The Shoulder Bags We’re Lusting After This Season

Maxi totes may have made their way back onto the runways in recent seasons, but the trend for compact, hands-free bags is stronger than ever – and spring/summer 2026 has ushered in a smorgasbord of new styles to covet, from contemporary updates on archive classics to more experimental designs in eye-catching shapes and finishes.

Some bags are so iconic, they don’t need a logo to get noticed, and that’s certainly true of Gucci’s ‘Jackie 1961’ style – the signature half-moon shape and gold piston clasp have become an instant signifier of elevated taste. It’s a bag so good, Jackie Kennedy Onassis bought several in different colors and fabrics when she visited the store in 1964, prompting the brand to rename the style (originally called ‘Constance’) in her honor.

Inspired by Saint Laurent’s house codes and detailed with a gleaming gold chain and ‘Cassandre’ logo, the maison’s ‘Amalia’ bag joins an already iconic lineup of styles dreamt up by creative director Anthony Vaccarello. Crafted from soft, huggable suede, the slouchy dumpling shape tucks comfortably under your arm and has plenty of space inside for everyday essentials.

Alaïa’s ‘Le Teckel’ meanwhile has all the makings of a future classic, proving that contemporary design can be timeless, too. First seen on the spring/summer 2026 runway, it’s become a favorite among the street style set thanks to its ’90s-inspired baguette shape and covetable finishes. Wear this latest iteration in sunset-orange nubuck with white summer dresses and tailoring alike.

Another brand-new style, this time courtesy of Valentino Garavani’s Alessandro Michele, the ‘Panthea’ bag comes in chevron-quilted leather complete with crystal-embellished feline hardware – a motif that first appeared on a tunic dress in the brand’s haute couture fall/winter collection in 1967. Carry it by the elegant chain straps or the longer studded one on casual days. The Row’s ‘Elise’ bag, on the other hand, exudes quiet elegance, nodding to timeless vintage styles but with a few modern tweaks. Match your jewelry to the gleaming gold clasp.

If you’re looking for an effortlessly chic woven bag you can wear beyond the summer months, then look no further than Bottega Veneta’s ‘Campana’ style – the brand’s intrecciato weave is the epitome of timeless craftmanship. Dragon Diffusion’s ‘Castello’ version is crafted using a similar technique only with wider strips of leather and has a softly structured shape with ample space inside for essentials.