Classic Black Bag: How To Style This Timeless Piece

by Sara Wennerstrom / Sep 20, 2022

The color black is timeless for a reason: It goes with everything. When you picture staples that stand the test of time, you likely envision the little black dress, black fitted T-shirts, black blazers, black overcoats, and, of course, the black handbag. But what makes a black bag worthy of a spot alongside the LBD – or any ensemble, for that matter? Well, for reasons similar to the LBD, black bags are a neutral favorite that pair with almost any outfit. Here, we’ve narrowed down a list of some of our favorite outfits, along with outfit ideas to jumpstart your new classic look.

 

7 outfit inspirations for the classic black bag

 

From mini shoulder bags to midi top handle black bags, we’ve paired several of our Senreve styles with accompanying outfits to help you think of the possibilities. And since most of our pieces come in different hues, you can stick to the classic black or check out other shades for a pop of expressive color.

 

  1. Cocktail dress with a clutch

​​​​When headed out for the night, you’ll want a bag that’s easy to transport and can hold your bare necessities. Going with a black clutch is a classic evening wear accessory that you’ll be sure to return to time and again (regardless of the event or season). The Cornetti bag is our take on the slouchy pouch look, yet built with extra form and function in mind. Pair this piece with a slinky silk slip dress and strappy sandals for a memorable dinner date.

 

The bag’s unique pleating detail on the outside allows for built-in exterior pockets – one zipper and one slip pocket. In true Senreve style, the inside is decked out with even more ways to keep your things in order.

 

Woman holding black pouch bag

The Cornetti Bag

 

  1. Activewear with a black backpack

Whenever you’re out and about, it’s best to come prepared with the right-sized bag that supports you throughout any activity. When going for a hike or simply meeting with friends for lunch in casual activewear, a black backpack is a great hands-free way to keep your essentials within reach.

 

The Midi Maestra is a medium-sized version of our beloved Maestra Bag, and it’s a go-to everyday bag, especially when selected in the shade noir. Plus, the Midi in noir comes in gold or silver hardware options, so you can pick the color that matches your preference. Imagine the Midi Maestra in noir worn backpack style as you head out for a day trip wearing a matching tank top and legging set with a baseball hat and white tennis shoes. With this athleisure look, you’ll conquer a weekend adventure in style.

 

  1. Professional ensemble with a black tote

For days when you’re in the office, show up in style and comfort with an outfit that has you feeling and looking your best. A black pencil skirt with a patterned button-up blouse, ballet flat, and a black tote bag is a great way to appear effortlessly put together. Senreve’s Gemelli tote in the shade midnight is a dream bag for the workplace or travel. So you can mix business and pleasure and always come prepared for either occasion.

 

Its built-in organization helps hold your everyday essentials within arm's reach. It has a hidden external pocket behind the Gemelli double buckle strap, which secures the bag to any carry-on handle. Plus, it features an internal zipper pocket, seven internal slip pockets, and an elastic cord to secure your laptop or tablet up to 15”.

 

  1. “Canadian tuxedo” with a black crossbody

Denim on denim may seem so 1995, but good quality denim is a basic that never goes out of style, much like the LBD or the black handbag. So why not combine two powerhouses for an unbeatable look that’s trending once again? Rock a black crossbody with vintage denim jeans and a quintessential fitted black tee. You can take the outfit up a notch with a denim jacket and black sunglasses for the ultimate off-duty model ensemble.

 

To craft the look, try our Cadence crossbody in the shade noir. The style features clean lines and thoughtful details. Its curves and angles are the epitome of modern Italian elegance, carried right on your shoulder or across your person. The interior, which can fit up to a 6" tablet, features three compartments, two slip pockets, a button pocket, and a key leash.

 

  1. Head-to-toe black with a black belt bag

For days when you want to wake up and wow with the head-to-toe black classic, go for the black blazer, black tank top underneath, black biker shorts, black booties, and black belt bag. This look is elevated street style at its finest. It’s effortlessly cool, and when you sling Senreve’s Aria Belt bag in noir across your body, people just might take a second glance.

 

This upgraded version of the classic fanny pack features three interior pockets that can fit up to an iPhone 13 Pro Max.

 

Woman seated on chair holding belt bag

The Aria Belt Bag

 

  1. Oversized sweat suit with a black shoulder bag

Working remotely for a few years has everyone eager to dress up but still enjoy the occasional comfort of laid-back loungewear. Fortunately, a sweatsuit is easily elevated with the right accessories, like a small black shoulder bag, black sunglasses, and an understated pair of earrings. Our Mini Cavalla satchel is just the piece for elevating your favorite sweatsuit.

 

Opting for the bag in the shade noir means that it’ll match any color or pattern combination you could imagine. And the Mini Cavalla can be styled as a shoulder bag or a clutch, depending on the occasion. Featuring two D-Rings on each gusset, you can add on any of our chains and straps to change up your look at a moment’s notice.

 

  1. Sundress with a black circle bag  

For breezy day trips in the warmer months or adventures on vacation, you can style a black circle bag with a flowy sundress and sneakers or strappy sandals. Our Circa bag brings an outfit full circle, a subtle way to introduce something different into your ensemble. This versatile bag works as a backpack, shoulder bag, top handle, or crossbody. Plus, it fits up to an iPhone 12 Pro.

 

Tips for wearing a classic black bag

 

Now that you have plenty of outfit inspiration, let’s give you some tips and tricks to consider as you prep to debut your own masterpiece:

 

  • - Opt for a chain strap. Swapping out your leather strap for a chain strap is a simple way to shake up your black bag. It can give the outfit some added edge or elegance, depending on the chain and how you style the ensemble. Several of the bags mentioned in the outfit inspiration are compatible with our chain straps.

 

  • - Prioritize comfort. Since a black bag goes with pretty much any color or outfit, it’s a good idea to add one to your collection that’s comfortable and built to last. Try to go for a bag that isn’t too bulky or heavy — and features enough storage for optimal organization. Remember, you want a handbag that’s practical and beautiful.

 

  • - Stick to the same jewelry and hardware. If you love the details that make life meaningful, then make sure your bag’s hardware matches most of your jewelry collection. It’s common for people to favor silver or gold jewelry, and most of our bags in black offer both options.

 

  • - Add a scarf. Incorporating a scarf around the top handle of your black bag is a great way to add a pop of color to an outfit. Senreve’s City Scarf draws inspiration from all the places representing our foundation, including our Tuscan artisan workshop, our headquarters in San Francisco, and our first international office in Hong Kong.

 

  • - Match the bag with the shoes. A simple way to style your shoe and bag combination is to have them match. And luckily, black shoes are another classic that’s probably already in your wardrobe. Black boots with a black leather shoulder bag are an autumn must-have.

 

  • - Invest in quality over quantity. When deciding on the black bag that’s right for you, go for quality over quantity. A quality leather bag can last you throughout life’s many seasons.

 

Back in black

 

The black bag has earned its right in the lineup of timeless classics that every woman needs in her rotations of handbags. And a good everyday black bag can transport you from day to night with added ease. Explore Senreve’s collection of bestsellers for bags with dynamic and powerful shades, like black or even burgundy.