ELLE’s Shopping Editors Never Get Tired of These 18 Shoulder Bags

Payton Pampinto calls this bag the apple of her eye, her prized possession, and saving grace. Not to mention, it’s one of the coveted items New Yorkers will chase down the street just to find out where it’s from.

Colors: Black, Dark Brown, Beige, Amarone, Rust

Material: Suede, hardware

A sentiment that no one can argue: Coach knows how to make a damn good bag.

Colors: Black, Maple

Material: Leather

The thin, rolled shoulder straps and top stitch detail on this Freja bag feel super luxe, while the overall design is minimal supermodel chic. Plus, the large shoulder opening allows ample space for layering, making this bag relevant through all of the seasons. (Vanessa Powell recommends tucking the flap closure inside to transform the look.)

Colors: Black, Oat, Pecan, Espresso

Material: Vegan leather

Melie Bianco’s recycled vegan leather is sleek, soft, and smooth. The Willow’s asymmetrical design follows the body’s natural alignment, making it as comfortable to wear as it is stylish.

Colors: 9 colors

Material: Recycled vegan leather

“Alaia’s Le Teckel bag is the perfect not-too-big, not-too-small shoulder bag. I’d honestly take any of the colors, but the new animal print release feels extra special.”—Alexis Bennett Parker, commerce lead

Colors: Print

Material: Leather

Minimalists, you can thank us later. Starring in Payton’s early morning coffee runs and taking a bow after late date nights, her St. Agni bag never really sleeps.

Colors: Black

Material: Leather, cotton

Does fringe have you, too, in a chokehold? We’re right there with you. This playful style will bring movement to even the simplest of winter outfits.

Colors: White

Material: Leather

“If you thought I’d be over the Cleo by now, you thought wrong. I’m still very much in love with this bag. By my standards, it’s perfect—just the right size, shape, and look for any and every occasion or outfit.”—Meg Donohue, associate fashion commerce editor

Colors: Black, Silver, White

Materials: Leather, metal

This delicious cutie comes in a splashy red, making it perfect for holiday parties, head-to-toe black ensembles, or the always classic jeans and a white tee.

Colors: Apple Red Crinkle

Material: Leather, polyester

One look at this bag, and you’ll understand why Kate Middleton is such a big fan of the brand. Every DeMellier style feels modern, classic, and clean. The shape of this bag is very on-trend.

Colors: Black Lizard, Black, Off-White

Material: Leather, cotton

Tortoiseshell is another underrated print this season, and one that we seldom see among purses. Snag this affordable style while you still can.

Colors: Classic Tortoise

Material: Leather

“Truth be told, this Polene bag has become a second appendage. I’ve worn it to summer barbecues with a silk scarf tied onto it, and I just carried it through a 10-day trip to Europe, where it fit everything I needed while out and about. There’s nowhere I wouldn’t take this bag.”—Dale Arden Chong, senior fashion commerce editor

Colors: 12 colors

Material: Leather, suede

Here, we have a divinely executed bowler bag from Danish designer Aesther Ekme. The color is to die for, the strap length is ideal, and the shape is magnificent. Perfect strike!

Colors: Brown

Material: Calfskin, polyester

Let this serve as a major PSA that Mango makes ridiculously chic bags.

Colors: Brown

Material: Vegan leather

Pair this quiet luxury pick with denim, a suede jacket, and square-toed boots for an elegant yet casual look.

Colors: Natural Canvas, Beige/Dark Brown

Material: Canvas, leather, metal

Madewell and hobo bags both seem to be the talk of the town as of late—at least among the ELLE crew—so this is an obvious choice.

Colors: True Black, Hazelnut, Chocolate Raisin, Shaded Olive, Deep Merlot

Material: Leather

Meet your new canvas for all those bag charms, keychains, and scarf ties. Bucket bags are so back.

Colors: Dark Brown, Cognac, Light Brown, Red

Materials: Leather

This slim suede bag from Michael Kors is just big enough for the essentials: your lipgloss, phone, and wallet.

Colors: Camel, Smokey Olive

Material: Leather