first patents for handbags in 1908. La Maison Delvaux was granted the title of 'Purveyor to the Court' in 1883.

Does your bag have to match your outfit? ›

When answering the question of 'does your handbag have to match your outfit', it's a straightforward and easy answer - there are no rules! The most iconic outfits are those that are worn with confidence, and so it's all about wearing the looks that you love.

What do you wear with a beige bag? ›

What good advice to match perfectly a beige bag? The first tip is to wear clothes in light shades, starting with the colors sand, champagne, cream, powder or ivory. Combining a beige bag with light tones, helps to give the female body that silhouette and style that are crucial to appear always perfectly elegant.

Can I wear tan purse in winter? ›

A well-made leather beige purse can be worn all year round if you style them correctly. One way to do so is to pair your leather beige purse with navy, brown, green, or red-colored clothing. Because it is a neutral-colored bag, a beige purse should be able to complement well with your winter wardrobe without hassle.

What color should bags be in Feng Shui? ›

Red for good luck and protection; black for career money enhancement; gold and red together for fortunate blessings; purple and silver together for luxury wealth; or green for growing your money and new money.

Does Crossbody count as carry-on? ›

Backpacks, totes, and crossbody bags are typically considered personal items too. The key to remember is it must be able to fit underneath the seat in front of you. A carry-on is a type of hand luggage that you bring into the plane cabin with you and is larger than a personal item.

What is bag etiquette? ›

Handbag etiquette requires that bags be kept close to the body, especially large totes, as to not break into someone's bubble. Infringing upon another's personal space makes them uneasy and is in direct opposition to the purpose of common courtesy (to make others feel comfortable.)

What is the best color to wear with beige? ›

Several colors go with beige, including rust, pink, red, grey, black, or yellow. A wonderful neutral that is neither too stark as white nor too plain as cream, the hue with a brown undertone has an inherent warm quality to it.

Can you wear different shades of beige? ›

Mix Various Shades of Beige Within Your Oufit

Add interest to your look by opting for a head-to-toe tonal look and mix varying shades of beige within your outfit. Taupe trousers, a camel sweater, and off-white accessories make for one unquestionably chic look.

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