Shoulder bags are the perfect accessory for any occasion. They are versatile, stylish, and practical, allowing you to carry your essentials without compromising your outfit. Whether you need a bag for work, travel, or a night out, there is a shoulder bag for you.
But how do you choose the best shoulder bag among the countless options available? What are the features, trends, and brands that you should look for? To help you find your ideal shoulder bag, we have compiled a list of the 14 best shoulder bags for 2023, based on our research, testing, and expert opinions.
We have considered factors such as quality, design, functionality, sustainability, and price to rank the bags from best to worst. We have also included links to where you can buy them online. Here are our top picks:
1. Gucci Horsebit 1955 Shoulder Bag
This is our top choice for the best shoulder bag of 2023. The Gucci Horsebit 1955 Shoulder Bag is a timeless classic that combines elegance and versatility. It features the signature horse-bit detail and a snap-button mechanism that allows you to adjust the length of the strap to carry it as a shoulder bag or a cross-body bag.
The bag is made of leather and comes in various colors and patterns, such as solid red, brown, corduroy, or monogram canvas. It has a flap closure and an interior zip pocket. It can fit your phone, wallet, keys, and other essentials.
The Gucci Horsebit 1955 Shoulder Bag is a perfect bag for any occasion, as it can match any outfit and mood. It is also durable and easy to maintain. It costs $2,350 and you can buy it from Matchesfashion.com or Ssense.com.
2. Prada Cleo Brushed Leather Shoulder Bag
Our second choice for the best shoulder bag of 2023 is the Prada Cleo Brushed Leather Shoulder Bag. This is a modern reinterpretation of the iconic Prada hobo bag from the 1990s. It has a sleek and minimalist design that showcases the quality and craftsmanship of Prada.
The bag is made of brushed leather and has a curved silhouette that hugs your body. It has a magnetic closure and an interior slip pocket. It comes in four colors: black, white, green, and pink. It can hold your phone, wallet, sunglasses, and makeup.
The Prada Cleo Brushed Leather Shoulder Bag is a chic and sophisticated bag that can elevate any look. It is also lightweight and comfortable to carry. It costs $2,250 and you can buy it from Prada.com.
3. Celine Triomphe Shoulder Bag
Our third choice for the best shoulder bag of 2023 is the Celine Triomphe Shoulder Bag. This is a contemporary classic that pays tribute to the heritage of Celine. It features the iconic Triomphe logo on the front flap and a chain strap that can be worn single or double.
The bag is made of calfskin leather and has a structured shape that can keep its form. It has a snap closure and two interior compartments with a zip pocket in between. It comes in six colors: black, tan, burgundy, navy blue, light beige, and dark green. It can fit your phone, wallet, keys, and other small items.
The Celine Triomphe Shoulder Bag is a refined and elegant bag that can suit any style and occasion. It is also sturdy and secure to carry. It costs $3,550 and you can buy it from Celine.com.
4. Telfar Medium Shopping Bag
Our fourth choice for the best shoulder bag of 2023 is the Telfar Medium Shopping Bag. This is a cult-favorite bag that has been dubbed as “the Bushwick Birkin” by its fans. It is a vegan-friendly and affordable alternative to luxury bags.
The bag is made of faux leather and has a simple and functional design. It features the Telfar logo on the front and two sets of handles: a short one and a long one. It has a magnetic closure and an interior zip pocket. It comes in 17 colors, ranging from neutrals to brights. It can fit your laptop, books, water bottle, and more.
The Telfar Medium Shopping Bag is a versatile and inclusive bag that can express your personality and values. It is also spacious and easy to access. It costs $202 and you can buy it from Stockx.com.
5. Gucci Jackie 1961 Small Shoulder Bag
Our fifth choice for the best shoulder bag of 2023 is the Gucci Jackie 1961 Small Shoulder Bag. This is a vintage-inspired bag that pays homage to the former First Lady Jackie Kennedy Onassis, who was often seen carrying the original version of this bag.
The bag is made of leather and has a soft and relaxed shape that can adapt to your body. It features a piston closure and an adjustable strap that can be detached to transform the bag into a clutch. It comes in eight colors: black, white, red, pink, yellow, green, blue, and brown. It can fit your phone, wallet, lipstick, and other essentials.
The Gucci Jackie 1961 Small Shoulder Bag is a charming and nostalgic bag that can add a touch of glamour and romance to your outfit. It is also convertible and easy to open and close. It costs $2,300 and you can buy it from Net-a-Porter.
6. Staud Tommy Beaded Bag
Our sixth choice for the best shoulder bag of 2023 is the Staud Tommy Beaded Bag. This is a fun and playful bag that can make a statement with its colorful beads and unique shape. It is inspired by the retro style of the 1960s and 1970s.
The bag is made of acrylic beads and has a cylindrical shape that resembles a soda can. It has a zip closure and an interior slip pocket. It comes in six colors: black, white, pink, green, blue, and multicolor. It can fit your phone, wallet, keys, and other small items.
The Staud Tommy Beaded Bag is a whimsical and eye-catching bag that can brighten up your mood and look. It is also lightweight and easy to carry. It costs $250 and you can buy it from Amazon or Nordstrom.
7. BY FAR Mini Rachel Croco Embossed Leather
Our seventh choice for the best shoulder bag of 2023 is the BY FAR Mini Rachel Croco Embossed Leather. This is a trendy and edgy bag that can add some texture and attitude to your outfit. It is influenced by the style of the late 1990s and early 2000s.
The bag is made of crocodile-embossed leather and has a curved shape that resembles a banana. It has a zip closure and an interior card slot. It comes in nine colors: black, white, brown, beige, red, pink, green, blue, and purple. It can fit your phone, wallet, keys, and other small items.
The BY FAR Mini Rachel Croco Embossed Leather is a cool and chic bag that can complement any look. It is also compact and easy to zip. It costs $420 and you can buy it from Byfar.com or Shopbop.com.
8. Bottega Veneta Teen Jodie Shoulder Bag
Our eighth choice for the best shoulder bag of 2023 is the Bottega Veneta Teen Jodie Shoulder Bag. This is a sophisticated and luxurious bag that showcases the signature intrecciato weave technique of Bottega Veneta. It is a smaller version of the popular Jodie bag.
The bag is made of nappa leather and has a slouchy shape that can mold to your body. It has a knot detail on the handle and an interior zip pocket. It comes in seven colors: black, white, brown, beige, red, yellow, and green. It can fit your phone, wallet, sunglasses, and makeup.
The Bottega Veneta Teen Jodie Shoulder Bag is a refined and elegant bag that can enhance any outfit. It is also soft and comfortable to carry. It costs $1,900 and you can buy it from Nordstrom or Net-a-Porter.
9. Balenciaga Neo Classic Small HandBag
Our ninth choice for the best shoulder bag of 2023 is the Balenciaga Neo Classic Small HandBag. This is a modern and edgy bag that can add some contrast and drama to your look. It is inspired by the classic Balenciaga City bag, but with a more structured and angular shape.
The bag is made of calfskin leather and has a quilted effect that creates a 3D pattern. It features the Balenciaga logo on the front and a detachable shoulder strap that can be adjusted to different lengths. It has a zip closure and an interior zip pocket. It comes in four colors: black, white, red, and pink. It can fit your phone, wallet, keys, and other essentials.
The Balenciaga Neo Classic Small HandBag is a bold and stylish bag that can make a statement with any outfit. It is also durable and easy to zip. It costs $2,190 and you can buy it from Bloomingdales or Ssense.com.
10. Kara Armpit Bag
Our tenth choice for the best shoulder bag of 2023 is the Kara Armpit Bag. This is a fun and quirky bag that can make you smile with its humorous name and shape. It is designed to fit snugly under your armpit, like a deodorant stick.
The bag is made of cowhide leather and has a cylindrical shape that resembles a roll-on bottle. It features a crystal embellishment on the front and a chain strap that can be worn over the shoulder or across the body. It has a zip closure and an interior slip pocket. It comes in two colors: black and white. It can fit your phone, wallet, keys, and other small items.
The Kara Armpit Bag is a whimsical and eye-catching bag that can add some sparkle and fun to your look. It is also lightweight and easy to carry. It costs $495 and you can buy it from Karastore.com or Shopbop.com.
11. JW Pei Ruby Shoulder Bag
Our eleventh choice for the best shoulder bag of 2023 is the JW Pei Ruby Shoulder Bag. This is a trendy and affordable bag that can add some color and texture to your outfit. It is made of vegan leather and recycled plastic bottles, making it eco-friendly and cruelty-free.
The bag has a crocodile-embossed effect and a flap closure with a magnetic snap. It features the JW Pei logo on the front and a chain strap that can be worn over the shoulder or across the body. It comes in 10 colors: black, white, brown, beige, red, pink, orange, yellow, green, and blue. It can fit your phone, wallet, keys, and other essentials.
The JW Pei Ruby Shoulder Bag is a cool and chic bag that can suit any style and occasion. It is also compact and easy to open and close. It costs $79 and you can buy it from Amazon or JWPei.com.
12. Radley London Street Bag
Our twelfth choice for the best shoulder bag of 2023 is the Radley London Street Bag. This is a practical and functional bag that can help you organize your belongings with its multiple pockets and compartments. It is inspired by the busy streets of London, where you need a reliable bag to carry your essentials.
The bag is made of nylon and leather and has a zip-top closure with an exterior flap pocket with a magnetic snap. It features the Radley London logo on the front and an adjustable shoulder strap that can be worn over the shoulder or across the body. It comes in four colors: black, navy, burgundy, and olive. It can fit your laptop, books, water bottle, and more.
The Radley London Street Bag is a versatile and spacious bag that can accommodate your needs and preferences. It is also durable and easy to access. It costs $138 and you can buy it from Amazon or RadleyLondon.com.
13. Anine Bing Nico Bag
Our thirteenth choice for the best shoulder bag of 2023 is the Anine Bing Nico Bag. This is a stylish and edgy bag that can add some contrast and flair to your outfit. It is made of leather and has a houndstooth pattern that creates a vintage and chic vibe.
The bag has a flap closure with a magnetic snap and an interior zip pocket. It features the Anine Bing logo on the front and a chain strap that can be worn over the shoulder or across the body. It comes in two colors: black and white. It can fit your phone, wallet, keys, and other essentials.
The Anine Bing Nico Bag is a fashionable and trendy bag that can spice up any look. It is also secure and easy to open and close. It costs $399 and you can buy it from 24s.com or AnineBing.com.
14. Fendi Baguette Jacquard FF Fabric Bag
Our fourteenth choice for the best shoulder bag of 2023 is the Fendi Baguette Jacquard FF Fabric Bag. This is a iconic and luxurious bag that can make you feel like a star. It is one of the most famous bags in the world, thanks to its appearance on the TV show Sex and the City.
The bag is made of jacquard fabric with the FF motif and has a flap closure with a magnetic snap. It features the Fendi logo on the front and a leather strap that can be worn over the shoulder or across the body. It comes in two colors: brown and black. It can fit your phone, wallet, keys, and other essentials.
The Fendi Baguette Jacquard FF Fabric Bag is a glamorous and elegant bag that can make any outfit look fabulous. It is also classic and easy to open and close. It costs $2,690 and you can buy it from Fendi.com or SaksFifthAvenue.com.
Conclusion
These are our 14 best shoulder bags for 2023, based on our research, testing, and expert opinions. We hope this article has helped you find your ideal shoulder bag for any occasion. Whether you want a classic, trendy, or quirky bag, there is a shoulder bag for you.
Remember to consider factors such as quality, design, functionality, sustainability, and price when choosing your shoulder bag. Also, make sure to take good care of your bag by storing it properly, cleaning it regularly, and repairing it if needed.
FAQs
What is a shoulder bag?
A shoulder bag is a type of handbag that has one or two straps that can be worn over the shoulder. Shoulder bags can vary in size, shape, style, and material, but they are generally designed to carry your essentials and complement your outfit.
Why should I buy a shoulder bag?
A shoulder bag is a versatile and practical accessory that can suit any occasion. A shoulder bag can help you organize your belongings, keep your hands free, and enhance your look. A shoulder bag can also express your personality, mood, and values.
How do I choose the best shoulder bag for me?
To choose the best shoulder bag for you, you should consider factors such as:
- Quality: You should look for a shoulder bag that is made of durable and high-quality materials, such as leather, nylon, or faux leather. You should also check the stitching, hardware, and lining of the bag to ensure they are sturdy and smooth.
- Design: You should look for a shoulder bag that has a design that matches your style and preference. You should consider the shape, color, pattern, and details of the bag, such as logos, embellishments, or closures. You should also consider the size and weight of the bag, as well as the length and width of the strap.
- Functionality: You should look for a shoulder bag that has a functionality that meets your needs and preferences. You should consider the capacity, compartments, pockets, and accessibility of the bag. You should also consider how the bag can be worn, such as over the shoulder or across the body.
- Sustainability: You should look for a shoulder bag that has a sustainability that aligns with your values and goals. You should consider the environmental and social impact of the bag, such as its materials, production, and disposal. You should also consider the ethical and transparent practices of the brand or seller.
- Price: You should look for a shoulder bag that has a price that fits your budget and expectations. You should compare the prices of different bags and brands to find the best value for your money. You should also consider the quality, design, functionality, and sustainability of the bag when determining its worth.
How do I take care of my shoulder bag?
To take care of your shoulder bag, you should follow these steps:
- Store it properly: You should store your shoulder bag in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place. You should avoid exposing it to direct sunlight, heat, moisture, or dust. You should also stuff it with tissue paper or bubble wrap to maintain its shape and prevent creases or wrinkles. You should also cover it with a dust bag or cloth to protect it from scratches or stains.
- Clean it regularly: You should clean your shoulder bag regularly to remove dirt, dust, or stains. You should use a soft cloth or brush to gently wipe or brush the surface of the bag. You should also use a mild soap or detergent to spot-clean any stains or marks. You should avoid using harsh chemicals or solvents that can damage or discolor the material of the bag.
- Repair it if needed: You should repair your shoulder bag if needed to fix any damages or defects. You should consult a professional or reputable repair service to handle any issues such as broken straps, zippers, buckles, or snaps. You should also replace any missing or worn-out parts such as studs, rivets, or buttons.
