Once a bag has passed the phone test, i.e. it can fit a smartphone, it still needs to be durable, lightweight, and functional enough to hold other essentials. Because there are so many purses out there tempting us to purchase, we went out to find the best shoulder bags by interviewing editors, stylists, and influencers. We even tested a few ourselves. Then, we collected our findings into the handy little listicle. Whether you’re looking for a classic baguette bag, or need a little something to bring on a date, we found the best shoulder bags for you, here.
“The small shoulder bag is a direct result of the pandemic when, during lockdown, we stopped needing bags,” says Alexandra Shulman, Chief Trends Officer at Atterley, an online retailer for independent fashion labels, and former editor-in-chief of British Vogue. “Now as the world has re-opened we have become used to carrying less around with us. Also, our reliance on the smartphone means that so much of what we previously needed to carry is contained in this one gadget.”
Some claim diamonds are a girl’s best friend. But if you ask us, we believe shoes and purses make better companions. We simply can never have too many of them, and with so many cute options on the market, why should we limit ourselves?. Recently, we’ve been stocking up on small shoulder bags that are trending. Though we still love oversized totes and hobos, there’s something so good about a smaller bag that holds exactly what you need and nothing more.
Best Overall
Dagne Dover Rider Shoulder Bag
Dagne Dover
View On Dagnedover.com
What We Love
This stylish bag holds a ton and withstands the elements.
What We Don't Love
The strap isn’t adjustable.
Whether you need to hold a lot or a little, this shoulder bag has got you. Made from recycled water bottles, it’s super lightweight and expandable, so you can stuff it if needed. And the organizational pockets on the inside keep your items from getting lost in an abyss. Though it doesn’t have an adjustable strap, we find the 12 inch handle drop fits comfortably under our arm.
We kindly received a sample from the brand, and it officially replaced our large beach bag this summer. Seriously, we can fit our wallets, credit card holders, sunscreen, packable blanket, bucket hat, and even a book without it becoming heavy or too bulky. There is a detachable pouch that comes in clutch for holding onto keys, lip balm, tampons, and other small, losable things. Thanks to the durable material we never have to worry about the bag getting wet or a little sandy — it’s easy to shake out and wipe off. The puffy, crescent shape is adorable and fits in at dinner as much as it does on the beach.
Price at time of publish: $99
Materials: Repreve | Colors: 9 | Size: Medium
Best Splurge
Ralph Lauren Polo ID Calfskin Mini Shoulder Bag
Saks Fifth Avenue
View On Ralphlauren.com
View On Saks Fifth Avenue
What We Love
The sleek exterior and suede interior feel substantial.
What We Don't Love
It’s very small and slim, and therefore can only hold the essentials.
It was love at first sight for writer Bianca Kratky, when she first came across this calfskin leather shoulder bag from Ralph Lauren. And it was quickly followed by an almost immediate heartbreak when she saw the price tag. While it may be out of budget for some, it would be rude to gatekeep such an expertly crafted, beautiful, quiet luxury piece. The slim purse is just as pictured, as Kratky found out when she visited their store on Madison Avenue. A sleek exterior, suede interior, and tasteful gold detailings grace this bag. It is quite slim on the other hand, with just enough space for a phone, small wallet, keys, and lipstick. Anything more might require to be stored in your jeans pockets.
Price at time of publish: $498
Materials: Calfskin leather | Colors: 2 | Size: Small
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Best Designer
Fendi Baguette Jacquard FF Fabric Bag
Fendi
View On Fendi.com
What We Love
It’s an iconic style that will remain relevant for years to come.
What We Don't Love
There aren’t many compartments for you to organize your things in.
There are few things as iconic as Fendi’s baguette bag — the look is so important to fashion that it even received its own episode on Sex and the City. It’s only right, therefore, that we highlight the shoulder bag here as well. Embossed with the FF logo motif on a neutral brown, it’s easy to incorporate this bag into almost any outfit. There’s a top handle as well as a shoulder strap, giving you some options on how to style it. The mini version comes with a chain strap instead of the FF motif strap, if that’s more your style. There aren’t many compartments inside the bag, however, if you’re someone who likes to keep things well organized in their purse.
Price at time of publish: $3,750
Materials: Not listed | Colors: 1 | Size: Medium
Best Sustainable
Hyer Goods Luxe Buckle Bag
Hyer Goods
View On Hyergoods.com
What We Love
It’s made using leather scraps from luxury goods.
What We Don't Love
The slim fit makes it difficult to carry a lot of things.
Ethically made using the leftover scraps from luxury goods, Hyer Goods gives fine leather goods a second chance at fashion. The sustainable brand upcycles “trash”, which not only reduces the amount of waste being sent to landfills, but it also eliminates the carbon footprint needed to cultivate land, livestock, and more. Looking at the beautifully designed bag, you could never tell that it carries a story in its materials already. The minimalist look makes it appealing to a wide range of people, and it can easily be incorporated into any outfit. That being said, the slim fit might not hold a lot of items.
Price at time of publish: $225
Materials: Leather scraps | Colors: 6 | Size: Small
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Best Leather
Polène Numéro Dix
Polène
View On Polene-paris.com
What We Love
The leather is not unlike some more high-end designer pieces.
What We Don't Love
You need to search around a little to find the other colors.
Polène’s knows leather. That’s why the Italian calfskin leather they use — handled by artisans in Ubrique, Spain — looks and feels a whole lot like some of the best designer bags. Kratky would know, as she owns several of their bags already, including this one, thanks to the team at Polène. She’s continuously impressed by the craftsmanship, luxury feel, and structure of the bag. The textured exterior keeps scratches from showing up, and the interior fits a surprising number of things, including a wallet, phone, keys, compact mirror, and chapstick. The bag is offered in several different colors, including black and forest green, but you have to surf through the site a little to find them.
Price at time of publish: $460
Materials: Calf leather | Colors: 9 | Size: Medium
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Best Beaded
Staud Tommy Beaded Bag
Nordstrom
View On Amazon
View On Nordstrom
View On Bergdorfgoodman.com
What We Love
Your outfit will never be boring with these hand-beaded designs.
What We Don’t Love
Because it’s beaded, you need to be careful about wear and tear.
You might want to lock up these beaded bags because they seriously look like works of art. Whenever you need to add a little oomph to your ensemble, Staud seems to have this answer, and the brand's adorable Tommy bags are no different. The beaded style comes in more than 10 different designs, ranging from zebra print to a lobster. “I love that the beaded bag can be a statement piece with a simple outfit or it can complement a fully colorful outfit,” says fashion blogger Abby Bible. We love that the beading covers the entire bag from the straps to the flap cover. While it may look purely for fashion, it’s also functional. “The straps are a comfortable width and length,” says Bible. “The shape fits all that I need with an inside pocket to keep my valuables secure.”
Price at time of publish: $250
Materials: Leather, beads | Colors: 6 | Size: Small
Best Crystal
Kara Crystal Mesh Armpit Bag
Kara
View On Karastore.com
What We Love
It adds some sparkle to both casual and formal outfits.
What We Don't Love
With only a magnetic closure, it’s less secure.
As party-girl chic starts to take off, you’ll need a sparkly bag like this one. According to Klarna, sales of rhinestone shoulder bags increased significantly over the last year. Because rhinestones can easily fall off, fashion writer Dynasty prefers this crystal design for its sturdier construction. “The design speaks to both my glam and punk mood,” says Dynasty. The generous strap and slouchy fit is large enough to fit all your items, including your phone. Though it only has a magnetic clasp, it nestles right under your underarm for extra security. And the smaller size adds just the right amount of bling. “I wear it with a strappy dress for going out or white button down for the day,” says Dynasty. “It makes a classic like the button down look more fun and glam.”
Price at time of publish: $425
Materials: Crystal, satin | Colors: 1 | Size: Medium
Best Croc
JW Pei Ruby Shoulder Bag
Amazon
View On Amazon
View On Jwpei.com
What We Love
It’s made of vegan leather.
What We Don't Love
The uneven bottom makes it impossible to stand upright.
Trendy, affordable, and stylish, JW Pei knows what consumers want. This croc bag was on every influencer’s shoulder for some time, thanks to its sleek yet eye-catching design. And the best part is that no animals were harmed in the process, as it’s made of vegan leather. The bottom curves slightly, which makes it impossible to stand upright should you ever want to let it rest next to you. At least it’s lightweight enough that you can keep it on your shoulder at all times.
Price at time of publish: $99
Materials: Vegan leather | Colors: 7 | Size: Small
Best for Commuting
Radley London Cuba Street Bag
Macy's
View On Amazon
View On Macy's
View On Radleylondon.com
What We Love
It’s the perfect size when you need a little more space without the bulk.
What We Don't Love
The straps could be wider.
While everyone needs a good work tote, sometimes you want a smaller bag that can take you from meetings to happy hour without feeling like you have your entire desk on your shoulder. This medium hobo bag isn’t large enough for a laptop but it offers enough space to stow away a notebook, water bottle, and all your other essentials. Case in point: Writer Emily Cieslak needed to run directly from a work meeting to a workout class, so she stuffed her biker shorts and sports bra and still had room for her wallet, phone, and keys in this bag. From the outside, she looked put together and polished even though she was ready to break a sweat.
Made from vegetable-tanned leather, the bag is so soft and looks way more expensive than it is. The tubular handle comfortably sits on your shoulder or in the crook of your arm. If you want to go hands-free, simply attach the adjustable crossbody strap. There is also a detachable key leash that can even be used for a work badge. Every minute counts during your morning commute, right?
Price at time of publish: $325
Materials: Leather | Colors: 5 | Size: Medium
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Best Houndstooth
Anine Bing Nico Bag
Anine Bing
View On 24s.com
View On Aninebing.com
View On Bloomingdales
What We Love
The knit fabric and classic patterns are sure to turn heads.
What We Don’t Love
The knit material can be harder to keep clean.
If you want to add some instant class to your outfit, just top it off with a checkered accessory. With this ’90s-inspired baguette bag, you can choose between houndstooth, plaid, or a classic check. The fabrics amplify an already preppy outfit or add contrast to something more edgy. “This one is the perfect statement bag for fall,” says Chloe Anello, senior commerce editor at InStyle. “I brought it to an Alvin Ailey performance and so many strangers stopped me just to compliment me on it.” Little touches like the gold turnlock and the tubular handle that’s also covered in the fuzzy fabric make it look extra luxe. Inside you’ll find a zippered pocket and just the right amount of space for your essentials. “It holds just enough for a night out — phone, wallet, lipstick, and hand sanitizer — so you won't be stuck carrying too much extra stuff with you,” says Anello.
Price at time of publish: $350
Materials: Wool, acrylic, polyester | Colors: 3 | Size: Medium
Best Woven
Naghedi Nomad Hobo
Bloomingdale's
View On Bloomingdales
View On Maisonette.com
View On Naghedinyc.com
What We Love
The design adds some beachy-texture year round.
What We Don’t Love
It doesn’t have inner pockets.
Sara Naghedi started her eponymous line with the mission to reduce fashion waste by creating bags that are seasonless. The Nomad hobo is like your favorite straw bag that you can wear all year round. Unlike straw, the woven neoprene is more durable and will never scratch or poke. Anello fell in love with the hand woven texture and found the design quite practical as well. “It doesn't have inside pockets, but to keep everything from being thrown straight to the bottom, it comes with a matching pouch that you can fit your wallet and smaller items, like chapstick, in,” says Anello. “It only comes in neutral shades (mine is navy), so it matches everything.” Besides the material and color, the bag’s size is ideal for everyday wear. It’s large enough to fit a laptop without overwhelming your frame like some beach bags do. Consider it the goldilocks of hobos.
Price at time of publish: $275
Materials: Neoprene | Colors: 3 | Size: Large
Best Customizable
Island to East Side Medium Structured Clutch
Island to East Side
View On Islandtoeastside.com
What We Love
This personalized beaded bag is a gift no one will forget.
What We Don’t Love
It takes up to a month to get your bag, and all sales are final.
Is there anything that screams main character energy more than a purse with your name on it? Whether you are creating one for yourself or a loved one, this customizable bag is an incredible gift. Cieslak was given the opportunity to design her own and the online process was fun and seamless. After you choose your shape and size, you then select the font, the phrase, colors, and the type of chain. We recommend looking at the different examples on the website to get a better idea of how the color and font combinations will turn out. Cieslak went with gold text on a turquoise background and it looked even better than she imagined. The beading is extremely high quality and sturdy, with every inch covered and no loose strands. A velvet interior adds an extra touch of glam and a card slot lets you ditch your wallet. The medium flap cover easily holds a phone and other essentials. Because every bag is custom made, it takes about a month to get your order and all sales are final, so you want to give yourself enough time to proofread and order your design. Carrie Bradshaw may have her signature necklace, but I think this bag is even better.
Price at time of publish: $198
Materials: Beads, velvet | Colors: Custom | Size: Small
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