At first, shopping for an everyday handbag seems simple, but it can be a challenge with so many silhouettes to try. Bucket bags, crossbody bags, oversize totes, and even belt pouches—the list goes on. Yet one bag remains at the forefront of stylistic need: a designer shoulder bag.
Classic designer shoulder bags reimagined seasonally from Gucci, Celine, and the Row are always worthy options. But now, a new crop of contemporary styles is making waves among fashion insiders, from Manu Atelier’s cylindrical shoulder bag to Toteme’s T-Lock bag, which doubles as a top-handle carryall. So, what sets the best designer shoulder bags apart from the rest? For Manu Atelier’s brand founders and creative directors, Merve and Beste Manastir, the balance sits between need and want. “A great shoulder bag effortlessly combines striking sculptural aesthetics with practical functionality,” they say. “We place a high emphasis on the quality of craftsmanship and meticulously pay attention to every detail, from the initial stages of creation to the final touches.” That’s what we want every bag to embody.
Ahead, find structured shapes, modern hues, and timeless designs that make these 15 best designer shoulder bags great choices to use now and keep forever.
Related article: The ’90s Shoulder Bags Are Back!
The Best Designer Shoulder Bags of 2023
A PEBBLE-GRAINED SHOULDER BAG
Toteme T-Lock Bag
For both special occasions and casual days, look to Toteme. The T-Lock bag is crafted in Italy from pebble-grained leather and punctuated by contrast topstitching. I may be biased toward minimal silhouettes, but this bag is a must.
Materials: 100 percent cow leather
A SOFT HANDLE SHOULDER BAG
The Row Small Everyday Shoulder Bag
The Row, the Row, the Row. The brand that needs no introduction— especially after the past year’s obsession with all things “quiet luxury.” The Everyday shoulder bag is just big enough for lip oil, an iPhone, headphones, and a bundle of credit cards.
Materials: Grained calfskin leather
A CYLINDRICAL SHOULDER BAG
Manu Atelier Cylinder Shoulder Bag
Manu Atelier’s founders and creative directors wanted this line of bags to stand out, including the cylindrical shoulder bag. “It offers versatile functionality, whether worn as a shoulder bag or a crossbody,” the creatives explain. “With its genderless design, it immediately became an essential accessory for everyday style.”
Materials: 100 percent calf leather
A SHOULDER BAG WITH GOLD FINISHING
Celine Medium Ava Strap Bag
It wouldn’t be a handbag list without a Celine inclusion, and for good reason. By now, we all know that Celine transcends trends and aesthetic cycles thanks to its focus on simple, yet impactful designs. Just take a look at the Ava bag—it’s seasonless.
Materials: Calfskin, suede
A PLAYFUL DESIGNER SHOULDER BAG
JW Anderson Bumper-15 Leather Shoulder Bag
JW Anderson never fails to design collections brimming with playful details that also work for every day. Case in point: the Bumper-15 bag, designed with a chunky border and rounded edge.
Materials: 80 percent lambskin, 20 percent calfskin
A SUEDE SHOULDER BAG
Bottega Veneta The Teen Jodie Intrecciato Suede Bag
The Jodie bag’s winning streak is nowhere near over. Various iterations are available now, but I particularly love the luxe, buttery suede on this one.
Materials: Suede
A SLOUCHY SHOULDER BAG
Saint Laurent Le 5 à 7 Soft Shoulder Bag
Saint Laurent reinterprets its iconic Le 5 à 7 Soft shoulder bag with this slouchy, burgundy design. Toss it on with a blazer and jeans or an all-white summer look.
Materials: Leather
A MODERN SHOULDER BAG
Little Liffner Black Slanted Shoulder Bag
For a minimal shoulder bag that will turn heads, look to Little Liffner. This glossy black leather option has a slanted silhouette that adds a sharp twist to any outfit you put together.
Materials: Calfskin
A BOHO-INSPIRED SHOULDER BAG
Khaite August Leather Shoulder Bag
Designed in an artfully curved shape, Khaite’s August shoulder bag is made in Italy from butter-soft leather. Even better, it has a surplus of room inside for daily necessities.
Materials: Leather
A CLASSIC SHOULDER BAG
Gucci Ophidia Leather-Trimmed Printed Shoulder Bag
Gucci is always a good idea, and the Ophidia bag is an ideal designer option for every occasion. Of course, it’s embellished with the brand’s signature gold-tone GG motif.
Materials: Coated canvas, leather
A HARDWARE-FREE SHOULDER BAG
Loewe Puzzle Leather Shoulder Bag
Loewe’s latest version of the classic Puzzle bag comes in an array of hues—from this army green to orange and bright baby blue.
Materials: Leather
A MULTIUSE SHOULDER BAG
Polo Ralph Lauren Polo Ralph Lauren Polo ID Bag
Like most Polo Ralph Lauren pieces, this bag is multiuse. The ID Bag, made from glossy black leather, can be carried as a crossbody bag or shoulder bag.
Materials: Leather
A HANDMADE SHOULDER BAG
Hereu Black Bauza Bag
Hereu’s bags are made in Spain by local artisans—so expect an alluring attention to detail on styles like the Bauza bag. This design features a single shoulder strap, top-zip fastening, and magnetic strap fastening.
Materials: Calf leather
A CRESCENT-SHAPED SHOULDER BAG
Fendi Fendigraphy Small Shoulder Bag
It doesn’t get more iconic than Fendi, and this bag is a celebration of that. Soft beige leather has been decorated with vintage gold metal FENDI lettering at the base—a chic surprise when it’s worn on the shoulder.
Materials: Leather
Photo: J.Crew Factory
A SHOULDER BAG WITH SCULPTURAL LINES
Neous Phoenix Leather Shoulder Bag
A favourite of mine, the Phoenix bag is made from smooth leather by Italian artisans, and you can tell. An egg-shaped gold-tone clasp finishes the sleek shape inspired by Modernist architecture.
Materials: Leather
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This article originally appeared in Harper's BAZAAR US.