Willy Wonka and the bag factory

The go-to choice for a staple handbag has always been black; it’s a simple colour, it goes with everything. There’s no such a thing as “clashing black” and you can wear black on black and get away with stating it’s an “off-model” look. Undoubtedly it’s a comfortable colour to wear. However, have we been mourning the loss of excitement for too long? Are we ready to spice up our arm candy and make it the equivalent of a firework display? Are we ready to dare colour?

First up on the list is a fun neon twist on one of  the Cambridge Satchel Company’s classic satchels, a brand that you can be sure puts care and quality first. Wear this with (yes, we’re back to the beginning again) black for it to be the centrepiece of any outfit, or mix up the colours further and colour block for an “all eyes on you” look.

Secondly, we have the sophisticated answer to all office outfits crying out for some colour. This Kate Spade handbag is perfect for spicing up any outfit. Again, you can wear it with almost anything – but especially a formal dress – to give the bag the attention it really deserves. Pair with heels for an ultra-classy look, or dress down with jeans and black boots – still keeping up the posh side though, when you have a bag like this it’s hard not to.

Thirdly we have this bright blue bag from Johnny Loves Rosie, with cut-out holes to play around with the textures as well as the colours. Pair with black skinny jeans and a baggy white tee, or fitted tartan trousers and a white blouse. Either way, when you have a bag this good, the rest of your outfit really doesn’t matter.

So in the sea of monotone that suffocates the winter wardrobes of so many, break the mould and the ice with these super loud shout-all-about-it bags, and inject some colour back into your outfits. After all, if you’re wearing your heart on your sleeve, you may as well wear it in style.

Tamara Massey