These Designer Shoulder Bags Will Take Your Look from Cute to Chic as Hell

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Cosmo is handbag central. We have you covered with classics like leather totes and crossbodies that'll level up your accessory game (and designer ones worth the investment). We also rave about all the trendy styles that are worth your attention (basket and crescent bags, anyone?)! Personally, I take it upon myself to share the not-so-basic places to buy used designer bags and I'm a firm believer in providing affordable luxury pieces, too. But. That's. Not. All! I've decided that our curation mustn't end there, no! We need to zero in on the best designer shoulder bags and I brought in the big guns (psst—it's a purse expert) to get us all the info we need to make a good decision.

Meet Samina Virk, North America CEO of Vestiaire Collective, and the closer who'll further prove why you must not forsake designer shoulder bags in your arsenal. Reason one is this: "They are versatile and can be dressed up or down," she says, "which makes them perfect for most occasions. Many of them have a classic silhouette that goes beyond trends." I mean, you heard the woman.

One key factor to look for in your search for your perfect fit? Functionality. "They should have enough space to carry the daily essentials, like your wallet, phone, keys, make-up, sometimes even an iPad for those constantly on-the-go," Samina explains. She also urges buyers (read: you!) to see whether or not the craftsmanship is up to par, if the style is comfortable to wear, the size and functionality works for your lifestyle, and if the structure has longevity. "A well-designed shoulder bag is secure and allows for easy access, and is stylish to match." You know as good as we do that we're placing major emphasis on style (and ofc all these other factors) with these designer shoulder bags.

Our top picks for the best designer shoulder bags of 2024:

For more on the bag trends you'll be toting around this year, click here. Keep scrolling for the best on the internet, as well as, Samina's picks!

Women's Joy Shoulder Bag - Deep Claret

Into color? You'll be obsessed with the variety this JW PEI option serves. And with 800+ positive reviews, you're def in good hands (pun intended!)

Material: Vegan Leather

Colors: Deep Claret, Caramel, Stell Blue, and more.

Dimensions: 10.43" W × 5.71" H × 2.36" D, Shoulder Strap Drop: 11.22" ~ 22.44"

Metallic Half-Moon Shoulder Bag

For a bag destined for the stars, shop this metallic, half-moon style.

Material: Polyurethane 100%

Colors: Gunmetal Silvertone

Dimensions: Depth2.36 in D x10.23 in H x 13.38 in W

Becca Shoulder Bag

Your evening wardrobe just got a million times more glam. Slide this rhinestone studded beaut over your arm and get ready to take over the night.

Material: Satin

Colors: New Navy, Royal Lilac, Taupe, and Silver.

Dimensions: N/A

The Croc-Embossed J Marc Mini Bag

Chain details and croc-embossed designs your thing? Then, you need this lil Marc Jacobs bag in your life.

Material: Croc embossed leather

Colors: Spice Brown, Tender Yellow

Dimensions: 7.5in L x 2in D x 1in H, Shoulder Strap: 57in L x 1in D, Drop: 27in

Joy

Somethin' about this design that just makes me want to have it in all six colors. Doesn't hurt that it sits at a price tag below $250.

Material: Calfskin Leather

Colors: Noir, Snow, Earth, and more.

Dimensions: Width 21cm W x 10cm H x 7cm D, Detachable Shoulder Strap: 62cm

Women's Diamante Crystal Mesh Baguette Bag

Get. Into. This. Crystal. Mesh! This is the kind of accessory you bring out to play when you're about to pull an absolute slay.

Material: Cotton, rhinestone

Colors: Diamante Crystal

Dimensions: N/A

Ergo Bag In Coachtopia Leather

As a Coach girlie, I kinda squealed when I came across this bag. It comes in mini, small, and large sizes and there are so many colors! Can someone say..."add to cart?"

Material: Leather

Colors: Cloud, Olive Green, Cherry Print, and more.

Dimensions: 9 1/2" L x 5" H x 2 1/2" W

Belvedere Logo Lock Shoulder Bag

This water-repellant lock purse has the key to your heart, can't you see?

Material: Leather

Colors: Fog, White, Red, Taupe, and more.

Dimensions: H 11" x W 6" x L 12.5"

Hudson Medium Convertible Shoulder Bag

According to reviews, you'll get tons of compliments on this beaut. Not only is it perfect to wear as a shoulder bag and crossbody, but it's spacious, soft yet doesn't slouch, and the shoulder band is super comfy.

Material: Pebbled Leather

Colors: Cordovan, Artesian Green

Dimensions: 8"H x 11”W x 4.25"D, Handle drop: 9"

Women's Tommy Floral Beaded Shoulder Bag

How about this floral-beaded wonder that's sure to cheer you up upon looking at it? 🥹

Material: Glass, rayon

Colors: Bloom Day

Dimensions: About 10"W x 6"H x 2"D, Shoulder strap: about 8" drop

Nia Bag

TBH, if you don't have a Brandon Blackwood bag yet...what are you doing? The celeb-adored designer knows a thing or two about designing hit bags. Here's Exhibit A.

Material: Suede

Colors: Copper Croc Suede, Burgundy Hard Leather, Cow Print Pony Hair, and more.

Dimensions: 10.6” L x 5” H x 2” W, Removable and adjustable shoulder strap: 37 | 44.88”

Malvi Shoulder

You know those times where you really need a mirror and you don't feel like going to the restroom to check yourself out? Yeah, this one will do the job for ya. (I'm kidding but seriously, look how shiny!)

Material: Cow Leather

Colors: Silver

Dimensions: 3" W x 5.4" H x 9.2" L

Large Clare Shoulder Bag in Cognac Exclusive

Go big or go home! This shoulder bag can carry the universe.

Material: Suede, Leather

Colors: Cognac, Black

Dimensions: 18"W x 12 1/2"H x 3"D, Strap Drop: 8"

Jitney 1.0 Leather Shoulder Bag

The sleek structure on this baguette silhouette is just *chef's kiss*—wouldn't you agree?

Material: Leather

Colors: Brick Red, White, Black

Dimensions: 10"W x 4 1/2"H x 2"D, Strap Drop: 5 1/2" – 8 1/2"

Saddle Shoulder Pouch

The Dior saddlebags are ridiculously popular (and Samira says people can't get enough of the secondhand versions)! They come in tons of colors and materials, too!

Material: Jacquard, Leather

Colors: Blue Dior Oblique Jacquard

Dimensions: 8"L x 6"H x 1.5"W, Strap Drop: 7 - 8.5 inches

Re-Edition 2005 Re-Nylon bag

Choose your fighter! This bestselling style has endless hues to choose from so you'll have a fab accessory for every look.

Material: Re-nylon, Saffiano leather trim

Colors: Orange, Black, Light Blue, and more.

Dimensions: Height: 18 H x 22 W x 6 L (cm)

Pochette Accessoires

Okay, bonus! This classic LV option is one of Samira's top recs! Shop the pre-owned versions here.

Material: Cowhide Leather

Colors: Monogram Coated Canvas

Dimensions: 9.3" x 5.3" x 1.6", Strap drop: 9.8"

As a handbag expert, what designer shoulder bags do you recommend?

Lucky for us, Samira is dropping her personal fave designer shoulder bags—luxe gems that are classics and will stand the test of time!

• The Fendi Baguette (Shop more here.)

• Prada Re-Edition Nylon Shoulder Bag (Find more versions here.)

• Celine Triomphe (Pre-loved versions available!)

Why trust Cosmo:

Cosmo’s team of fashion experts—which includes fashion director Cassie Anderson and fashion features director Rachel Torgerson, senior accessories editor Andrea Zendejas, and fashion editors Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien and Danielle Flum—have decades of experience in the industry. They spot relevant trends on the runway before they even hit your TikTok FYP or Insta Explore Page and conduct research across retailers of all kinds to bring you the best clothing and accessory picks for every season. Basically, we've curated a chic little corner of the internet for you like it’s our job (because it is, heh).

We have pretty high standards when it comes to clothing and accessory recommendations. Each of our shopping articles adheres to the 15 Percent Pledge and includes products for all sizes. And you better believe we read those product reviews (and test many of the brands IRL) so you don't have to. You're welcome!

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