Welcome to our list of The 10 Most Classic Designer Shoulder Bags!
One of the most classic bag options of all time, the shoulder bag never fails to deliver on both style and function. A good shoulder bag has the power to elevate any look, it is an easy way to make any outfit a little more stylish. Here I’ll show you the most classic shoulder bags of all time, they will not go out of style and you will love for many years to come! I made sure to include different price points so you can find the right one for you!
So, without further ado here are The 10 Most Classic Designer Shoulder Bags:
1. Fendi Baguette
In 1997 when Prada minimalist bags were all people wanted, Fendi launched the first It Bag in history, the Fendi Baguette. Designed by Silvia Venturini Fendi, she christened the bag the Baguette because this shoulder bag was made to sit comfortably under the arm in the very same way that the French are usually seen carrying their baguettes. Since its introduction, the Baguette instantly became one of the most sought-after bags in the fashion world, and more than 100,000 of these babies were sold in the first year alone. In 2019 the world saw the return of this iconic ‘it bag’ when the Fashion house enlisted Sarah Jessica Parker and German influencer Caroline Daur in a new social media campaign. Over time it has evolved into different sizes, materials and colors, each new season there is a new Fendi Baguette for us to fall in love with!
Today, 25 years after its debut, the Fendi Baguette, remains a stylish it bag that is iconic of the brand and one of the most classic designer shoulder bags!
2. Gucci Jackie 1961
Like the enduring allure of the woman it’s named after, The Jackie is a bag that will never go out of style. In 1961, Gucci introduced a Hobo-style bag that caught the eye of Jackie Kennedy, whose husband so famously loved Gucci’s loafer moccasins. It’s said that upon seeing a paparazzi image of Jackie Kennedy with the bag (then called the Fifties Constance), the Gucci family quickly christened the bag the Jackie. The classic hobo-shape saw many iterations under Tom Ford and Frida Giannini, but its latest incarnation comes by way of Michele, who in 2021 gave us a spin on The Jackie with a bit more structure, an adjustable strap, and a piston closure. Brought back to the forefront, the recognizable shape is presented in many materials like leather and the GG Supreme canvas.
No matter which one you choose this is a beautiful bag that will be a cherished item in your wardrobe forever and is one of The 10 Most Classic Designer Shoulder Bags!
3. Giorgio Armani La Prima Bag
In 1995, Giorgio Armani designed his very first bag, with a timeless design this is the newest iteration of the style! Placed at the crossroads between functional and fashionable, this new creation with its rounded lines was inspired by the classic suit. Made in Italian leather, this classic bag was relaunched in 2019, with the same elegant style first designed 27 years ago. The bag is a testament to Giorgio Armani’s incredible know-how, the La Prima bag is made from leather panels that are hand-assembled. This is a minimalist bag that also has a very modern aesthetic, it comes in a few different sizes and colors.
This bag is not so mainstream as the others on this list, is a quiet option that will become a classic staple in your wardrobe!
4. Chanel 11.12
The Chanel handbag that would ultimately become synonymous with the brand was not created until 1983. The Chanel Classic Double Flap was first introduced when Karl Lagerfeld became creative director and decided to reinterpret Chanel’s iconic 2.55 Flap Bag. From his artistic vision came two new features – a leather woven chain and Double C turn-lock closure. Lagerfeld’s Classic Double Flap was a breakout success.
In spring 2021, the Chanel Classic Flap was renamed to the 11.12, in honor of the original Medium Classic Flap’s style code – A01112. The universal wearability and simplicity of the Chanel Classic Double Flap solidifies this handbag as an iconic statement piece. Almost forty years later, and out of all the Chanel handbags on the market, the Classic Double Flap remains one of the most sought-after pieces ever crafted.
This bag can be worn on the shoulder or as a crossbody, it is one of the most classic designer bags in existence.
5. Bottega Veneta Jodie
The Jodie is the most classic style of Bottega Veneta, it was originally designed in the 90’s and Daniel Lee brought it back in different sizes and materials. The mini Jodie was perhaps the most popular bag of 2021, it is a classic that will not go out of style! The Jodie bag is the perfect combination of Bottega Veneta’s history with Daniel Lee’s iconic style. From its sumptuous leather to the minimal yet elevated shape, it’s not difficult to get why the bag has a growing legion of fans. It is made from nappa leather in the house’s notable intrecciato weave and comes in a looped-handle silhouette that looks very modern. The signature intrecciato weave remains one of Bottega Veneta’s most long-standing house codes – it’s refined, elegant and instantly recognizable to those in the know.
A chic and minimalist bag this is one you will not regret buying; it will be a staple in your wardrobe!
6. Prada Cleo Bag
The Prada Cleo bag with sophisticated allure reinterprets an iconic design of the brand from the 1990’s, it was launched in late 2020. Sleek curved lines emphasized by the particular construction rounded on the bottom and sides give this hobo bag a soft, light look. Brushed leather, a modern and versatile material that is distinctive in Prada collections, is ideal for creating always new combinations and contrasts. The Cleo bag now comes in a mini size, with a shoulder strap and also with a flap, not to mention the multiple colors, patterns and materials.
This bag will be a staple in your wardrobe. It is a chic, cool and beautiful bag that you will love for many years, and on of The 10 Most Classic Designer Shoulder Bags!
7. By Far Rachel Bag
If you are looking for a classic, minimalist and fuss-free shoulder bag, this is the one! Inspired by a bag Rachel Green carried on Friends, the Rachel bag has become a staple of the brand. It is made in Spain from leather in a sleek shape that will go with any ensemble.
A bag you can carry both during the day and on nights out this practical shoulder bag is one you’ll be wearing on repeat.
8. Dior Saddle Bag
The Saddle Bag was first created in 1999 at the peak of John Galliano’s Dior tenure. Its initial appearance toed the line between what was considered high fashion and, for lack of a better word, ugly. Intended to be worn short-strapped and tight against the arm like a saddle, the accessory became an instant trend sported by everyone from Beyoncé to Carrie Bradshaw. In 2018 Maria Grazia Chiurri relaunched this bag and it has since become a part of the classic styles of the brand. The Dior Saddle bag takes its cues from the equestrian world. The inspiration can be seen in the graphic design with the now iconic asymmetrical flap that is reminiscent of a saddle shape.
At this point the Saddle can already be considered a classic, more than 20 years after its launch it remains one of the most popular bags of the brand!
9. Coach Tabby Bag
A classic Coach bag, this is one you’ll be wearing on repeat. A modern take on an archival 1970s Coach design, the structured Tabby shoulder bag is crafted in polished pebble leather, or with a pillow finish. This bag was super popular in the 2000’s and now it is trending once more! If you’ve been searching for a bag that will take you through season after season, year after year, this style has the perfect forever-chic look.
The style’s divided interior helps keep essentials beautifully organized, while interchangeable shoulder and crossbody straps offer styling versatility.
10. Saint Laurent Le 5 à 7
One of the newest launches of the brand this hobo bag fuses a vintage shape with a modern spirit, resulting in a beautiful bag that is quiet while still being fun. This Saint Laurent Hobo bag is neutral enough so you can pair with anything, but still interesting enough to give an exciting accent to any look. It’s compact but will still hold everything you need, the signature YSL logo at the clasp gives it major vintage appeal, and it is as timeless as it gets. Plus, its hobo shape makes it very trend-forward. This bag is new but is already iconic of the brand, it is one of the most popular bags right now.
If I had to choose one bag from the recent launches to say will become a classic, I would say is this one, this is a beautiful timeless bag you will love for many years to come!
