Your Leather Shoulder Bag Guide: The Best Colours + Styling Tips

If there's one bag that every woman should have in her wardrobe, it's a leather shoulder bag. It's a perfect balance of everyday practicality and effortless style - you know, the kind that looks good with just about anything. Whether you're heading to work, meeting up with friends, or just running errands, a well-chosen shoulder bag can complement almost any item in your wardrobe.

As for material, leather is the top choice - it's durable, looks amazing as it gets older, and develops its own character, which is a big part of its charm. It also has a premium feel and structure that synthetic materials can't quite match, which is why it's worth splashing out on a good quality leather piece rather than going for something cheap that'll be out of fashion in a season.

So, now that you know the bag style and material to go for, it's time to think about what colour to choose and how to style it. 

The colour you pick is going to make a big difference to how versatile your leather shoulder bag is, how easily it fits into your wardrobe and the overall impression it gives. You can go for a classic neutral, a rich statement shade, or anything in between - whatever you choose, it's got to be a colour that complements your wardrobe as a whole.

Black: The Ultimate Classic

Black shoulder bags are just about as good as it gets. They're timeless, elegant and endlessly versatile - the sort of piece that you'll just keep coming back to. They work with pretty much any outfit, which is why they're a reliable choice for everyday wear, the office and even more formal occasions. If you like a clean, minimalist look, a black shoulder bag is a great fit, without ever looking boring.

Styling tips: For a daytime look, try pairing a black shoulder bag with a pair of tailored trousers, a crisp white shirt or a nice structured coat for a really polished finish. At night, it looks great with darker palettes, or with a nice dress and some statement accessories, and it never seems to compete for attention.

Tan: Effortless Chic

Tan shoulder bags really are the perfect choice for anyone looking to lighten the mood. This colour is right on trend for creating a super modern look without losing out on neutrals. Plus, its versatility is off the charts if you've got a wardrobe full of whites, creams, denim and all the natural fabrics - you'll be able to mix and match like crazy.

Styling tips: Think easy, casual vibes when pairing a tan shoulder bag with jeans, a simple tee and a pair of trainers or some sandals. It's just as good with a linen dress, some beige tailoring or a super soft pastel tone in the warmer months. And as for a workwear setting? A structured tan bag is a total game-changer for neutral office outfits, which still look super polished.

Brown: Timeless Cool

A brown shoulder bag brings warmth and depth to an outfit, making it a real timeless classic that never gets old. From lighter caramel tones to deep chocolate shades theres loads of versatility on offer and it's just as good for everyday wear as it is for more polished smart-casual looks.

Styling tips: Getting the hang of styling a brown bag is easy-peasy, especially if you like natural textures and earth tones. It pairs beautifully with denim, knitwear, and all the neutral basics, and it particularly looks great alongside autumn shades like olive, rust and mustard. For something super relaxed, try pairing with jeans, a cosy jumper and a pair of boots. For something a bit more refined, go for tailored trousers or a wool coat.

Burgundy: Adding a Touch of Whimsy

A burgundy shoulder bag is perfect for adding a splash of colour to an outfit without feeling like you're stepping way out of your comfort zone. Rich and sophisticated, burgundy feels super elegant rather than over-the-top, making it a real safe bet for adding a bit of personality to your outfit.

Styling tips: This colour works especially well with all the classic neutrals like black, grey, navy and beige and really comes into its own in the cooler months. Try pairing with a camel coat, dark denim or some tailored winter layers for a super stylish put-together look. It also pairs beautifully with knitwear and textured fabrics. 

Navy Blue: Timeless Style Redefined

A navy blue bag is a stylish alternative to the all too obvious black, but with a twist - it's slightly softer and feels more modern. Classic, yet not too predictable, navy is a great option if you want something that won't go out of style any time soon - but still manages to surprise a bit. It looks great no matter the weather, and suits either a relaxed or a more polished look just fine.

Styling tips: Navy pairs really well with neutral tones like white, grey, and the odd beige or camel - and it looks especially sharp with nice denim and some good quality, tailored pieces. For a laid-back day out, try a navy shoulder bag with jeans, a crisp white shirt and some trainers for a nice, simple look that doesn't feel too much of an effort. And if you need to dress up a bit, it works a charm with structured blazers and darker tones without feeling too stuffy.

Grey: Understated Cool

A grey shoulder bag is a great choice if you like to keep things simple and understated - without compromising on style. Softer than black but no less easy to wear, grey just seems to work and feels modern and refined without being too showy. It's perfect for everyday wear and slots into both casual and smart wardrobes with ease.

Styling tips: Grey pairs really nicely with monochrome outfits, soft pastels, and good quality denim, not to mention muted tones. For a really relaxed look, try a grey shoulder bag with light-wash jeans, a simple knit, and some trainers. If you need to look a bit more put together, grey complements tailored trousers, blazers and neutral outerwear nicely.

White: Brightening Up Your Outfit

A white shoulder bag can instantly add a bit of some much needed brightness to any outfit and make a real fashion statement. Clean and eye-catching, white is especially good in spring and summer, but it can also add a bit of much-needed contrast to darker outfits year-round. While it does feel a bit bold, it's actually pretty easy to style when you pair it thoughtfully.

Styling tips: White looks great with neutral tones like beige, grey, denim and soft pastels - all of which help to create a nice light and effortless feel. Try pairing a white shoulder bag with a linen dress, some relaxed tailoring or even a completely black outfit for a bit of a striking contrast.