How to Style a Red Bag

Co-authored by Paul Julch, MA and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: November 18, 2021 References

Red bags may seem like a daunting addition to your outfits, especially if you don’t usually dress in bright colors. When it comes to red bags, the sky’s the limit! Play around with what you already have in your wardrobe and see what kinds of outfits you can come up with.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Creating Casual Looks

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Contrast your red bag with a denim jacket and denim pants. Search through your wardrobe for anything denim, whether it’s a pair of jeans or a jacket. The red will contrast nicely with the denim, and create a casual but well-rounded look that’s good for a variety of occasions.^{[1]
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- For instance, you can slip into a neutral-toned tee, along with a blue denim jacket and a pair of blue jeans. As a finishing touch, grab your red bag before heading out the door.
- The more denim in your look, the better! However, feel free to use whatever denim you have in your wardrobe.
2
Combine your red bag with neutral-toned, leopard-print garments. Animal patterns may seem too vibrant or busy to work with bright colors, but that isn’t always the case. Dig through your old clothes to find a shirt, blouse, or other garment with a neutral-toned animal pattern, like leopard-print. Slip into this top to create a fun contrast with your red bag.^{[2]
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- For example, you can pair a long-sleeved leopard-print shirt with a pair of distressed blue jeans. An over-the-shoulder red bag can really complete this look.
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3
Match a red bag with a graphic tee to give off a casual vibe. While red bags may seem extra dressy, they don’t have to be. Pick out your favorite tee and pair it with some comfortable leggings. Then, slip a red bag over your shoulder so you’re ready to go.^{[3]
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- For instance, you can wear a white graphic tee with a pair of black and white leggings, along with your red bag.
- For another casual look, pair a white shirt with a black pair of jeans, along with your red bag.
4
Accent a monochromatic outfit with a red bag. Rifle through your wardrobe for a neutral-toned top, as well as a neutral-toned pair of pants. Choose a top and pants that are the same color, like a black tee and leggings, so you can create a cohesive, monochromatic look. As a final touch, grab your red bag to add a pop of color.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Paul Julch, MA
Personal Wardrobe Stylist & Speaker
Expert Interview. 16 November 2021.}^{[5]
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- For instance, you can pair a black shirt and pants with a red bag for a really cool contrast.
- If you’d like to create a lighter outfit, choose some white or gray garments instead.
- You could go with a monochromatic outfit in a bold color, too, like blue, pink, or yellow.^{[6]
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  Expert Source
  
  Paul Julch, MA
  Personal Wardrobe Stylist & Speaker
  Expert Interview. 16 November 2021.}
5
Combine a red bag with a pair of colorfully patterned pants. Look through your old clothes for some busy-looking pants, like a pair of pants with a multi-colored pattern. Although it may seem strange, bright colors can go really well with multi-colored patterns. Play around with different outfits and see if your red bag and colorful pants can make a striking combination.^{[7]
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- For instance, you can wear a neutral-toned shirt with a pair of colorful, floral-patterned pants, along with your red bag.
- Your pants don’t need to match the same color red as your bag.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Assembling Dressier Outfits

1
Keep it simple by styling a red bag with a neutral-toned outfit. Look for a nice blouse or dress shirt, along with a neutral-toned skirt. As a finishing touch, grab your red bag to complete the outfit all the way.^{[8]
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- For instance, you can pair a tan blouse with a long black skirt, then complete the outfit with a red bag.
- You can create an even fancier look with a neutral-toned dress.
2
Jazz up a basic skirt and top with a red bag. Slip in a comfortable top or bodysuit, which will look like a top when paired with a skirt. Finish off your outfit with a neutral-toned skirt before grabbing your red bag. The red provides a fun contrast to the rest of your outfit while also adding a splash of color.^{[9]
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- For example, pair a black top or bodysuit with a neutral-toned, knee-length skirt. Before heading out, grab a red bag to really accent your outfit.^{[10]
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3
Add your bag to a red and pink outfit. Search through your wardrobe for a pink or red garments that will go with your red bag. Picking pink- and red-toned clothes can create a really fun, monochromatic look that works well for a variety of formal occasions.^{[11]
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- For instance, you can match a pink blazer and red skirt with a white blouse, along with your red bag.
4
Accessorize a denim dress with a red bag. Look through your closet for a dress made with denim material, or any dress that’s a deep, dark color. Grab your red bag to really contrast with your dress and create a dynamic, striking outfit.^{[12]
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- For instance, you can wear a blue denim dress with a red bag and a pair of brown ankle boots.
5
Finish off an office-ready look with a red bag. Pick out a nice blouse, along with a classy skirt. Add an extra touch of elegance to your ensemble with a pair of high heels, along with some sunglasses and a red bag.^{[13]
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- For instance, you can wear a black and white patterned blouse with a black skirt, red high heels, and a red bag.
6
Pair your red bag with a solid-colored coat. If you’re heading out into chillier weather, grab a long jacket to go over the rest of your outfit. Pick a jacket in a fun color, like army green, mustard yellow, or something more neutral, like coffee brown. Use whatever you have lying in your wardrobe to make a cozy, stylish look!^{[14]
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- For instance, you can accent a turtleneck, pants and a red bag with a long, army green coat.
7
Accessorize with a red pair of dressy shoes. Look through your shoes for a pair or nice red shoes that can really take your outfit to the next level. Matching your shoes with your bag can make your outfit look extra dynamic.^{[15]
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- For example, you can complement a red blazer and skirt with a pair of red high heels, or a pair of red ankle boots.
- Your shoes don't have to be red—neutral shoes can look great with a red bag, too.^{[16]
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  Expert Source
  
  Paul Julch, MA
  Personal Wardrobe Stylist & Speaker
  Expert Interview. 16 November 2021.}

Expert Q&A

Question

Does a red handbag go with everything?

Paul Julch, MA
Personal Wardrobe Stylist & Speaker
Paul Julch is a Personal Wardrobe Stylist, Speaker, and the founder of Urbanite | Suburbanite, a wardrobe styling business in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 25 years in the fashion industry, Paul works with clients to make getting dressed easier, less time consuming, and more enjoyable. Paul has years of experience in retail visual merchandising - styling windows, displays, and floor sets for Banana Republic, Gap, and Express. He also has experience styling fashion photo shoots and corporate videos. Paul holds a BS Degree in Management from State University of New York at Binghamton, an MA in Clinical Psychology from Long Island University. He also studied Interior Design at the University of California, Berkeley.

Paul Julch, MA

Personal Wardrobe Stylist & Speaker

Expert Answer

Pretty much! Lots of things work well with a red bag, including neutrals. Feel free to play around with a black and white, all-grey, or brown outfit if you have a lot of neutral garments.