Today, designer labels like Khaite and Alaïa, as well as mall brand favorites continue to innovate on the timeless silhouette, offering fresh styles made from supple leather, buttery-soft suede, and summer-favorite raffia. Some come in classic shades of jet black, espresso brown, and milky white, while others lean into pastels like butter yellow and pistachio green, providing an easy way to brighten up your summer outfits. This classic style is one you’ll want to wear for years to come, but only a few are a cut above the rest when it comes to blending functionality with tasteful design.
Below, we’ve shopped out the 15 best shoulder bags to add to your collection, from minimalist East-West styles to studded crescent shapes.
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“The Marc Jacobs glam bag has everything you would want out of a shoulder bag,” says senior commerce content lead, Julie Tong. “It has large handles, so it’s comfortable to wear. It’s structured, so the shape holds well and looks elegant and polished for both day and night. And I especially adore that it comes pre-equipped with a claw clip for when I need to tie my hair up in a pinch.”
Material: Spazzolato leather
Dimension: 11″ L x 3″ D x 13″ H
Colors: Black, cotton white, bow pink, reed
This studded crescent-shaped bag from Clare V. offers an edgy take on the white handbag trend. “I like pairing it with a simple outfit—a pastel button-down and linen pants—to let it really shine,” says fashion commerce editor, Michella Oré. “Aside from comfortably sitting on my shoulder, the length of the strap makes it easy to convert it to a crossbody, making it a no-brainer for night out or a weekend away.”
Material: Leather, metal
Dimensions: 13″ W x 8″ H
Colors: White, hazelnut
Khaite’s become one of our go-to designers for sleek, contemporary handbag styles that feel both classic and fresh. The Simona bag is a great example—made from luxurious leather, it features two slim shoulder straps and an elongated zipper closure to make sure valuables are always safe and secure.
Material: calfskin
Dimensions: 14″ L x 2 .4″ W x 5″ H
Colors: Rust, persimmon, cream, and ten more
Cuyana may be known for its bestselling work totes but the brand also makes stylish shoulder bags for days when you don’t need to tote around your laptop. From dinner dates to museum visits, the Celestia bag is a crescent-shaped design that offers exceptional storage capacity, fits comfortably underneath the shoulder, and makes a statement thanks to its chunky gold buckle along the strap.
Material: Leather, metal
Dimensions: 14″ W x 8″ H x 1.5″ D
Colors: Black, dark navy, chestnut
The brand behind the East-West bag trend that took over last fall has a new baguette-style shoulder bag just in time for summer. With a slouchy exterior accented by gold-colored hardware and a soft shoulder strap, Le Click is more bohemian than Le Teckel, but just as practical and chic.
Material: Leather
Dimensions: 3.1″ D x 5.1″ H x 9.8″ W
Colors: Black, white
Polène’s Numéro Dix is the saddle-inspired bag of our dreams and with 29 colorways (yes, you read that correctly), there’s truly one for every personality. For summer, opt for the canvas with leather trim for a relaxed yet polished effect.
Material: Canvas, leather
Dimensions: 24 x 20 x 7.5 cm
Colors: Camel, sandalwood, green and 26 more
“Dior’s Miss Caro pouch is one of my favorite bags to wear during an elegant evening out in the town, or just to dress up a pair of jeans and slingback heels—the possibilities are endless,” says beauty commerce editor, Tiffany Dodson. “Plus, the lightweight bag is equal parts lightweight and stylish, since it seamlessly matches everything in my closet.”
Material: Leather, metal
Dimensions: 7.5″ L x 4.5″ H x 2″ W
Colors: Black, latter, powder pink
What if the fall’s most talked about heel was turned into the perfect everyday bag? Meet Tory Burch’s latest genre-bending hit, a pierced, sculpted hobo bag that will look just as good with a linen two-piece suit and heel as it will with a T-shirt, low-slung jeans a peep-toe flat.
Material: Leather, metal
Dimensions: 17.7″ H x 12.3″ L x 1.4″ D
Colors: Burgundy, black, smoky tan, and two more
Pastel bags are a great way to add some color to your wardrobe without stepping out of your comfort zone of wearing head-to-toe black or neutrals. Let this be your sign to invest in a pistachio green accessory that just so happens to look incredibly stylish when paired with another favorite summertime hue: clementine.
Material: Leather, metal
Dimensions: 6.5″ H x 12″ W x 3″ D
Colors: Green, light yellow, black, brown
DeMellier’s Siena may look compact but the chic hobo design offers plenty of interior space for storing a book, wallets, headphones, and more. The versatile style comes adorned with elegant piping throughout and a handy padlock magnetic closure on the front pocket— very functional and very stylish.
Material: Leather
Dimensions: 12.6″ W x 11″ H x 4.7″ D
Colors: Black, tan, off-white, poppy red
The Brooklyn hobo bag might be the most recognizable Coach style at the moment but we’d like to direct your attention to the equally stylish Cashin bag. Based on a 1973 archival style, this bag features a classic turnlock closure for easy access and adjustable belt-style strap ensuring it can be worn a myriad of ways.
Material: Leather, metal
Dimensions: 11.25″ L x 6.75″ H x 2.75″ W
Colors: 1941 saddle, hunter green, chalk and two more
Can’t decide between a little black bag or a chic white purse? You don’t have to—Staud’s bestselling Ollie is made from a shiny cream leather with black trim offering the best of both worlds. Pair with a printed maxi dress and a sleek flip-flop heel or a wedding guest look that can easily double as a casual yet polished outfit for weekend brunch.
Material: Leather
Dimensions: 9.6″ W x 5″ H x 2″ D
Colors: Cream, pale jade, cherry and seven more
“Noirgaze’s scallop bag has become one of my favorite new shoulder bags,” says Tong. I love that it includes both a top-handle and crossbody strap, so you can choose to wear it multiple ways depending on your mood. It features an elongated shape that is surprisingly roomy. Plus, its understated and minimalist design means I can style it with both casual jeans and a tank to dressier outfits alike. My favorite detail though is its sculptural gold clasp—subtle, but incredibly chic.”
Material: Leather
Dimensions: 13cm H x 32.5cm W x 12cm D
Colors: Noir, butter yellow, tan and five more
Travel back in time just before the Swinging Sixties gave way to the era that was defined by hot pants, statement-making flares and dancing the night away to never-ending disco. Rabanne’s Moon Bag might not be an actual time machine but it will add instant flair to even your most toned down looks.
Material: Brass
Dimensions: 5″ H x 7″ W x 1″ D
Color: Silver
Freja’s bestselling bag now comes with a chic tassel charm from buzzy accessories brand Heaven Mayhem. A perfect match that will be quickly become your most-worn accessory this season.
Materials: Vegan leather
Dimensions:11” L x 4.5” H x 3.6” W
Color: Noir
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