Ever since I can remember, I've been a bag lady. Family members can recount how I'd often carry my 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 lovers, 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.
Under $350
Pair this with a tweed jacket and you'll be the epitome of polished.
I own the maroon version of this bag and wear it all the time, so you better believe the black version is on my wish list.
The buckle detail is everything.
Okay, chic.
Isn't the chain strap on this shoulder bag so cute?
Everyone who'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.
Under $650
Every cool person in Brooklyn knows about Edas's bags.
Hardware can always make any piece 10 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, it 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.
Worth Investing In
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. For example, this Loewe bag can be worn as a shoulder, clutch, or bracelet bag.
Caution: The sharp angles on this bag may pierce your heart and cause you to fall in love.
I can't walk a city block in New York without spotting this bag.
You could own this for 20+ years, and it will still be stylish.
This bag is basically art.
While this bag isn't technically all black, the snake-embossed effect makes it too good to pass up.
Leave it to Khaite to make the coolest oversize tote bag of the season.
I've been eyeing this Givenchy bag for a while now and think it will make the perfect holiday gift to myself.
Made from excess leather scraps, this is one of the most sustainable and special bags you can buy right now.
Italian vintage briefcases inspire the hardware on this bag.
Next: 4 Handbag Trends That Will Be Everywhere This Fall
This post was previously published and has since been updated.
-
I'm 29, and My Mom's 62—If We Both Walked Into H&M Right Now, Here's What We'd Walk *Out* WithExpensive-looking finds for fall lie ahead.
-
Jeans, Flats, Jackets, and Sweaters—The Best of the Best In Each Category For FallMeet your new hero pieces.
-
Count on It—These 43 Fall Finds Will Be Sold Out by September 1I'm rarely wrong about these things.
-
I Know Summer's Not Over, But I Can't Get These 45 Affordable Suede Finds Off of My MindThese look so luxe.
-
I'm Getting a Jumpstart on Fall Shopping—33 Affordable Key Pieces You'd Find In a Wealthy Person's ClosetIt girl-approved.
-
We're Over Halfway Through 2025, and 90% of what I've Bought So Far Is From These 11 BrandsWe all have our favorites.
-
I Accidentally Started a Capsule Wardrobe When I Added These COS, Madewell, and J.Crew Items Into My ClosetAnd I got rid of all the pieces that couldn't compete.
-
Trust Me—Buy These 25 ThingsSorry not sorry.
