Rich, warm, and undeniably timeless—brown is having a major fashion moment. From supple suede trench coats to glossy patent leather boots, and of course, luxurious brown handbags, this earthy hue has moved far beyond the basics. Whether you’ve been loyal to black or dabbling in bold hues, brown offers a refined alternative with unmatched versatility. While burgundy may have been declared the new black, brown is now vying for the top spot. With the Pantone 2025 Color of the Year Mocha Mousse – a soft, warming brown – set to take center stage, we’re sure to see an influx of brown-tone handbags in the coming months.

Image courtesy: @alyssa.lenore

Ironically, brown was a color I never would have worn in previous years, but that has all changed. Now, I find myself sporting a brown shearling coat with a cozy matching mohair knit, and, of course, carrying my Hermès Picotin in Macassar.

With the season of hot chocolate upon us, I’m leaning toward adding another brown bag to my everyday lineup. After some careful curation, I’ve narrowed down my top chocolate brown bags for 2024 — and I need your help to make the final decision. So, stick around, browse through the contenders, and don’t forget to cast your vote in the poll at the end!

Image courtesy: @freyakillin

Chanel

While Chanel’s Fall-Winter 2024 collection showcased a myriad of Classic Flaps in a rainbow of colors, the earthy brown-hued accessories were impossible to ignore.

Small Box Bag

Boasting serious vintage vibes, the new Box Bag offers a classic design in one petite package. The Small Box Bag is crafted from quilted dark brown lambskin and paired with gold-tone hardware. Measuring 12.5 x 18 x 6.5 cm (4.9 x 7 x 2.5 inches), its compact size allows for versatile wear, with a structured top handle for hand carry and a chain strap for shoulder or crossbody wear.

Adorned with gold-tone hardware and secured by a signature ‘CHANEL’ clasp, this structured design would pair effortlessly with a brown trench coat by day or a knit dress for evening occasions.

Image courtesy: Chanel

Image courtesy: Chanel

Chanel’s Small Box Bag in Dark Brown retails for €6,200 (£5,270/$6,400)

Image courtesy: Vogue Runway

Toteme

Swedish brand Toteme, known for its quiet luxury and minimalist designs, continues to captivate with its accessories, particularly this season’s standout bags.

Belted Bucket Bag

Making its debut on Toteme’s Fall 2024 runway, the Belted Leather Bucket Bag quickly became a must-have for lovers of understated elegance. With a classic bucket silhouette, it features a sleek belt that allows you to cinch the shape or leave it open for added space.

Image courtesy: Toteme

Measuring 30 x 27 x 15.5 cm (11.8 x 10.6 x 6 inches), it’s roomy enough for all your daily essentials. The fixed, non-adjustable strap offers a comfortable 23 cm (9 inches) drop, sitting snugly on the shoulder. Finished with a lobster clasp and four protective feet at the base, the bag delivers both style and practicality.

Image courtesy: Toteme

Image courtesy: Toteme

Offered in the rich brown shade named Bark, teamed with gold-tone hardware – Toteme’s Belted Leather Bucket Bag offers serious IYKYK vibes. The Toteme Belted Bucket Bag retails for €1,050 (£970/$1,340).

The Row

With the hype surrounding The Row’s Margaux slowly fading, quiet luxury enthusiasts are shifting their attention to other understated gems from Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s brand.

Round 90’s Bag

Barrel bags are making a strong comeback this season, taking over from the East-West designs that previously ruled the handbag world. A strong contender is The Row’s Round 90’s Bag, a chic cylindrical bag that reinterprets minimalist style with a nostalgic twist.

This mini bag, measuring 19.8 x 12.7 x 10.1 cm (7.8 x 5 x 4 inches), channels a sleek pencil-case-like silhouette, crafted in smooth sheepskin leather. Though its design is simple, the bag is meant for grab-and-go convenience with its fixed, non-adjustable strap.

Image courtesy: Net-a-Porter

Image courtesy: Net-a-Porter

The Row’s Round 90’s Bag in Chocolate retails for €1,420 (£1,220/$1,300).

Bottega Veneta

Known for its iconic Intrecciato woven leather, Bottega Veneta continues to deliver hot bags this season, but with refreshing twists on its classic designs.

Andiamo

The Andiamo has quickly become a star in Bottega Veneta’s lineup, and this season’s iteration takes a more relaxed approach to the brand’s signature aesthetic. While this iteration forgoes the Intrecciato weave on the body, subtle detailing can be found on the shoulder strap and the internal pocket, adding a signature touch to the slouchy, buttery-soft calf leather design.

The bag maintains the signature knot detail and sliding Intrecciato sliding crossbody strap. Measuring 25 x 32 x 11 cm (9.8 x 12.6 x 4.3 inches), it offers a generous amount of space while remaining stylishly compact.

Offered in Bottega Veneta’s rich Fondant shade, the Andiamo retails for €4,500 (£4,030/$5,500).

Manu Atelier

Founded in 2014 by Beste and Merve Manastır, daughters of a renowned Istanbul leather craftsman, Manu Atelier has carved a niche by blending traditional craftsmanship with modern design.

Le Cambon 35

The latest addition to Manu Atelier’s signature lineup, the Le Cambon 35 combines three major trends for fall – suede, brown, and east-west silhouette. Evolving from Manu Atleri’s popular Tote du Jour, the Le Cambon 35 features dimensions of 35 x 22.5 x 21.5 cm (13.7 x 8.8 x 8.4 inches), making it roomy enough to accommodate a 13-inch MacBook.

Image courtesy: @fakerstrom

Designed with two top handles, the Le Cambon 35 can be worn on the shoulder, in the crook of the arm, or hand-held. While the bag doesn’t feature a zip-top closure, it is secured with a magnetic fastening to keep your belongings secure. Inside, you’ll find a zipped pocket for organizing your essentials.

Image courtesy: @amyfuchsia

Image courtesy: @amyfuchsia

Offered in Deep Brown, the Le Cambon 35 is crafted in sophisticated suede – just be sure to keep it away from rain! The Manu Atelier Le Cambon 35 retails for €675 (£580). Unfortunately, the bag is currently sold out, but you can join the waitlist on their website.

Image courtesy: @emitaz

Now, the ultimate question—which of these chocolate brown bags should I add to my collection? Check out the poll below and let me know your top pick!