Briefcase Colors: How To Choose

A briefcase serves as more than a container for work essentials—it represents your professional identity.

The right color complements your wardrobe and makes a statement about your personality, values, and work ethic.

Each option below provides insights into when it shines, when it doesn’t, and how to make it work for your specific needs.

Here's a quick summary:

Black: Timeless and Authoritative

Briefcases in the image above: City and No.1

Where Black Excels:

• Formal workplaces: Black suggests professionalism, gravitas, and tradition, making it ideal for settings like finance, law, or government.
• High-stakes meetings: Its sleek simplicity keeps attention focused on your presence and message.
• Complementing formal attire: Black pairs effortlessly with darker suits and structured outfits.

Where It Falls Short:

• Creative settings: In industries that value innovation or individuality, black can feel conservative or uninspired.
• Durability under heavy use: Scratches and smudges may be more visible compared to textured finishes or darker browns.

Expert Insights:

• Choose durable finishes: Opt for high-quality materials like pebbled leather or full-grain leather to extend durability and maintain a polished look.
• Select modern hardware: Understated elements like matte silver or gunmetal maintain a contemporary feel without appearing dated.
• Consider alternatives: If black feels overly traditional, exploring shades like charcoal can provide a more modern option.

Real-World Example: Walking into a high-profile pitch, a polished black briefcase underlines your credibility and ensures all eyes are on your performance.

Dark Brown: Warm and Reliable

Briefcases in the image above: Essential and No.2

Where Brown Excels:

• Flexible workplaces: Dark brown balances the seriousness of black with a softer, approachable tone, making it suitable for consulting, education, or client-facing roles.
• Frequent travel: This deep shade hides wear and tear effectively while maintaining its polished look.
• Pairing with neutral tones: Dark brown blends harmoniously with navy, gray, and earth-toned outfits.

Where It Falls Short:

• High-formality events: When ultra-traditional or black-tie formality is required, dark brown may feel slightly out of place.
• Pastel or very light outfits: Its richness can occasionally clash with lighter palettes unless chosen carefully.

Expert Insights:

1. Maintain its finish: Conditioning the leather regularly will prevent fading and keep its natural luster intact.
2. Add subtle details: Stitching details or aged brass hardware can elevate the charm of dark brown without overwhelming its simplicity.
3. Coordinate accessories: Pair it with shoes and belts in similar hues to create a cohesive look.

Real-World Example: A client dinner after a long flight is no challenge for a dark brown briefcase that looks sharp while discreetly concealing any travel wear.

Tan: Bright and Casual

Briefcases in the image above: No.1 and Essential

Where Tan Excels:

• Business-casual settings: Tan exudes a relaxed, approachable vibe, making it suitable for creative workplaces or industries with less rigid dress codes.
• Seasonal appeal: It shines in warm-weather climates or spring and summer wardrobes.
• Networking opportunities: Tan’s brightness helps you stand out in a crowd while keeping the tone friendly and open.

Where It Falls Short:

• Ultra-formal environments: Tan lacks the weight of darker tones, which are more appropriate for conservative industries or formal events.
• Wear and stain visibility: Its light tone requires consistent upkeep to remain pristine.

Expert Insights:

1. Protect the surface: Leather sprays or creams repel dirt and moisture to keep tan looking fresh.
2. Match with light accessories: Consider light brown or caramel belts and shoes to tie your look together.
3. Rotate seasonally: Use tan as part of a wardrobe rotation for warm-weather months or more casual events.

Real-World Example: At an outdoor networking event, a tan briefcase harmonizes beautifully with your light-colored ensemble, creating a friendly and polished impression.

Burgundy: Refined and Memorable

Briefcases in the image above: Exquisite and City

Where Red Excels:

• Creative professions: Burgundy offers a rich, confident look that feels professional yet distinctive.
• Making an impression: It adds a refined pop of color, perfect for networking events or semi-formal meetings.
• Pairing with neutrals: Burgundy complements monochromatic outfits, bringing depth and character to your ensemble.

Where It Falls Short:

• Conservative settings: While professional, burgundy can appear too bold in highly traditional environments.
• Heavier use: Its richness can fade or scuff over time, requiring mindful handling and care.

Expert Insights:

• Choose a polished finish: Smooth leather gives burgundy an elegant, high-end look.
• Use sparingly for impact: Burgundy works best as a statement piece in otherwise understated outfits.
• Coordinate accessories strategically: Gold or brass accents harmonize beautifully with this shade.

Real-World Example: During a keynote speech, a burgundy briefcase subtly reinforces your attention to detail and unique perspective.

Gray: Balanced and Practical

Where Gray Excels:

• Business travel: Its neutral tone is excellent at masking dirt while maintaining a polished appearance.
• Contemporary settings: Gray fits effortlessly into modern offices that value clean, minimalist aesthetics.
• Wide wardrobe compatibility: Its versatility allows it to pair well with a range of colors, especially cool tones like navy and black.

Where It Falls Short:

• Warmer palettes: Gray’s cooler undertone can clash with warmer clothing shades like beige or olive.
• Ultra-conservative industries: In settings where tradition reigns, gray may lack the gravitas of black or dark brown.

Expert Insights:

1. Choose a deeper shade: Darker grays with matte finishes provide a modern, understated option.
2. Blend materials thoughtfully: Look for contrasting elements, like leather handles or canvas panels, for a subtle but engaging design.
3. Pair with structured attire: Tailored suits and clean lines complement the sleekness of gray briefcases.

Real-World Example: At an international conference, a gray briefcase handles the rigors of travel with ease, helping you stay polished and organized.

Cognac: Confident and Distinctive

Where Cognac Excels:

• Creative fields: Cognac is perfect for professionals looking to express creativity and sophistication, making it a popular choice in media, design, and tech.
• Adaptable transitions: Its warmth allows it to move easily between meetings, social events, and informal gatherings.
• Subtle uniqueness: Cognac stands out in a way that offers a modern alternative to traditional tones.

Where It Falls Short:

• Conservative workplaces: In industries that lean heavily traditional, cognac may feel too bold or out of place.
• Environments prone to wear: Lighter shades are more prone to showing dirt and scuffs, requiring consistent upkeep.

Expert Insights:

• Balance finish and care: Semi-gloss finishes combine elegance with durability, helping cognac retain its appeal.
• Match with neutral clothing: Pair it with darker clothing for contrast or lighter neutrals for harmony.
• Use a leather care kit: Regular maintenance will ensure the color remains vibrant and avoids signs of wear.

Real-World Example: While presenting at a creative workshop, a tan briefcase complements your outfit, signaling attention to detail and innovation.

Need more inspiration? Check out the Von Baer briefcase range here.

Key Considerations to Finalize Your Decision

• Workplace norms: Black fits traditional offices; burgundy offers creativity; gray suits travel-heavy schedules.
• Durability needs: Darker shades age gracefully, while lighter colors require more frequent maintenance.
• Desired image: Black projects authority, brown conveys warmth, and cognac or tan signals openness.

We discuss different types of briefcases here, and how to organize your briefcase here.

Your briefcase is an extension of your professional presence. Choose thoughtfully, balancing aesthetics, function, and the statement you want to make.