A good black purse is a staple. They can easily be dressed up or down and seamlessly transition from the office to a night out. Additionally, black is a neutral hue that can work with pretty much any color of clothing. So, if you’re ready to add to your accessories collection, these are the best black purses that we recommend.
Buying Guide for the Best Black Purses
Why buy a black purse?
Black is a neutral color that tends to go with anything. If you’re shopping for an everyday purse that will get used regularly, black is a go-to option that will hide dirt or wear more easily than lighter colors. Additionally, a black purse can work in both professional, casual, or formal settings.
What should you look for in a black purse?
- Shape: Purses come in various styles, all catered to different needs. For formal affairs, you’re usually focused on a smaller clutch that’s either made in a classic fabric finish or with embellishments like beading, crystals, or even pearls. In contrast, daytime bags can range from larger tote-style carry-alls to crossbody bags.
- Size: Again, when picking a bag, think about where you plan to take it and what settings make the most sense. Many purses can also double as stylish laptop bags. If this is a goal, you’ll want a slightly larger bag so that it can easily accommodate your laptop or tablet dimensions.
- Internal Storage: Unless you’re focused on a tiny clutch, you’ll want to pay attention to how much interior space is available in your bag. You might want a bag where you can store a spare pair of shoes if you commute to work, or maybe you want extra interior compartments to keep your belongings organized. Don’t forget to consider if you want external pockets, as they can make it easier to grab quick essentials like your smartphone or wallet.
- Design: A black bag can be anything but basic, depending on the design. If you prefer something more simple, there are plenty of minimalist bags available made from both fabric, leather, or a combination of the two. Similarly, there are more stylized bags with embellishments ranging from everything like contrasting stitching and metal accents to beading or bold prints.
Why are black purses so popular?
Having a black purse is a lot like having an LBD (little black dress) or a pair of black heels. They’re simple go-to options that reliably complement almost any outfit! Black tends to go with almost everything, making it a safe choice even for people who don’t consider themselves fashionistas.
Our Picks for the Best Black Purses
Pros: If you want to get more bang for your buck with your accessories, look for options that offer transitional support. The Milisente evening bag is just such an option. This black bag is a suede crossover with a silver chain that can easily be used for daytime but also is equally at home in a nighttime setting like a bar or lounge. The chain is removable if you want to use it as a clutch.
Cons: If you’re a stickler for description accuracy, you’ll probably be annoyed that this isn’t suede but rather microsuede. To the uninitiated, this might seem like a minor issue. But suede is a natural derivative of leather, while microsuede is a faux fabric version with varying hand feel depending on the quality of the fabric used.
Bottom Line: Fashionistas looking for a low-key yet transitional black clutch that can also be worn as a crossbody will like this simple envelope style bag. However, questions around the quality of the microsuede may not make this a long-term investment accessory piece.
Pros: Not everyone likes a highly stylized bag, especially if it’s going to be an everyday option. The FashionPuzzle small crossbody is a great basic addition to a wardrobe. It features an adjustable faux leather strap, allowing you to wear it as either a shoulder or crossbody bag. There’s plenty of space for your essentials with a roomy interior compartment and two exterior zippered pockets.
Cons: While this is great for everyday use, some people may find the basic design and finishes too simple for their tastes. Additionally, this is a smaller crossbody measuring 8.5 inches long, 5.5 inches tall, and 2.75 inches deep, making it impractical for some people to use regularly.
Bottom Line: People who prefer more minimalist designs will appreciate this crossbody purse’s simple faux leather design. However, the small dimensions may be an issue for those who struggle to travel light.
Pros: For those that prefer wristlets, the Yaluxe clutch wristlet is a great option. While it features an understated design, it comes with RFID technology to prevent would-be thieves from stealing personal identifying information from your bank and credit cards. And the internal storage is roomy enough that this could double as an organizer inside of a larger bag.
Cons: While functional, this isn’t the most stylish clutch a person could purchase. Others noted that even though it is made from genuine leather, the quality of that leather isn’t the best. In particular, it had a stiff texture with a plastic-like feel.
Bottom Line: If identity theft weighs heavily on your mind, the RFID technology in this clutch wallet will give you comfort. And the roomy interior allows it to pull double duty.
Pros: If you’re not someone who travels light, mini crossbody bags and clutches are impractical for daily use. The Angel Barcelo satchel features a boho design made from soft faux leather that offers plenty of room to carry all your essentials and then some. You’ll get a reinforced top strap as well as two exterior pockets and one interior pocket.
Cons: Quality control seems to be the biggest issue with this purse, as a common complaint centers around the zipper tabs breaking prematurely. Additionally, while the actual top strap is reinforced, some real consumers noted that the strap had easily disconnected from the metal hardware holding it to the bag.
Bottom Line: This is a roomy bag that offers more storage for people who can’t get away with only carrying a smartphone and lip gloss.
Pros: For those who prefer that their black bags be stylish and functional, this Jerilini model from Aldo is a must-have. While it features a classic top-handle design, it can also double as a crossbody. More importantly, you’ll get tonal embellishments on the top flap, with a turn-lock closure. And the roomy interior of this vegan-friendly bag includes an interior zip and slip pockets.
Cons: Although Aldo is known for their bags, a common complaint with this one is that the black paint on the metal hardware flakes off easily, especially on the turn-lock closure.
Bottom Line: This is a great purse that elevates your style without looking like you’re trying too hard. However, quality control issues with the paint on the black hardware might be a deal-breaker for some people.
Final Thoughts
Pretty much everyone needs a black purse. Whether you rock it for the occasional casual day or use it regularly for work, it’s a must-have item. With so many great options available, there’s no reason to skip on this staple accessory.
