A black handbag is a staple, no matter what your budget is. It’s a truth universally acknowledged that every woman needs a go-to black bag in her closet. Why? Well, there’s no color more versatile or easy to pair than that formed from the complete absorption of visible light. Late to a dinner? To coffee with the gals? Grab that black bag and run out the door—it’s essentially foolproof.

The good news is that luxury designers have plenty to offer in the black bag department. Different styles, varying budgets—we’ve taken all of these into account as we’ve explored the depths of the black bag realm. The end result? This guide to black bags in every luxury price range. Take a look, ponder it over, and you may be well on your way to adding another staple to the wishlist (or closet!).

@alyssa.lenore

Around $10,000

The Birkin

What a surprise, you must be thinking right about now. But let’s be honest: we’re looking at bags at and above $10,000. Only two major bags come to mind, one of them the Birkin. Can you think of a black bag more classic than HRH The Birkin?

@classybubbly

The Kelly

Well, perhaps that bag would be the Kelly. The Kelly, of course, is the older of the two. Moreover, black is the Kelly’s original color. The bag Grace Kelly used to shield her baby bump? Black Box Kelly. But if your budget allows it, you can’t go wrong with either the B or K—they’re simply infallible.

@joie_au_coeur

$5,000 +

Chanel 2.55 Reissue – Medium

When we think of classic Chanel, sometimes our minds drift to the Classic Flap. But Karl Lagerfeld didn’t invent that bag until the 1980s. The original flap, designed by Coco herself, was launched in February 1955 (hence 2.55). We can’t think of a black bag that embodies the fashion house more.

@sosopertj

Hermès Bolide 31

We don’t shine enough light on this Hermès beauty. One of the oldest designs from the house—it debuted in 1923—the Bolide literally means comet, inspired by a nickname for sport cars. It’s the first purse to have a zipper, a mechanism that Emile-Maurice Hermès discovered when he traveled to America and saw the zipper used on the cloth tops of cars at the Ford factory. A bag with a historic design, tradition, and modern relevance: the black Bolide’s a winner.

@brandconcierge_

Chanel Boy Bag – Medium

Searching for something a bit edgier than the Chanel 2.55 Flap? Look no further than the Boy. At PurseBop, we’re “Boy crazy,” and we have a soft melty spot in our hearts just for this Chanel design. Some of us are still 12-year-old tomboys at heart, and this bag whimsically celebrates that fact. The black lends it some extra edge.

@thefashionbrief

$3,000 +

Saint Laurent Sac de Jour – Medium

Is the Sac de Jour the Perfect Work Bag? We’ve certainly wondered so in the past. Regardless, the Sac de Jour is the epitome of modern minimalist elegance, with subtle branding and sharp lines. We love how clean the design is; it’s perfectly suited for black.

@aintshechic

Chanel Classic Flap – Mini

We aDoré the Classic Flap in all of its shapes and sizes, but there’s no denying that the mini is the cutest of them all. If you’re a light traveler and only need to take your phone, some lipstick, and a small wallet when you’re on the go, the mini is the perfect bag. In black, it’ll quickly become your favorite crossbody.

@chanelprincess70

Louis Vuitton Lockme Ever

One of the newest bags in the Louis Vuitton family, the Lockme Ever is sure to become a classic. With plenty of room for your necessities and a modern streamlined shape, the bag embraces both on-trend minimalism and logo-parading. Take this black bag to work, or just on a day out—and if you do end up adding it to your collection, let us know! We’re always excited to hear about how brands’ new styles are faring.

@hanneke.lvpc

Dior Lady Dior

Dior’s classic bag, made famous by Lady Diana, deserves a place on this list. We know we’ve been singling out a lot of classics, but there’s a reason for that: classics + black are a match made in heaven. (And we want our black staples in our closets to be timeless, don’t we?)

@ladydiorella

$2,000 +

Saint Laurent College Quilted Leather Shoulder Bag – Medium

The Saint Laurent College doesn’t get as much attention as it deserves. We often discuss the Saint Laurent WOC or Sac de Jour, and while those bags are lovely—and the latter included in this very guide—perhaps we should give more consideration to the College. With ample space, a manageable size, elegant quilting, and “YSL” hardware that can appear either subtle or bold depending on the color you choose, the College is one of the best (and most reasonably priced) black bags on the luxury market.

@elle_and_i

Chanel WOC

Don’t want to splurge on a 2.55, Classic Flap or Boy? Or maybe you’re just looking for something tiny, something that has the potential to double as an evening bag? We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: run, don’t walk, to the nearest Chanel boutique and put your name on the waitlist for the Chanel WOC in black! (There will almost inevitably be a waitlist…)

@r_tiff2326

Dior DiorAddict

Another relatively new style, the DiorAddict is like a Kelly with a twist. Expect the shape of the Kelly, but with boxy hardware emblazoned with “DIOR.” If you’re experiencing serious logomania, go for this bold black bag.

@ladydiorella

Louis Vuitton Pont-Neuf – Mini

What’s not to love about the Louis Vuitton Pont-Neuf? We aDoré the monochrome, the faint outlines of the LV monogram, the swooping zipper and the trapezoidal form. Nicolas Ghesquière does not disappoint with this design—made even better in the darkest hue.

@juliaroseboston

Do you have a go-to black bag? If so, is it on this list? Or are you still on the hunt, waiting for the Perfect Black Bag to catch your eye? Tell us your thoughts on the PBB below, and let us know if this guide has helped you out on your search!

Read related articles:

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Little Black Bag: The Ultimate Versatility Bag
The Comprehensive Guide to Hermès Mini Bags

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