I Always Thought White Bags Looked “Cheap”—Elsa and Lila Changed My Mind

For the longest time, I couldn’t shake the idea that white bags looked, well, a little cheap. I’m not entirely sure where that impression came from—perhaps it was their tendency to stain easily, or maybe the starkness of pure white just felt jarring against certain outfits. Whatever the reason, I used to pass over them in favour of “safer” neutrals like black, tan or burgundy.

Lately, however, I’ve noticed white handbags cropping up in outfits that look anything but cheap. In fact, it was a recent shot of Lila Moss that made me change my stance. Carrying a slouchy DKNY tote in a crisp, optic white, she paired the bag with a plain white tee and cuffed jeans—a simple look that felt light, modern and effortlessly cool. Naturally, the gleaming white bag matched her outfit, but I also found that it lifted it, adding a fresh, summery air that a darker bag wouldn’t have achieved.

A clean, neutral shade, this tote is naturally easy to slot into a variety of looks. Take Elsa Hosk, for example, she styled a rosy-pink shirt with a gauzy white floral skirt, finishing the look with The Row’s Margaux bag in a soft shade of white. The effect was breezy and romantic, and the pale bag helped preserve the light palette of her outfit. A darker bag would have disrupted the flow, whereas white, instead, enhanced it.

Of course, a white handbag’s elegance depends on your ability to keep it clean. While it’s best to avoid rainy days or windy commutes, most scuffs and marks can be tackled with a swipe of leather cleaner. And for anything more stubborn, a professional leather restorer can usually work their magic.