For anyone who has a full time office job, or simply has a bunch of stuff they like to carry around with them on any given day, a good shoulder bag is an essential part of our wardrobes. Gone is the era of the mini bag, and with it, the impractical reality of only having a lip gloss, a debit card, and your keys on you when you may want to be in possession of bandaids, Advil, a snack bar, a water bottle, a book, headphones, seven lip products etc, etc.
In the past year, each season we see bags get bigger and bigger on the runway. instead of miniature clutches, gargantuan leather satchels storm down the runway, on the shoulders of models at Miu Miu, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Ferragamo, and more. The big bag is back, and we couldn't be more thrilled.
Aside from the schlepping aspect, I personally love a shoulder bag to cart all of my trinkets around with me. I love piling things into my oversized sack and hauling it over my shoulder, prepared for anything the day throws at me. So, if you're jumping on the trend or simply need something for practical reasons, below, we round up 14 of the best shoulder bags to invest in right now.
Tory Burch Tan Pierced Bag
"I love this bag for its ovular shape and depth, plus the simple pierced detail on the side makes it feel unique without feeling too trendy." - Ella O'Keeffe, senior fashion editor
By Far Tan Billy Bag
"The color of this bag and the medium size means it can fit a book and a few other essentials. The utility pockets give it a fun '90s edge, too." - O'Keeffe
Acne Studios Camero Shoulder Bag
" This is the perfect bag for those who have a lot to lug around." - O'Keeffe
Balenciaga Black Rodeo Bag
"This classic option is a timeless shape with a roomy, slouchy silhouette, perfect for the professional schlepper." - O'Keeffe
Isabel Marant Taupe Oskan Soft Zipped Bag
"This soft suede Isabel Marant number is perfect for those looking to inject a bohemian energy into their everyday wardrobe." - O'Keeffe
Paloma Wool No 1941Querida Pockets
"I love this slightly glossy leather Paloma Wool option in an uneven khaki tone for a worn in effect." - O'Keeffe
Balenciaga Large Geneve Shoulder Bag
"This huge nylon option is great for weekends away, short trips, and everyday obligations, plus it's easy to clean and relatively weather proof." - O'Keeffe
Lemaire Gear Shoulder Bag
"All of Lemaire's options feels timeless and classic, but this one in particular is a silhouette that feels unique to the brand." - O'Keeffe
Moschino Tie Me Shoulder Bag
"This bubblegum pink suede piece from Moschino is such a fun wardrobe addition for summer while fitting everything you'll need for a busy week." - O'Keeffe
Flattered Lisa Bowling Bag
"I love a classic bowling bag and this chocolate suede option is such an enduring, everyday staple." - O'Keeffe
Gimaguas Annamaria Canvas Bag
"Another fun summer option is this canvas turquoise tote from Gimaguas. It's perfect for hot weather and easy-to-clean fabric makes for a fun staple bag." - O'Keeffe
Christopher Esber Turnlock Suede Shoulder Bag
"I love this slouchy, yet structured suede design from Christopher Esber. Not too big, not too small. Perfectly practical (as long as it doesn't rain!)." - O'Keeffe
Yu Mei Utility Nylon Bag
"This lime green nylon option is perfect the warmer months. It's supremely practical, roomy, and chic." -- O'Keeffe
Freja Mini Chrystie Bag - Oat
""I've been searching for an East West-shaped shoulder bag, and this one from Freja checks all the boxes. The oat color goes with every summer outfit, and it fits a surprising amount for how small it appears." - Faith Xue, editor-in-chief
Loewe Mini Hammock Hobo
""The slouch factor and silhouette on this Loewe bag is perfection. I love the small details, like the gold hardware and knotted strap, and that it comes with longer strap to convert to a cross-body." - Xue
Alaïa Black Le Teckel Bag
"This studded suede east-west baguette bag from Alaïa is one of the most popular silhouettes of this year, and the perfect bag for weekend errands or evenings out." - Xue
Aesther Ekme Demi Lune Suede Shoulder Bag
"The brand name literally translates to 'shoulder bag' in Persian. This bag checks all the boxes for me: Scandinavian inspired, minimalist edge, and timeless functionality. An automatic yes." - Natasha Sheridan, Social Creative Lead
Yuzefi Oyster Shoulder Bag
"This color caught my eye immediately for the perfect summer go-to. It’s effortlessly chic with just the right amount of youthful style." - Sheridan
Coach Empire Carryall Bag 34
"This is is my trusty sidekick when it comes to conquering workday coffee runs, weekend brunch with friends, and everything in between. With room for all your essentials (and then some), it’s the bag your 9-to-5 and 5-to-9." - Kala Herh, Social Strategy Lead
JW PEI Hana Mini Tote Bag
"Who can resist a cherry-coded accessory? With its playful pop of red and gold hardware, the JW PEI Hana Mini is the perfect bag for the season (fits all my essentials—keys, phone, lipgloss, and the current summer romance book on rotation)." - Herh
