9 OF THE BEST SHOULDER BAGS FOR WOMEN

Luxury bags get better with age, telling a story through the weathered patina. Today’s designers understand the important position bags hold in terms of function and form, designing gorgeous items that can sit on display as both a bag and a standalone piece of art.

While designer handbags and crossbody bags are undeniably stylish, the sleek sophistication of a shoulder bag never fails. They’re investment pieces that can complement outfits for years to come. 

The best women’s shoulder bags make piecing together an outfit in the morning simple. The only hard part is choosing which to add to the collection next.

WHAT IS A SHOULDER BAG?

Shoulder bags have one shoulder strap that allows wearers to go about their day hands-free. The straps can range from adjustable leather to metallic chains. Shoulder bags come in various lengths, from a sweet underarm baguette style to a slouchy-soft hobo version. The interior generally includes pockets and zippered pouches to keep everything organized.

TYPES OF SHOULDER BAGS

There’s no such thing as having too many shoulder bags. But if you’re just starting your collection, these three styles are a good place to start:

Baguette bag

Fashion influencers, celebrities, and style savants look to baguette bags to make a statement. Since using smartphones for contactless payments has become mainstream, some shoppers are leaving their wallets at home and consolidating their purse’s contents to hold the bare minimum. A baguette is perfect for carrying only the essentials: a cell phone, cardholder, keys, and makeup.

Hobo bag

As the largest shoulder bag available, the hobo bag subscribes to a more-is-more mentality, offering ample space for carrying all that one might need in a day (and then some). This design is crafted from a range of materials—faux and real leather, denim, suede, raffia, and more—in a crescent shape with an adjustable strap. The style features an unstructured, semi-slouchy appearance that complements relaxed outfits.

Mini top handle bag

After Simon Porte debuted his Le Chiquito, a surge in micro bags were seen on runways and the streets. While the mini bag’s diminutive size leaves just enough room for lip gloss, keys, and credit cards, they make for exciting styling pieces. This design typically has a small handle and a long shoulder strap that can be worn as a crossbody or traditional shoulder bag.

9 DESIGNER SHOULDER BAGS FOR WOMEN

With luxury designers continually creating eye-catching designs, selecting just one can be challenging. We’ve rounded up some top luxury shoulder bag picks, including enduring fashion-house fixtures and new refreshing styles.

Bottega Veneta

Bottega Veneta’s Jodie bags feature the brand’s signature intrecciato weave and chunky knot that give the hobo bag a distinct touch. The Jodie bag comes in five sizes and an extensive range of colors, granting wearers numerous options.

Saint Laurent

Saint Laurent’s Parisian-chic envelope chain shoulder bags suit the most sophisticated outfits. The signature YSL logo gives an obvious nod to the brand, but even without it, the embossed leather and quilted pattern are distinguishable on their own. The bag’s timeless color offerings make this design a perennial favorite.

Jacquemus

While the Le Chiquito remains relevant and irreplaceable, the long leather Le Bambino shoulder bag is another fashion favorite. The color tones are undoubtedly Jacquemus, while the length and size offer practicality with a roomy interior that belies its compact appearance. And the flap top offers the perfect touch of sweetness.

Staud

The fashion community looks to Staud for high-quality craftsmanship, durability, and accessible luxury. While the collection features suede hobo bags and beaded bean bags, the rounded silhouette of the iconic moon bag is perhaps the most coveted design. It comes in several rich colors and can be slipped over the shoulder or worn on a detachable shoulder strap.

Loewe

Loewe brings a refreshing air to luxury, offering a mixture of timeless structured designs and playful animal shapes. While the label’s puzzle bags are an outstanding choice, a fun-loving animal bucket bag is an adorable statement piece, whether a bunny, elephant, panda, or sheep.

Stella McCartney

Stella McCartney has developed a true mastery of vegan leather. The label’s signature Falabella collection features ultra-soft material juxtaposed against striking chain trim. A magnetic closure creates a sense of harmony between the contrasting features, and the chain strap blends into the bag’s silhouette, giving it a delightfully seamless impression.

See by Chloé

See by Chloé’s Hana shoulder bags are one of the brand’s most significant triumphs, embodying the free-spirited nature that echoes throughout the entire label. The leather bag has an interior divider and pocket, making for easy organization. The exterior displays the trademark braided ring, logo disc, key charm, and small monogram logo.

Mansur Gavriel

Mansur Gavriel is celebrated for distinctly shaped bags with structured silhouettes. The bags have a refined way of balancing minimalism and striking forms. The collection is filled with exquisite styles like the everyday soft tote bag, the bow-tied bucket bag, and the gathered cloud clutch. But the style currently garnering attention is the label’s Frame bag, which features a sharp, dynamic shape and two-way zippered closure.

Maison Margiela

Maison Margiela creates experimental, boundary-pushing styles that impress again and again. The “Glam Slam” quilt padded-leather hobo bag is adorned with the brand’s signature numeric logo tab and features a spacious interior with a zippered pocket. The design is equal parts soft and edgy, allowing it to be styled with looks that are both casual and dressy.

CARRY LUXURY EVERY DAY

The right bag elevates an entire look while creating a home for on-the-go essentials. Neiman Marcus offers a wide assortment of luxury handbags, evening bags, totes, backpacks, and pouches for every season and occasion. Book a one-on-one in-store or virtual appointment with a Neiman Marcus style advisor for help finding the best women’s shoulder bags to add to your collection.