I’ve learned from years of experience that your choice of bag has the power to make or break an outing while traveling. Bringing along something too big, like a tote or carryall, can result in accidental overpacking or back aches. But you run the risk of not having enough space if you only pack smaller, trendier styles, like a micro bag, for a day on the go. Thankfully, there are some amazing shoulder bags on the market for fall—all designed to work hard in your travel wardrobe— so you no longer have to forgo function for fashion.
To determine which style is best suited for your time away, you must consider not only the destination you’re heading to, but also your itinerary once you arrive. Those that are exploring the great outdoors need something that can really do it all, which is where something like Bagsmart’s Reiki hobo bag comes in handy, thanks to its leakproof compartments and expandable design. Verified’s Eclair bag, on the other hand, is a perfect pairing for your next work trip, and all the various activities that might come along with it. Other standout styles include Telfar’s genius interpretation of a classic plastic shopping bag (you’ve got to see it), which has a surprisingly well-organized interior that makes it ideal for travel.
Whether you’re looking for something to carry while en route to your destination, or a style you can wear every day once you’re on the ground, there are plenty of stylish and practical options available right now. Read on for our top 10 picks for the best shoulder bags to travel with this season.
Despite being known best for its carryall totes, Cuyana’s shoulder bags are just as practical—and the newly released Forma bag is a prime example. It’s carefully crafted from smooth and soft leather with supple suede lining that will protect any loose valuables you throw inside (think earrings or rings). There’s also an interior leather pocket, but the key to keeping the bottom of your bag organized is investing in the brand’s matching pouches.
This is the type of bag you can take with you anywhere in the world. It’s made from nylon with an expandable crescent shape you can wear crossbody or slung over your shoulder. The zip fastening along the top opens to a three-layer storage system with a dual mesh slip and a singular zip pocket for your smaller belongings. Arguably the best part is its leakproof external compartments, which allow it to double as a wet bag post-water activities.
Quince
Leather buckle shoulder bag
Perfect for trips where you need to pack light and don’t want to tote around something too heavy, Quince’s buckle-detailed bag is a great pick. The vintage-inspired shape is fitted with removable shoulder straps, which let you carry it a bunch of different ways, while the zippered interior pocket can safely store anything you may want to keep concealed.
MZ Wallace
Small Waverly shoulder bag
Fans of MZ Wallace’s carryall totes and pouches will love the brand’s new Waverly bag just as much. The drawstring silhouette is made from an easy-to-clean nylon material with Italian leather trim that instantly elevates an otherwise informal design. It’s also available in three different sizes (and two colorways), covering all your bases when it comes to storage space.
Small but surprisingly spacious, you’ll look chic bringing Coach’s signature Plaza 18 bag with you everywhere. Aside from the fact that it’s made from durable leather, with a well-sized interior to fit all your travel documents, the clip-lock fastening lets you hook it to a tote or piece of carry-on luggage for easy access. You can also convert it into a wristlet to carry in hand while exploring new cities.
Margesherwood
Soft Boston bag
If you’re looking for something that’ll get a lot of use when you travel but is still in line with the current trends, Marge Sherwood’s bowler-style bag, dubbed the Soft Boston, definitely fits the bill. The rectangular design is made from distressed leather that feigns natural wear and tear, with dual-top handles that snap together so they stay in place when slipped over your shoulder. On the inside, there’s one main compartment with two side pockets for your room key, bank cards, and other essentials.
J.Crew
Berkeley shoulder bag
Suede for fall isn’t necessarily groundbreaking, and because of its often delicate nature, it’s not what you may immediately think of when it comes to a travel-friendly shoulder bag. However, this slouchy Berkeley style from J.Crew is a rare exception. Not only is it durable and roomy enough to fit all your everyday necessities (and more), but the concealed magnetic fastening will also keep everything safe from falling out en route.
Naghedi
Nomad small hobo bag
Naghedi’s Nomad bag is a hobo/basket hybrid perfectly sized to hold only your essentials, which is really all you need when you leave the hotel to walk around a new city. Defined by its intricate, handwoven design, it comes with a coordinating pouch to keep your smaller items—like keys, loose change, or jewelry—from rattling around in the open interior.
Telfar
Regular Flower plastic bag
Telfar transformed the ever-present plastic shopping bag into a well-sized shoulder bag that can comfortably fit your laptop. Meant to be carried every day and made from a heavy-duty nylon material, it has stretchy-but-sturdy straps and three pockets in the fully-lined interior. If you need something with a little more space, consider sizing up to the larger style, instead.
Verafied
Silver noir éclar bag
Between the ‘90s-inspired three-in-one design and the secure, push-link fastening, this undoubtedly posh Eclair bag from Verafied New York is an ideal addition to your travel wardrobe. It’s made from premium calf leather that’s reinforced by a microfiber lining and silver hardware frame. The best part is that it can be carried multiple different ways—by the top handle or in your palm like a clutch, as well as over your shoulder thanks to the adjustable strap.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.