Briefcase Colors

There used to be a running joke about luggage and briefcase colors that went something like this: A businessman in an airport asks a baggage porter to load his suitcase. When asked which one it was, the man replies, "Oh, it's the black one." Or sometimes it was a woman and waiter in a restaurant with a brown briefcase. In any case -- no pun intended -- those days are past, for color chic has transformed the once monotone briefcase and luggage industry. These are the briefcase colors of tomorrow.

Not long ago, the only people toting around red briefcases were backgammon players and England's Chancellor of the Exchequer, who carries the annual budget speech in a traditional red briefcase. But red, it is said, is the new black, and red luggage has begun appearing in airports worldwide like a sudden outbreak of measles. Red briefcases, however, are contagious only in a good way. Red is lively and eye catching, but if you find it too bold, darker reds such as maroon are sufficiently subtle.

Pink briefcases are the color craze of the moment. Pink luggage in general is hot (sometimes literally in "hot pink"), with accessories ranging from pink laptop cases to pink backpacks. The trend has been explained as girl chic, but whatever the reason, the pink briefcase looks to be an industry fixture for years to come.

The silver briefcase is a twist on the traditional muted briefcase colors. Silver briefcases fit into both casual and professional settings, and are uniquely suited to modern materials such as aluminum. A grey briefcase is a comparable alternative for those who like their accessories a little less flashy.

As the popularity of brighter briefcase colors continues, it's inevitable that someone will declare black the new black. A black briefcase or brown briefcase is always tasteful. Sometimes your luggage is the one place where you don't want surprises. If so, black or brown briefcases are for you.

The green briefcase is in many ways the ideal color. Green and olive briefcases combine the muted professional look of darker luggage with a casual almost outdoorsy air. A green briefcase says you're at ease wherever life or business may take you.