Black, White and Red All Over

By Suzanne Singer
September 2, 2011

What's black, white and red all over? Fall's favorite handbag styles, of course. Satchels of all shapes in graphic black and white combos as well as bold red, while not exactly new, feel fresh in conjunction with the powerful images designers projected this fashion season. They're also surprisingly versatile: Red is practically a neutral these days (when done right, it pairs perfectly with everything from tan to purple to orange), while a high-contrast black and white accessory offers a touch of the color blocking we've been seeing for several fashion seasons now.

Black and White

Louis Vuitton (photo by Kristy Sparow/Getty Images), Celine (photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images), Marc Jacobs (photo by Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)

While you can absolutely wear white after Labor Day, a white handbag nevertheless feels a little left-over-from-spring. Toss in a bit of black, on the other hand, and you've got yourself an all-weather accessory. This fall, from simple to streamlined, retro to fashion forward, the runways had them all. At Louis Vuitton, a white, lady-like zip-top clutch with black accents was juxtaposed against a highly textured, black fetish-style ensemble. At Celine, Phoebe Philo's clean white satchel with black trim at Celine was right on par with the collection's body-skimming, boyish turtlenecks and pants. And at Marc Jacobs, the fashion designer extended his passion for polka dots to oversize, furry polka dot clutches worn with outfits in a head-to-toe smaller dot print.

We're wild for these white and black fashion styles.

New Black and White Leather Bag

(buy it now price, $200)

A detachable gold chain means you can wear this bag as a cross-body or a clutch. The chain can be used as a necklace, too.
Black and White Faux Leather Handbag

(buy it now price, $19.99)

This retro shape feels stylishly of another era.
Chloe Elsie Sequin Bag

(buy it now price. $915)

A designer evening bag in notice-me wide stripes.
New Lamb Black and White Checkerboard Messenger Bag

(buy it now price, $369.99)

If you love black and white checkerboard slip-on sneakers, you’ll love this bag in the same graphic print.
Black and White Deco Crossbody Bag

(buy it now price, $18.99)

A black and white crossbody bag like this is made all the more interesting in an unexpected half moon shape.
Black and White Mini Celine Bag

(buy it now price, $325)

Bags are getting smaller and smaller. Here's a mini in zebra stripes.

Red

Red

Burberry Prorsum (photo by Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images), Versace (photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images), Gucci (photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images)

To rock red is to channel confidence and charisma, passion and power. Even a hint of the shade can be transformative. At Burberry, fashion designer Christopher Bailey added oversize tassels to an elongated satchel he paired with a peacoat. At Versace, slouchy red patent handbags with gold hardware and wrist straps had the effect of color-blocking when worn with brights in contrasting shades. And at Gucci, a signature hobo shape was given extra structure and an equestrian belt detail.

Rock red with these eBay finds.

New Red Envelope Clutch

(buy it now price, $19.99)

You’ll love the clean lines and exaggerated shape of this oversized red envelope clutch.
New Red Drawstring Leather Bag

(buy it now price. $229.99)

An oversized red leather drawstring bag like this can one fits a laptop and then some.
Foley & Corinna Motorcycle Hobo

(buy it now price, $305)

With a slight tinge of orange, the chic poppy shade of this bucket bag is right on for this season.
New Red Sequin Evening Bag

(buy it now price, $9.99)

Channel the style of Dorothy’s “There’s no place at home” red heels with this sequin evening bag.
New Red Eel Skin Mini Bag

(buy it now price, $22.99)

An uncommon skin in a bright red color plus small coin purse shape equals uber-cool.
Red Snakeskin Carlos Falchi Crossbody Pouch Bag

(buy it now price, $150)

A glossy red pouch bag like this brings to mind the best of ‘80s style.