Apologies to My Carryall Bag—This Classic Style Is Now Reigning Supreme

This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Was my title too dramatic? I'm sorry. I guess I should clarify that I don't actually have anything against a good oversize tote, but I can't help but comment on the fact that one of my favorite bags seems to have slipped away from the style, and I'm okay with that since shoulder bags and smaller totes have risen in popularity (again).

I, for one, missed clutching my purse tightly underneath my arm or letting it rest in the crease of my elbow, and we can all admit that it's definitely a sleeker and chicer look. With Prada's reissued nylon shoulder bags, countless Bottega Veneta styles, and even the Dior Saddle and Fendi Baguette revivals all (still) in the spotlight—plus a slew of under-the-radar iterations on their way to becoming classics—it seems that there's no time like the present to either bring back your old shoulder bag or invest in a new one.

To see how some of our favorite fashion people are wearing the style on Instagram while, of course, shopping my favorite shoulder bags for yourself, just keep scrolling.

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(Image credit: @thatgirlyusra)

Staud's beaded bags just get better and better.

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(Image credit: @mcristinastyling)

This affordable JW Pei bag is an editor and celebrity favorite.

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(Image credit: @livvperez)

Something to hunt for on your next vintage shopping adventure.

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(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

A noteworthy lesson on how to wear color.

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(Image credit: @emmaleger)

I love when animal-print accessories are paired with simple basics.

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(Image credit: @endlesslyloveclub)

If I were in the market for a new bag, this would definitely be a top contender.

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(Image credit: @emmanuellek_)

A woven style screams summer and will stick with you year after year.

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(Image credit: @jen_wonders)

You can never go wrong with Paco Rabanne.

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(Image credit: @fashionwithjazz)

Gold hardware makes any bag look five times its price.

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(Image credit: @laurencrowe88)

This whole look is just the perfect nod to the '90s.

Editor-at-Large

Since starting as an intern back in 2013, Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour has held several roles here at Who What Wear, and she is currently Editor-at-Large. It was a less expected route, seeing as she was graduating from business school at USC when this all began, but it has turned out to be the best one for her. Fast-forward to 2020, and she's moved to NYC from her hometown of Beverly Hills and spends her workdays a little differently from when she was an intern starting out. Currently, she focuses on a weekly mélange of shopping content. As far as her personal style goes, she's largely drawn to classic pieces and neutral basics but will always make an exception for something colorful, printed, or bejeweled as long as it's deemed worthy enough. After all, the only thing she loves more than a good party is dressing up for one. On weekdays, she can usually be found at home eating something delicious for dinner and trying to force her husband to watch 90 Day Fiancé.