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ELLE Editors Swear By These Designer Shoulder Bags for Your Next Investment
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There’s a reason the shoulder bag endures: it’s a wardrobe staple that manages to feel both timeless and of-the-moment (I mean, just look at the staying power of the Fendi Baguette). Worn with nonchalance or intentional polish, it lends any look a certain ease. And this season, it’s less about logos and more about silhouettes: crescent curves, boxy minis, slouchy leathers—all with quiet, confident details that speak volumes without trying too hard.
Best Designer Shoulder Bags Shopping List
- The Classic Silhouette: Gucci GG Marmont Medium Shoulder Bag, $2,850
- For the Office Girls: Balenciaga Rodeo Medium Grained Leather Top-Handle Bag, $4,450
- A Bold Moment: Lesportsac x Roberto Cavalli Venezia Medium Shoulder Bag, $350
- A Chic Top-Handle Bag: Stella McCartney Ryder Faux Leather Shoulder Bag, $1,695
- Everyday Go-To: Alaïa Le Teckel Shoulder Bag, $2,450
- The Statement Piece: Bottega Veneta Small Kalimero Città, $3,950
- The Timeless Suede: Khaite Audrey Suede Top Handle Bag, $3,600
Whether it’s paired with a dress for brunch, peeking out from beneath a trench, or tucked under the arm with off-duty denim, the right shoulder bag doesn’t follow trends—it defines them. It’s not just an accessory; it’s a statement. And if you’re going to invest in one bag this season, this is it.
I genuinely consider this bag a classic go-to—the kind you’ll carry through every chapter of your life. It’s the piece I instinctively reach for to add a touch of polish and ease to any outfit, making it well worth the splurge.
Dimensions: Height: 5.9 inches; width: 10.2 inches; depth: 2.8 inches
Colors: 9 options
Material: Suede leather
Balenciaga Rodeo Medium Grained Leather Top-Handle Bag
If the Birkin had a downtown sister with a softer edge, this would be it. “I hate how much I love this bag. It’s the perfectly slouched version of the Birkin, and it’s much cooler because of it. Gone are the days of teeny tiny purses that you carried in one hand with your iPhone clutched in the other. I want everything in my purse—a book, a spare book, a planner, a lip combo, 37 loose hair ties, and the kitchen sink,” says Alexandra Hildreth, fashion news editor.
Dimensions: Height: 9.5 inches; width: 13.6 inches; depth: 4.5 inches
Colors: Black
Material: 100% calfskin leather
Some bags are conversation starters—others become part of your personality. For Madison Rexroat, assistant accessories editor, this one does both. “Anyone who’s gone for a night out with me or seen my Instagram the past few months has seen this Roberto Cavalli x LeSportSac bag. I’m a fiend for zebra print (though it comes in tiger, snake, blue and black, too) and the slick exterior fabric has withstood Coachella dust, Thailand humidity, Mediterranean salt air, New York City grime, and everything in between,” says Rexroat.
Dimensions: Height: 8.7 inches; width: 16.1 inches; depth: 2.8 inches
Colors: White/Black Zebra Print, Yellow/Black Zebra Print
Material: 1oo% nylon
Clean lines and a thoughtful silhouette—sometimes that’s all it takes for a shoulder bag to become a closet staple. “Simply put, I love the shape of this bag. It feels very on-trend with some of the more minimal styles that have been on the market, but the slight dip in the middle gives it a bit of an unexpected touch,” says Dale Arden Chong, senior fashion commerce editor.
Dimensions: Height: 7.6 inches; width: 14 inches; depth: 6.8 inches
Colors: Black, Bordeaux, Brandy
Material: 100% polyamide
Structured, but never stiff, the Le Teckel is something you’ll spot on all of the fashion girls in Paris, given its striking shape and elongated straps. “I’ve been hypnotized by the Le Teckel family ever since it debuted during the spring/summer 2024 season. I’m especially in love with this upgraded version because it can hold all the necessities and fit comfortably on my shoulder, thanks to its elongated straps,” Alexis Bennett Parker, ELLE’s commerce content lead, says. “Plus, it’s an architectural work of art that’s crafted with sharp lines. This is the type of bag that makes a pair of jeans and a T-shirt look instantly chic and will never go out of style.”
Dimensions: Height: 4.3 inches; width: 13 inches; depth: 3.9 inches
Colors: Noir, Dark Green, Ivory, Grey
Material: 100% leather
Some bags are instantly iconic—others only deepen their appeal with time. Bennett Parker still can’t get over the craftsmanship of one particular standout. “Speaking of work of art, there aren’t many bags as beautifully crafted as Bottega Veneta’s Kalimero. It’s the first bag Matthieu Blazy created for the Milanese fashion house, and to this day, I’m still smitten by its intricate beauty,” she says.
Dimensions: Height: 6.3 inches; width: 9.8 inches; depth: 2 inches
Colors: Barolo, Fondant, Black, Bone
Material: 100% calfskin leather
Once reserved for fall and winter, brown suede has officially broken season boundaries. “Brown suede bags are all over the place this summer—much to my surprise and delight. This Khaite style is my favorite that I’ve seen, and I think it will be perfect for many seasons to come, especially this fall,” says Meg Donohue, associate fashion commerce editor.
Dimensions: Height: 8 inches; width: 13 inches; depth: 6.5 inches
Colors: Mud
Material: 100% leather
Small in size but big on impact, the Le Bisou Perle Leather Shoulder Bag blends sculptural elegance with a minimalist finish. The curved silhouette and resin details give it that effortless French-girl appeal, making it the kind of piece that elevates even the simplest tank and jeans outfit combo.
Dimensions: Height: 3.5 inches; width: 9.5 inches; depth: 1 inch
Colors: Black, Brown
Material: 100% leather
Some bags just have that It girl energy—and for Laura Tarafa, ELLE’s commerce writer, this Prada style was love at first sight. “Lately, I’ve been obsessed with effortlessly chic, It girl styles. This Prada bag was an instant fixation. Every time I saw it on someone, I couldn’t take my eyes off it! When I finally caved and treated myself to one, I fell in love with it even more. My favorite details include the wrap-around belt, the charming drawstring ties, and the soft, glossy leather. It’s unstructured in that laidback way, but the polished touches make it feel elevated enough to dress up,” says Tarafa.
Dimensions: Height: 6.1 inches; width: 12.6 inches; depth: 4.7 inches
Colors: 6 options
Material: 100% leather
Crafted from rich suede with subtle leather trim, this suede moment channels vintage Americana with a modern edge. The gold-tone ID tag adds a signature touch, while the slouchy shape and adjustable strap make it endlessly wearable, from city errands to weekend escapes.
Dimensions: Height: 16.8 inches; width: 15.8 inches; depth: 1.8 inches
Colors: Cashew Tan
Material: 100% calf suede with leather trim
Timeless with just the right amount of edge, the Prada Cleo has quietly become a staple among those who know. ELLE’s digital director, Claire Stern Milch, makes a strong case for why it belongs in your forever wardrobe. “There are It bags—and then there are forever bags. With its ’90s aesthetic, hobo-style shape, and sleek brushed leather finish, the Prada Cleo is an instant classic for good reason,” says Stern Milch.
Dimensions: Height: 8.6 inches; height: 10.6 inches; depth: 2 inches
Colors: Black, White
Material: 100% leather
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