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ELLE’s Shopping Editors Never Get Tired of These 18 Shoulder Bags
Santa, if you’re seeing this, we’ve been really good this year.
Remember that time Dakota Johnson was photographed with her hands full? She apparently didn’t have a purse, so she juggled her keys, wallet, phone, an iced coffee, a hot coffee, and a few other things. While we appreciate that she double fists coffee just like the rest of us, we also hate to see anyone without a great shoulder bag. After all, they do serve a purpose.
The ideal vessel lands somewhere between the ridiculously tiny (but very cute) micro purses and the oversized totes that many of us carry to work. This leaves us with shoulder bags, the perfect happy medium. Ahead, we’ve rounded up a selection that spans all varieties of colors, textures, and prints. Some are designer, a few are budget-friendly, and all of them come with ELLE’s seal of approval. Scroll on for the 18 best shoulder bags to shop now.
Payton Pampinto calls this bag the apple of her eye, her prized possession, and saving grace. Not to mention, it’s one of the coveted items New Yorkers will chase down the street just to find out where it’s from.
Colors: Black, Dark Brown, Beige, Amarone, Rust
Material: Suede, hardware
A sentiment that no one can argue: Coach knows how to make a damn good bag.
Colors: Black, Maple
Material: Leather
The thin, rolled shoulder straps and top stitch detail on this Freja bag feel super luxe, while the overall design is minimal supermodel chic. Plus, the large shoulder opening allows ample space for layering, making this bag relevant through all of the seasons. (Vanessa Powell recommends tucking the flap closure inside to transform the look.)
Colors: Black, Oat, Pecan, Espresso
Material: Vegan leather
Melie Bianco’s recycled vegan leather is sleek, soft, and smooth. The Willow’s asymmetrical design follows the body’s natural alignment, making it as comfortable to wear as it is stylish.
Colors: 9 colors
Material: Recycled vegan leather
“Alaia’s Le Teckel bag is the perfect not-too-big, not-too-small shoulder bag. I’d honestly take any of the colors, but the new animal print release feels extra special.”—Alexis Bennett Parker, commerce lead
Colors: Print
Material: Leather
Minimalists, you can thank us later. Starring in Payton’s early morning coffee runs and taking a bow after late date nights, her St. Agni bag never really sleeps.
Colors: Black
Material: Leather, cotton
Does fringe have you, too, in a chokehold? We’re right there with you. This playful style will bring movement to even the simplest of winter outfits.
Colors: White
Material: Leather
Prada Cleo Brushed Leather Shoulder Bag
“If you thought I’d be over the Cleo by now, you thought wrong. I’m still very much in love with this bag. By my standards, it’s perfect—just the right size, shape, and look for any and every occasion or outfit.”—Meg Donohue, associate fashion commerce editor
Colors: Black, Silver, White
Materials: Leather, metal
This delicious cutie comes in a splashy red, making it perfect for holiday parties, head-to-toe black ensembles, or the always classic jeans and a white tee.
Colors: Apple Red Crinkle
Material: Leather, polyester
One look at this bag, and you’ll understand why Kate Middleton is such a big fan of the brand. Every DeMellier style feels modern, classic, and clean. The shape of this bag is very on-trend.
Colors: Black Lizard, Black, Off-White
Material: Leather, cotton
Tortoiseshell is another underrated print this season, and one that we seldom see among purses. Snag this affordable style while you still can.
Colors: Classic Tortoise
Material: Leather
“Truth be told, this Polene bag has become a second appendage. I’ve worn it to summer barbecues with a silk scarf tied onto it, and I just carried it through a 10-day trip to Europe, where it fit everything I needed while out and about. There’s nowhere I wouldn’t take this bag.”—Dale Arden Chong, senior fashion commerce editor
Colors: 12 colors
Material: Leather, suede
Here, we have a divinely executed bowler bag from Danish designer Aesther Ekme. The color is to die for, the strap length is ideal, and the shape is magnificent. Perfect strike!
Colors: Brown
Material: Calfskin, polyester
Let this serve as a major PSA that Mango makes ridiculously chic bags.
Colors: Brown
Material: Vegan leather
Madewell and hobo bags both seem to be the talk of the town as of late—at least among the ELLE crew—so this is an obvious choice.
Colors: True Black, Hazelnut, Chocolate Raisin, Shaded Olive, Deep Merlot
Material: Leather
Meet your new canvas for all those bag charms, keychains, and scarf ties. Bucket bags are so back.
Colors: Dark Brown, Cognac, Light Brown, Red
Materials: Leather
Michael Kors Avra Medium Suede Crossbody Bag
This slim suede bag from Michael Kors is just big enough for the essentials: your lipgloss, phone, and wallet.
Colors: Camel, Smokey Olive
Material: Leather
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