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What Bag Color Is Most Versatile for an Internship?
These tried-and-true shades never fail.
- Deciding the color for your work or internship bag can be a challenge.
- While the best choice depends on your personal style, there are a few tried-and-true shades we always recommend.
- Read on for work-appropriate bag colors you can rely on to tie together all your professional outfits.
So, you’ve settled on your bag’s size, material and silhouette for your upcoming internship. Now, you might be stuck on one more crucial factor: color. Whether your work style consists of bold and bright dresses or you tend to stick to neutral-toned pantsuits, the color of your handbag has the power to tie together all your go-to business casual outfits. You just have to find the one that’s right for you.
Neutrals are always a safe, work-appropriate choice, but don’t worry—the neutrals of today are anything but boring. Read on for our internship-ready bag color recommendations, with style picks for each shade.
The Most Versatile Bag Colors for Internships
Black
The most iconic neutral of all, black bags are considered a fashion staple for a reason. They’re versatile enough to take on any occasion, including your summer internship—pairing seamlessly with all your business casual outfits (think monochromatic pantsuits, colorful blazers and patterned dresses). Black bags prove great style never fades, making them an investment worthy-style you’ll wear long after your internship comes to an end.
Style Picks: Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 34 in Black, Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39 in Black
Brown
A softer alternative to black, brown bags bring a touch of warmth and sophistication to any internship outfit. From cozy suede to smooth leather, a brown bag is the neutral supporting act that will tie together your entire look time and time again. For a rich, chocolatey tone, go for a bag in maple pebbled leather. Or for a lighter shade, choose a style in warm brown suede. Regardless of your personal work style, a brown bag always seems to blend right in.
Style Picks: Lana Shoulder Bag in Maple, Soft Empire Carryall Bag 40 in Warm Brown
Burgundy
Burgundy is always a sophisticated choice, especially for the workplace. Rich, bold and timeless, a burgundy bag makes an unexpected, visually-striking accent piece for all your internship styles. If the classic neutrals don’t do it for you, reach for a burgundy carryall. It’ll add a touch of warmth without sacrificing that classic, polished feel.
Style Picks: Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39 in Merlot
Beige
A beige tote bag is the ultimate carryall for your next internship—spacious, sophisticated and easy to pair with any outfit or accessorize with any bag charm. It’s understated, it’s versatile and it’s sophisticated. Pair your beige handbag with a tonal blazer and dress pants for a cohesive, polished style. Or balance out more colorful looks with the versatile neutral.
Style Picks: Alter/Ego Large Crescent Shoulder Bag in Sand Suede, Station Tote Bag in Sand Signature Canvas
The most iconic neutral of all, black bags are considered a fashion staple for a reason. They’re versatile enough to take on any occasion, including your summer internship—pairing seamlessly with all your business casual outfits (think monochromatic pantsuits, colorful blazers and patterned dresses). Black bags prove great style never fades, making them an investment worthy-style you’ll wear long after your internship comes to an end.
Style Picks: Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 34 in Black, Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39 in Black
Brown
A softer alternative to black, brown bags bring a touch of warmth and sophistication to any internship outfit. From cozy suede to smooth leather, a brown bag is the neutral supporting act that will tie together your entire look time and time again. For a rich, chocolatey tone, go for a bag in maple pebbled leather. Or for a lighter shade, choose a style in warm brown suede. Regardless of your personal work style, a brown bag always seems to blend right in.
Style Picks: Lana Shoulder Bag in Maple, Soft Empire Carryall Bag 40 in Warm Brown
Burgundy
Burgundy is always a sophisticated choice, especially for the workplace. Rich, bold and timeless, a burgundy bag makes an unexpected, visually-striking accent piece for all your internship styles. If the classic neutrals don’t do it for you, reach for a burgundy carryall. It’ll add a touch of warmth without sacrificing that classic, polished feel.
Style Picks: Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39 in Merlot
Beige
A beige tote bag is the ultimate carryall for your next internship—spacious, sophisticated and easy to pair with any outfit or accessorize with any bag charm. It’s understated, it’s versatile and it’s sophisticated. Pair your beige handbag with a tonal blazer and dress pants for a cohesive, polished style. Or balance out more colorful looks with the versatile neutral.
Style Picks: Alter/Ego Large Crescent Shoulder Bag in Sand Suede, Station Tote Bag in Sand Signature Canvas
How can I accessorize my internship bag?
Just because you’re heading into a professional work environment doesn’t mean you can’t show off your personal style with a bag charm (or two) that speaks to who you are. It’s a playful way to express yourself, meet new people through shared interests and have a little more fun with your work wardrobe.
Add a Pop of Color: Cherry Bag Charm, Strawberry Bag Charm
Find Your Good Luck Charm: Four Leaf Clover Bag Charm
Express Your Inner Child: Teddy Bear Bag Charm in Shearling
Add a Pop of Color: Cherry Bag Charm, Strawberry Bag Charm
Find Your Good Luck Charm: Four Leaf Clover Bag Charm
Express Your Inner Child: Teddy Bear Bag Charm in Shearling
Discover even more styles you’ll love.
FAQs: You asked. We’ve answered.
What bag silhouette is best for internships?
What bag silhouette is best for internships?
Both relaxed and structured silhouettes work well for internships, depending on your personal style. Slouchy silhouettes are always a popular choice, thanks to their spacious interiors that expand to accommodate all your essentials. Structured bags, on the other hand, offer a polished and professional appearance, while keeping items organized and secured in place.
What are the best materials for internship bags?
What are the best materials for internship bags?
The best bags for internships are crafted of high-quality, durable materials that are made to carry heavier items like laptops.
- Pebbled Leather: Soft and easygoing, pebbled leather is recognizable by its distinctive, special pebbled grain.
- Glovetanned Leather: Soft, supple and as durable as its namesake the baseball glove, Glovetanned earned us our name as the Original American House of Leather. Wear it out to wear it in. It will only get more beautiful with age.
- Canvas: Coach canvas is a durable and easygoing material crafted with the everyday in mind.
How do I choose the best luxury bag for a recent grad entering the professional world?
How do I choose the best luxury bag for a recent grad entering the professional world?
Choosing the best luxury bag for a recent grad entering the professional world means balancing durability, functionality and style.
- Durability: When crafted from high-quality materials, a leather bag can evolve with you, withstanding wear-and-tear and maintaining structure. For a more casual, lightweight choice, consider fabric and woven materials like canvas, denim or nylon.
- Functionality: Prioritize interior and exterior pockets, magnetic closures and zip closures for a bag that fits all the essentials in an organized manner.
- Style: From midday meetings to post-work events, the right bag silhouette will align with personal style and overall lifestyle. For more details, check out our guide on how to find the perfect bag silhouette.