Shoulder bags are all the rage right now on social media. As a crossbody lover, this was both painful and shocking to see until I fell in deep and purchased my first shoulder bag. If you’ve also fallen victim to the shoulder bag propaganda and are wondering which one makes the most sense for you, read on to see my top recommendations for the perfect everyday shoulder bag!
My Shoulder Bag Criteria
My perfect shoulder bag includes the following:
- Convertible: As a crossbody convert, having the optional crossbody strap included makes me feel more secure in my purchase. A bag gets extra bonus points if the shoulder strap is completely removable as well.
- Perfect Size: I’m looking for a bag to comfortably hold a phone, wallet, sunglasses, and keys without making the purse bulge into a weird shape.
- Inner Pocket: I need an inner pocket to keep small things like a lip balm or hand sanitizer separate from my other junk.
- Matches My Style: Subjective things like feel and look of the leather, color options, shape of the bag overall. Personal preference, but I prefer a leather strap over a chain.
Coach Teri Shoulder Bag
Starting off strong, we have the Coach Teri Shoulder Bag. Most people will love this aptly sized everyday shoulder bag. It includes a completely removable shoulder strap, a crossbody strap, an inner slip pocket, and two inner card slots.
What I Love
- Versatile: Convertible between shoulder and crossbody.
- Completely Removable Straps: The shoulder strap can be completely removed.
- Spacious: Comfortably fits my everyday items.
- Styles for Every Occasion: The Teri line includes a wide range of colors, prints, and fabrics for every outfit or occasion.
- Returnable: Coach Outlet allows you to return items within 30 days if you don’t love it.
What I Don’t Love
- Strap Material: The Teri Shoulder Bag’s shoulder strap is half-chain and half-leather. I prefer a full leather strap.
- Fit: I’ve tried the Teri Shoulder Bag on in-store and this style slides more than others on this list. This will be personal preference and I highly recommend trying all of the bags on this list on in-person before buying.
- Looks Cheap: The material of the main line of Teri Shoulder Bags is a pebbled leather. This pebbled leather looks cheap to me in-person as it’s more shiny than others.
- Price: At $199, this shoulder bag is one of the more expensive outlet options on this list.
Coach Juliet Shoulder Bag 25
While we’re talking Coach, the Juliet bag is a solid offering from their retail line (read: a more expensive version). This bag is similarly sized and includes a completely removable chain shoulder strap and leather shoulder strap, a leather crossbody strap, and an inner snap pocket. This is a great option for those willing to spend more money for a more luxe look and feel.
What I Love
- Versatile and Adaptable: Convertible between shoulder bag and crossbody. The shoulder strap can be completely removed. It includes two different shoulder straps to match your desired look.
- Spacious: Comfortably fits my everyday items.
- Luxe Look and Feel: While the Teri looks cheap in-person, this bag looks exactly like you’d want a designer bag to look.
What I Don’t Love
- Price: Since this is from Coach’s retail line, the $350 price tag is the highest on this list.
- Limited Colors: Limited to everyday neutrals, for now.
Michael Kors Jet Set Medium Saffiano Leather Crossbody Bag
This offering from Michael Kors Outlet is the cheapest designer bag on this list and is a great basic option. This bag includes a non-removable chain shoulder strap, a removable crossbody strap, and an inner slip pocket along with three card slots. While this isn’t my perfect bag, it’s a great option for those looking for an introduction into designer shoulder bags.
What I Love
- Adaptable: Convertible between shoulder and crossbody.
- Price: At $69, this bag is a steal and is perfect for young girls who want a designer name without the designer price.
What I Don’t Love
- Chain Shoulder Strap: I wish it had a leather shoulder strap option. The chain is not removable.
- Limited Colors: Very limited, only black and navy available.
- Small for Some: With a depth of only 2 inches, this bag may bulge easily depending on what you put in it.
- Shape: I think I prefer the slight crescent or “U” shape of the other bags on this list for shoulder bags, although the straight-across look is perfect for a crossbody.
Baggu Small Crescent Bag
This classic from Baggu is similarly sized to the others on this list and is an affordable option for those who don’t need leather or a designer bag. This bag includes an adjustable strap so that you can wear it as a shoulder bag or a crossbody, along with an inner zip pocket. Choose from two overall strap lengths to get your perfect fit. You can also opt to add a key leash to your bag so you never have to go searching!
What I Love
- Price: This is the cheapest bag on the list. Get the look for less!
- Colors for Everyone: Tons of colors and prints available, new options added regularly.
- Adaptable: With a fully adjustable strap, you have endless options for strap length. You’re not locked into any specific drop length.
What I Don’t Love
- Lack of Structure: Since this bag isn’t leather, it lacks structure. This can make things hard to find in the bag.
- More Casual: This bag gives off a more casual vibe compared to the structured leather options on this list.
Kate Spade Kayla Small Convertible Shoulder Bag
Finally, I’ve saved the best for last. Kate Spade Outlet’s Kayla bag is similar in size to Coach’s Teri’s bag while offering a full leather shoulder and crossbody strap, both fully removable. You’ll also get an inner zip pocket. This bag solves all of my problems with the Teri, as this pebbled leather feels and looks better in-person and the shoulder strap fits on my shoulders better.
What I Love
- Fit: This bag fits like a glove on me.
- Color Options: I love the neutral and bright options that Kate Spade offers. Seasonal options are added regularly.
- Versatile: The removable strap options make this perfect for whatever adventure you’re headed on.
- Price: This is a great mid-point option. You can grab this bag for around $100 on a good sale, or by using the email sign-up coupon. Be careful, Kate Spade regularly changes the “sale” price of their bags. If you aren’t in a rush, I’d recommend watching the price over a period of a few weeks/months so you can get the best deal.
- Style: This is my personal favorite of all the designs on this list.
What I Don’t Love
- Return Policy: Kate Spade’s outlet items are entirely final sale. If you can, I recommend checking this bag out in-person before buying to make sure you love it.
Pick Your Perfect Bag
| Bag Name | Price | Material | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coach Teri Shoulder Bag | $199 | Pebbled leather (Canvas options available) | Length: 9.5″ Height: 6.0″ Width: 3.0″ |
| Coach Juliet Shoulder Bag 25 | $350 | Glovetanned leather, Glazed leather | Length: 10.5″ Height: 4.5″ Width: 4.0″ |
| Michael Kors Jet Set Medium Saffiano Leather Crossbody Bag | $69 | Saffiano leather | Length: 9.5″ Height: 5.5″ Width: 2.5″ |
| Baggu Small Crescent Bag | $48 | Recycled nylon | Length: 10.2″ Height: 5.5″ Width: 3.3″ |
| Kate Spade Kayla Small Convertible Shoulder Bag | $139 (price changes frequently) | Pebbled leather | Length: 10.5″ Height: 6.3″ Width: 3″ |
Disclaimer: I have bought or tried all of the products mentioned in this post. I bought any products mentioned in this post with my own money and receive nothing by any brands mentioned for including them in this post. Any Amazon links included in this post are affiliate links where I receive a small commission if you opt to purchase. You can support my blog by purchasing through my links, or choose to purchase outside of my blog.
