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Does anyone know the right way to hold a designer handbags anymore? In the early aughts, fashion folks and Hollywood trendsetters would prop these pricey goods on the crook of their arm, but on the fall 2024 runways, many models parading down the catwalks at Miu Miu, Ferragamo, Fendi, and more had their hands firmly clutching the bottom of designer handbags like a football player running to the end zone — très chic, sure, but incredibly inconvenient. When it comes to the very best luxury shoulder bags, there’s no question where and how the accessory is meant to function in your daily life and hang on the body.
Top Designer Shoulder Bags of 2024
A good luxury shoulder bag is a crucial investment above all other purse styles for it’s multi-purpose use. Larger designer shoulder bags — such as trendy shopper styles and boho-chic slouchy silhouettes — tend to be a gal’s go-to for work bags, weekend adventures, or for the mother who can do it all, a place to store everything from your wallet to kid snacks toys. Most importantly, a truly worth-every-penny shoulder bag is made to allow the wearer to go hands-free should make it effortless to move with ease while it fits comfortably under the arm and firmly in place. Top fashion designers know this — and this season, brands like Bottega Veneta, Chloé, and Loewe delivered with an assortment of large shoulder bag styles in a variety of colors and materials.
Gucci fall 2024 runway collection
Getty
Not every luxury shoulder bag is meant to be a daytime carryall of cherished treasures. Petite purses that hang on the shoulder can complete your evening ensemble or brunch attire. Think the iconic Fendi baguette bag or elongated East-West bags that fit your small essentials without an abundance of bulk. Alaia’s popular Le Teckel and Jil Sander’s cute Cannolo bag make a great case for small shoulder bags that go long. Ladylike bags (a big fall 2024 trend), such as a small Gucci Jackie 1961 and Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello’s Mini Manhattan Bag, are ideal slender shoulder companions with just the right amount of structure.
Regardless of which designer handbag style has caught your eye, you’ll want to consider the shoulder strap length and the size of the bag to find one that best suits both your style and needs. “I always consider the length of the shoulder strap — I like using it as a shoulder handbag and crossbody bag,” says Caroline Maguire, Fashion Director of Shopbop. “Since I am always on the go, size is also a big factor, too. My shoulder bag needs to be big enough to carry all my essentials — like a tote bag — but small enough to transition to a crossbody without being too clunky.”
Below, we highlight the top designer shoulder bag styles of the season so you can find the perfect luxury carrier that you’ll proudly display as it hangs against your arm for any and all occasions.
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Best investment designer shoulder bag
Coach Times Square Tabby Bag 17 With Quilting
The Times Square Tabby Bag, Coach’s latest release to the Tabby Bag family, combines several elements of some of fall 2024’s hottest trends, from the chain strap detail that hangs nicely on one’s shoulder to the rich merlot colorway that’s on trend with other top fashion labels — and fashion lovers can’t get enough of it. Smooth Napa leather is washed to deliver a more lived-in look with panels stitched to make to make a diagonal quilting pattern (similar to Coach Tabby Bags with quilting that continue to be a hit since early 2024). It’s the little design details that elevate the minimalist designer bag, like touches of gold hardware, and give it the versatility to be donned with just about any outfit aesthetic of the day.
Here, the Times Square Tabby Shoulder Bag 17 is the smallest model in the line of new releases, making it an ideal small shoulder bag to compliment the brand’s popular Empire Carryall 48 for work and weekend travel. Should you want a more standard mid-sized purse, the Times Square Tabby 26 is sure to meet your needs.
This top shoulder bag release for fall 2024 is just another example of how Coach has impressed fashion consumers looking for a quality bag with a more reasonable price point compared to other designer bags on the market. No wonder the brand was dubbed one of the hottest fashion brands in the Lyst Index’s Q2 2024 report.
Price upon publish date of this article: $395
Freja New York Mini Chrystie Bag
Allow us to introduce you to the emerging handbag brand that’s on the lips of every fashion insider right now: Freja New York. Just this season, we’ve seen Freja bags carried by Hailey Bieber, Jennifer Lawrence, and Katie Holmes. What’s to love? The female-owned brand is known for its minimalist sentiment and luxurious vegan leather that’s ultra-durable and resistant to stains — just take a damp washcloth to the material and even ketchup disappears sans residue.
The Freja Mini Chrystie handbag is editor tested and approved: The straps are long enough to sit comfortably over a sweater and the bag hits at a flattering point near the mid-waist. Inside, the small shoulder bag is lined in vegan suede that goes soft on delicate goods like designer wallets or small vials of perfume. It’s spacious enough to house all that plus an iPhone max and a few lipsticks.
Price upon publication of this article: $258
Sullivan tests Freja New York’s Mini Chrystie handbag. Captured with the Leica Q3 camera.
Gucci Jackie Small Shoulder Bag
While the Gucci Jackie shoulder bag has been a brand signature since it debuted in 1961, its recent resurgence has re-introduced the bag to a younger audience. Variations of this leather shoulder bag have been seen on stars ranging from Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (its namesake) to Kate Moss and more recently Dua Lipa and Taylor Swift.
As one of Gucci’s best handbags of all time, this small shoulder bag features a trending crescent shape that sits snugly under the arm, a gleaming patent leather finish, and a hook closure. The seven-inch strap is convertible with an additional strap that extends the drop to 20 inches, featuring Gucci’s green and red Web design. Understated and iconic at once, this is a top shoulder bag you’ll get compliments on year-round.
Price upon publication of this article: $3,300
WWD Shop editors test the Gucci Jackie handbag in our New York City office. Captured with the Leica Q3 camera.
Best small shoulder bag
Polo Ralph Lauren Polo ID Mini Shoulder Bag
There’s a newfound appreciation for Ralph Lauren’s simply stunning designs this season, thanks to renewed interest in classic Americana fashion and the rise of the quiet luxury trend. The Polo ID Calfskin mini shoulder bag deserves high marks for it’s easy-to-wear crescent silhouette, intriguing and useful dual-compartment saddle design that epitomizes of style without sacrificing functionality, and high-quality craftsmanship that showcases every thoughtful design detail we’ve come to love and expect from all of Ralph Lauren’s offerings.
The small designer shoulder bag’s great price point makes it one of the most appealing bags of the season with several variations of colorways and textures (including a supple suede version). The bags 8.5-inch maximum drop ensures you’ll be able to adjust the flat strap that lays nicely on the shoulder to your liking and attire (because bulky winter coats call for a little extra room under the arm).
Price upon publish date of this article: $498
Best medium designer shoulder bag
Robinson Crosshatched Shoulder Bag
The Tory Burch Renaissance shows no signs of a slow down with the fashion label’s most coveted shoulder bag release. The Robinson Crosshatched bag has convertible straps to be worn as both a shoulder and a crossbody bag, which increases this top Tory Burch bag’s cost-per-wear value for smart consumers to take note.
Available in a dark green colorway that tracks with one of the fall 2024 season’s hottest color trends, this small Tory Burch shoulder bag adds an unexpected textural element with it’s embossed leather detail, while its simple-yet-structured design ensures comfort as it hangs from your shoulders and protects your small everyday essentials.
Price upon publish date of this article: $398
Best contemporary designer shoulder bag
Staud Ollie Bag
Staud’s Ollie Bag meets our expectations with it’s sturdy cowhide exterior in an effective silhouette that holds your phone, wallet, keys and a few extra glam goodies. While the bag lays flat on your shoulder with it’s simple leather strap, the touch of gold and silver chain links provide a boost in style points — it’s basically the equivalent of shoulder jewelry to dress up your stylish leather jacket or soft cashmere sweater this season.
Price upon publish date of this article: $250
Best Large Designer Shoulder Bag for Work and Weekends
Coach Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39
Coach’s popular Brooklyn Bag 39, a favorite for fashion editors and TikTok users alike, has become a purse collector’s must-have for it’s exquisite functional-yet-stylish design for work that fits a 15-inch laptop with a slim shape that rests comfortable from your shoulder with wide strap.
The top designer shoulder bag’s minimalist look in gorgeous autumnal colorways will develop a rich patina with wear, thanks to its high-quality vegetable tanned natural grain leather. Consider this shoulder bag option to be both on-trend for boho chic style and timeless for its stunning simplicity.
Price upon publish date of this article: $495
Cuyana Oversized Linea Bag
A sophisticated take on an everyday bag, Cuyana’s Oversized Linea shoulder bag is done in Italian leather with one thick adjustable strap. Where most tote bags can be cavernous — causing you to reach and root around to find what you’re looking for, this one is full of internal compartments that keep your bits and bobs organized. There’s an internal zip pocket, a sleeve that can fit up to 13-inch laptops, a key hook, and multiple pockets for your phone and wallet.
Yes, this is one of the best shoulder bags for work (and even a great shoulder bag for school), but it’s also understated enough to wear to happy hour drinks or weekend errands. Choose from three earthy colorways with this hobo shoulder bag, including stone, clay, and charcoal.
Price upon publication of this article: $498
WWD Shop editors test Cuyana’s shoulder bag in New York City. Captured with the Leica Q3 camera.
WWD/ Adam Mansuroglu
Best Designer Shoulder Tote Bag
Mansur Gavriel Everyday Soft Tote Shoulder Bag
Mansur Gavriel became a smash success with its initial launch of the brand’s beloved bucket bag, but the Everyday Soft Tote continues to be a top seller for super supple Italian tumbled calfskin leather and minimalist design for everyday use. The 9.8-inch handle drop is perfect to sling on your shoulder while it holds a 16-inch laptop, small necessities, and plenty of space left over to admire the bright lining that’s sure to spark joy on a daily basis. From college girls to working moms, the Everyday Soft Tote is a sure-bet shoulder bag when you need a trusty leather carrier.
Price upon publish date of this article: $795
Best Nylon Designer Shoulder Bag for Travel
Longchamp Large Le Pilage Tote Shoulder Bag
Longchamp’s classic Le Pilage has reached new levels of popularity this year as the style set travels for work and pleasure with the need for a sturdy shoulder bag that provides ample arm room and a design that can collapse and fold to fit in a suitcase. Consider the top luxury shoulder bag’s fresh colorways for fall 2024, like this steel gray style that pairs perfectly with an assortment of neutrals and bold pops of color.
Several WWD Shop editors credit the bag as an essential when you need a shoulder bag that fits all your must-haves and can take on daily wear while maintaining a fresh-out-of-the-box look in weather-resistant nylon.
Price upon publish date of this article: $155
Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello Calypso Large Bag
When our editors first laid eyes — and hands — on Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello’s Calypso bag, there were audible “oohs” and “ahhs.” This stunning envelope-shaped shoulder bag is unbelievably soft to the touch; it’s made in supple grained lambskin with pillowy padding that contrasts with the bag’s gold hardware. The sliding chain straps allow you to wear it as a classic shoulder bag that sits comfortably under the arm, or with a longer drop that sits near the hips.
You won’t be left wanting in terms of capacity, as this large designer shoulder bag can fit your daily belongings plus a change of clothes or a makeup bag.
Price upon publication of this article: $3,500
WWD Shop editors test Saint Laurent’s Calpyso shoulder bag in our New York City office. Captured with the Leica Q3 camera.
Loewe Flamenco Purse
Loewe’s Flamenco purse was recently designed as a shoulder bag this year with a chain donut strap and a detachable crossbody strap. This makes the sought-after clutch bag all the more versatile to wear, while maintaining key Flamenco details like the signature knots and ruched design.
Our editors rate this purse as one of the best shoulder bags for travel due to its versatility: Wear it with a shirt dress for a day-trip to the vineyard, or team it with a little nothing dress for a night out. It’s available in eight neutral-to-bold colorways, but we’re partial to this statement emerald green tone we’ve seen on recent runways.
Price upon publication of this article: $3,650
WWD Shop editors evaluate Loewe’s Flamenco shoulder bag in our New York City office. Captured with the Leica Q3 camera.
Best New Small Designer Shoulder Bag Release
Chloé The 99 Leather Shoulder Bag
Remember the early aughts-loved Chloé Paddington bag? It’s back and better than ever! The 99 Leather Shoulder Bag is a fresh take on the 2005 release as the storied French fashion house has a major resurgence under Chemena Kamali. The iconic Paddington lock is the only heavy hardware element on this baguette-shaped grained calfskin leather, making it less of a shoulder workout as you make moves across town from day to night. The bag strap’s whopping 10-inch strap drop provides more than enough room for winter outerwear without cramping your style. Whether your style aesthetic is more romantic or more practical, the 99 Leather Shoulder Bag appeals to wide range of consumers looking for the perfect little black bag.
Price upon publish date of this article: $1,990
Gabriela Hearst Taylor Bag
The beauty of Gabriela Hearst’s Taylor shoulder bag is all in the details. It has a structured design with folds on the face of the bag, plus one hefty chain that you can slip onto your shoulder or tuck inside to carry the bag as an oversized clutch.
A framed top and push-lock closure help the bag maintain its stunning silhouette, while the wide opening allows you to easily see what you’ve stowed inside. While testing this top shoulder bag, our editors were able to fit a long wallet, an iPhone Max, headphones, and soft goods like a small makeup pouch.
Price upon publication of this article: $3,450
WWD Shop editors test Gabriela Hearst’s Taylor shoulder bag in our New York City office. Captured with the Leica Q3 camera.
Coach Tabby Shoulder Bag 33
As seen on the arms of Jennifer Lopez, Selena Gomez, Camila Mendes, and too many street style stars to count on both hands, the Coach Tabby Bag is back for 2024. The design has roots in an archival Coach handbag from the ’70s — a purse that stood out at the time for its ability to be worn as a crossbody bag or a shoulder bag. Earlier this year, Coach debuted this quilted iteration of the Tabby Bag and six limited-edition collections, spanning from pastels to denim to tie dye, with many of the drops selling out in mere hours after their launch.
This top shoulder bag offers all the special features of a designer handbag that’d go for double the price: It’s done in supple nappa leather with a zippered internal pocket and a leather and chain strap. While the Tabby 26 and Tabby 20 are popular sizes, we’re partial to the Coach Tabby 33 bag for its capacity. Inside, you’ll find two spacious pockets that are sizable enough for a small notebook or mini iPad, plus a zippered sleeve for essentials like your keys and credit cards.
Price upon publication of this article: $725
WWD Shop editor Claire Sullivan tests Coach’s Tabby shoulder bag. Captured with the Leica Q3 camera.
WWD/ Adam Mansuroglu
Are Designer Shoulder Bags Worth It?
Yes, a shoulder bag is a wise investment. Since the designer resale market is hot, your bag will hold its value and be re-sellable. Another great bonus to a designer shoulder bag is that they’re truly timeless.
“We see bags as seasonless, a staple that can transition with you from day to night, summer to fall, or year to year,” Maguire explains. “From experimenting with new colorways and materials to incorporating vintage silhouettes or modernizing classic styles, your bag is timeless and can be used to freshen up any look,” she adds.
To ensure that your designer shoulder bag lasts the test of time and everyday elements, it’s important to treat them well. “As mentioned, we want these bags to last! I always store my bags in a duster bag on a shelf or in a drawer, keeping all the dust away and helping the bag maintain its shape,” notes Maguire.
Shoulder bags have been in style for decades. They first gained traction in the 1940s during the Second World War when practicality was of the utmost importance. Women would sling their shoulder bags on and head to their job or wartime support efforts. In the 1960s, however, the Space Age influenced the style. Chic women were sporting miniskirts, thin ribbed knits, minimal jewelry, go-go boots, and shoulder bags in various colors and materials. As style continued to evolve, the shoulder bag became hugely iconic in the ‘90s and early 2000s. Every style star and celebrity from Paris Hilton and Britney Spears to The Spice Girls was rocking low-rise denim, crop tops, platforms, and shoulder bags in sequins, patent leather, velvet, and studded iterations. While the shoulder bag style has evolved in terms of fabrication and silhouette, its classic function and versatility have remained constant, making it one of the essential bag styles to invest in.
What to Look for In the Best Shoulder Bags for 2024
- Features: Shoulder bags often come with a short strap, but there are also versions with longer straps and those with adjustable straps. This allows the shopper to change the length of the bag depending on their outerwear should they need a bit more wiggle room. An adjustable strap essentially acts as multiple bags in one — who can resist that? Shoulder bags typically come fixed with a zipper or snap closure and either inner compartments to separate your essentials or one main compartment for everything.
- Materials: Designer shoulder bags come in luscious suede, buttery leather, and patent leather, adorned with sparkly embellishments, satin, and velvet options. They come fixed with gold chain straps, soft suede ones, and removable straps so you can wear your shoulder bag as a clutch bag. High-quality materials only get better with age and wear. The materials will also play a big role in the shape of your bag. The softer the material, like satin, the more pillowy your shoulder bag will look. The more rugged the material, like a box-leather, the more structure your shoulder bag will have. “A handbag is a staple piece — an essential to complement your existing (and evolving) wardrobe — so quality is very important when choosing your favorite. In addition, you want your handbag to last, so I always look for high-quality leathers, hardware, and materials, as this goes a long way when your bag is constantly by your side,” suggests Maguire.
- Size: From larger that are great for the office and bucket styles that are perfect for hitting the flea market to sparkly or embellished versions that are meant for your next party look, you can’t go wrong with a designer shoulder bag. Perfect for every occasion, designer shoulder bags come in all different shapes and sizes. As the Fendi Baguette trend of the early 2000s showed us, a short strap adds a cool, sporty twist to your look, while a larger shoulder bag will add more of a casual spin.
How We Selected the Best Designer Shoulder Bags
Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections.
To create this list of the best shoulder bags of 2024, our editors reviewed recent runway to zero in on top shoulder bag trends in terms of shape, hardware, and color. In addition to researching the market, our editorial team conducted hands-on testing with the top shoulder bags on this list. Our editors purchased some of the shoulder bags for testing, evaluated samples sent from top handbag brands, and scoured consignment shops to get hands-on with rare shoulder bags. During testing, we evaluated materials, construction, capacity, and special features of the shoulder bags to ensure they deserved a spot on our list of top shoulder bags. We also interviewed a fashion expert for input on what to look for in top shoulder bags and additional advice on caring for these luxury accessories. Our list includes a mix of trending silhouettes and colorways as well as classic shoulder bags that present as timeless accessories. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Expert
Caroline Maguire has been the Fashion Director of Shopbop for nearly a decade. Prior to Shopbop, she has held Fashion Director positions at Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdales. You can follow Shopbop on Instagram at @shopbop.
Meet the Authors
Claire Sullivan is the Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor for Footwear News and WWD, where she writes and edits fashion, beauty, and lifestyle stories. She has over eight years of experience as a writer and editor for national media outlets including Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. She keeps her finger on the pulse of all things related to beauty and wellness, as well as the latest shopping trends from top handbag brands. Sullivan regularly tests handbags for consideration in WWD Shop stories, and she contributed to the June 2024 update of this article on the best luxury shoulder bags.
Adam Mansuroglu is the Director of Commerce for Footwear News and WWD, overseeing strategy for shopping content on both brands, along with writing and editing shopping guides, product reviews, and shopping trend stories across fashion, beauty, home and lifestyle product categories for men and women. Prior to his current role, Mansuroglu was a fashion editor and stylist at Cosmopolitan Magazine, Style Editor at BestProducts.com, and Senior Style and Gear Editor at Men’s Health Magazine. Mansuroglu contributed to the October 2024 update of this article on the best designer shoulder bags with new product selections that reflect runway trends.
