Like any devoted fashion lovers, we love a little bit of flash. Logos, sequins, studs, embroidery, embellishment of all kinds: incorporating those things here and there is one of the things that makes getting dressed so fun. It’s not always appropriate, though, and besides, it’s not what we want in every situation. That’s also true of bags; sometimes you just want something neutral and quiet, that does its duty while looking great but not calling too much attention to itself.
We don’t celebrate those bags quite as often as we do the dazzling seasonal offerings from the biggest designers, but they’re the workhorses of any wardrobe, especially in basic black. In that spirit, we’ve assembled 20 not-so-basic black bags that will serve you well in the times of life when studs or sequins just won’t cut it.
Alexander Wang Attica Tote
$750 via Nordstrom
Balenciaga Laundry Tote
$2,250 via Net-a-Porter
Building Block Box Bag
$460 via Net-a-Porter
Coach Courier Bag
$495 via Coach
Creatures of Comfort Pint Bag
$595 via Nordstrom
Furla Like Satchel
$478 via Nordstrom
Kara Leather Backpack
$525 via Net-a-Porter
Loeffler Randall Dome Satchel
$450 via Net-a-Porter
Loeffler Randall Lock Bag
$395 via Net-a-Porter
Madewell Chain Crossbody Bag
$88 via Nordstrom
Mansur Gavriel Envelope Bag
$795 via Net-a-Porter
Marni Tuk Bag
$2,420 via Net-a-Porter
Mulberry Amberley Shoulder Bag
$1,150 via Nordstrom
Rag and Bone Small Field Bag
$495 via Nordstrom
Roger Vivier Miss Viv Top Handle bag
$2,950 via Net-a-Porter
Saint Laurent Bellechasse Bag
$1,790 via Net-a-Porter
Sara Battaglia Lucy Bag
$865 via Net-a-Porter
Senreve Mini Maestra Bag
$695 via Nordstrom
Skagen Mikkeline Satchel
$295 via Nordstrom
Theory Perry Saddle Bag
$295 via Net-a-Porter
