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Apr 03, 2024

The 20 Best Red Designer Bags of 2023

Every item on this page was chosen by a Town & Country editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. These sleek styles are proof that red is the new black. While it's true

Every item on this page was chosen by a Town & Country editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

These sleek styles are proof that red is the new black.

While it's true that a black bag is a wardrobe essential, a red purse is just as much as a year-round staple. The anything-but-boring hue has been bubbling up as the color du jour over the last few years and most recently hit a fever pitch for fall 2023, with designers like Prada, Valentino, and Tory Burch showcasing various fiery styles on the runways. Now add the current TikTok viral trend Tomato Girl Summer to the mix, and it's clear red is as hot as it can get.

Unlike the equally-as-on-trend quiet luxury hues, red has the power to add an exclamation to an outfit. It's something you wear when you want to turn heads and liven up an ensemble with a pop of color. Plus you'd be surprised how well the various shades goes with most outfits. (As someone who's been #TeamRedBag for years, I can attest to its versatility.) You can wear head-to-toe black and tie the look together with a burgundy tote, or you can give your typical fall uniform of a camel coat and jeans some pizzazz with a crimson crossbody—either way, red always adds an instant statement.

To help you find your perfect pick, I scoured the internet for the best red designer bags that'll give your favorite black purse a run for its money. From T&C tried-and-true faves to timeless oversized tote bags to elegant evening bags and crossbody carriers great for travel, there's a style fit for every aesthetic and price point, below.

If you're going to splurge, make sure you splurge on a Gucci. T&C's Roxanne Adamiyatt has this structured number in camel, but says it's "a bag for all seasons, worth buying in multiple colors." Especially in this rouge hue. It's a statement but adds polish to various looks and the golden horsebit hardware complements the purse perfectly.

File this under bags that will never go out of style. With a durable nylon construction, lightweight feel, and timeless appeal, what's not to love about the cult-classic Longchamp? I've carried mine for more than a decade around the world and it still looks as good as new. Not to mention, a sweet-spot price point of $155 makes it a designer bag that's 100% worth the investment.

Name an It Girl who doesn't own a Bottega hobo—go on, we'll wait. The iconic intrecciato weave makes a refined statement as is, but when you combine it with red? Flashy, but in chicest way possible.

Shine bright like a disco ball at your next fancy fete with a glamorous clutch complete with all-over crystals.

MZ Wallace's quilted designs are a longtime favorite for frequent travelers—and it's not hard to see why. They're not only stylish, but they're built to last and feel light as a feather no matter how much you store inside. Plus, this cherry shade will make you stand out in a crowd and be easy to spot in the airport.

More: The 15 Best Personal Item Bags for Every Type of Flyer

You can't go wrong with a crossbody. Akris's take on the beloved style is versatile and compact yet spacious enough to hold your phone, wallet, keys, and more. Better still: it has an exterior back pocket, which if you ask me, is a total game-changer. Easy access while on-the-go is always a must!

Maybe you're looking for a red shade that's a tad more subdued? A burgundy hue is the move. This Strathberry option is pared-back for sure, but the croc-embossed leather makes it go unnoticed. What's more, it's a royal-loved style: Both Meghan Markle and Zara Tindall are fans of the elevated crossbody.

When we think bucket bag, we think Mansur Gavriel. The brand's iconic purse is oh-so spacious and can go from day-to-night with ease, rendering it equal parts utilitarian and stylish.

The genius of this belt bag? It can be converted into a crossbody, shoulder bag, sling, or clutch with a simple change of the straps. Oh, and that merlot color? It's irresistible.

Craving a style that's a bit unexpected? Everything about this Loewe clutch is unique, from the slouchy silhouette to the cinching drawstrings to the bold shade. It also comes with removable shoulder straps that allows you to wear it in crossbody form.

Another great option for traveling, this ruby-hued leather camera bag is super lightweight and ridiculously roomy. I'm talking big enough to hold allll your essentials with some room to spare. But perhaps the best part? It's ideal for running errands, date nights, and everything in between. And if you want to make yours extra special, you have the option of getting your initials debossed or handpainted.

Looking to add instant polish to your outfits? Savette's prim and proper crimson top handle is the move.

No wardrobe is complete without a good ole designer tote to wear everywhere and with everything. Consider treating yourself to Ralph Lauren's beloved Bellport tote in a lipstick shade. Sturdy yet not-too-structured, the spacious carryall is the perfect balance between understated and striking.

Or perhaps you're more of a vertically-shaped bag kind-of-girl? Tory Burch's compact tote features an interior divider for extra organization and an additional strap that allows you to turn it into a crossbody bag. Reviewers say it's the perfect size for holding essentials for night on the town, but it also makes for the perfect everyday bag.

An acrylic clutch in candy red is the perfect complement for formal gowns. This Edie Parker boasts an interior mirror for quick touchups and can be customized with a message to your liking. And just think about how well it'll pair with your festive outfits during the holiday season!

Add a touch of whimsy to your look with a heart-shaped shoulder bag. It's hard not to love.

This boxy bag is the mini version of the case Grace Kelly's character carried in Alfred Hitchcock's 1954 film Rear Window. In other words, it's as posh as a purse gets.

"Quiet luxury with a pop of color" is the name of the game with this minimalist shoulder bag made of shiny red leather. Wear to brunch, while running errands, or for a night on the town—it'll serve you well for everything on your agenda.

Sometimes you want a bag that is casual enough to dress down with jeans and crisp button down shirt, but still smart enough to dress up with a black sheath and pumps. Chloé's Western-inspired saddle style made of supple suede is that bag.

Take a page out of the Duchess of Sussex's stylebook and get yourself a structural purse from Gabriela Hearst in poppy red for formal occasions. Shaped like a fortune cookie, the origami-like micro-bag looks equally chic carried by hand as it does in the crook of your arms.

Sophie Dweck is the associate shopping editor for Town & Country, where she covers beauty, fashion, home and décor, and more.

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