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Whatever type of style you have, you indeed need at least one good black purse. I didn’t have one. I have an abundance of accessories but was still on the market for that classic black bag. It had to be practical, and it had to be big. Or, at least, big enough to store my staples, like my wallet, keys, AirPods, and sunglasses, a foldable tote, a hand sanitizer, a lip gloss and lip balm, and a little tin with some everyday essentials. To top it all off, it had to be comfortable and versatile.
Throughout the week, I’m often running from the office to events, so I love having a nicer bag to elevate the outfit. This week, I was spending a lot of time at CVS stocking up on medicine since I had a cold, and all the bags I tested had enough room for me to stick some DayQuil and tissues in. A nice plus.
Below are the best black shoulder bags I recommend, alongside others I scouted on the internet for all different types of styles, occasions, and budgets.
➼ Our top picks
➼ More tried-and-true options
➼ Our experts
Photo: Brooke LaMantia
This under-$100 shoulder bag from Free People is the perfect everyday option. Its soft leather is roomy enough for carrying around all the essentials without being too bulky. I love the details on the adjustable straps and that it has a zip closure. Another bonus? I could wear it over my puffer jacket, and it didn’t slide off.
Photo: Brooke LaMantia
Sometimes, a structured bag is all you need to elevate an outfit. This option from Freja is exactly that. I love how it fits under my arm and am obsessed with the magnetic closure on top, allowing for security without worrying about a zipper. It also fit perfectly over bulky winter coats.
Photo: Brooke LaMantia
This Coach bag is everywhere, and rightfully so. It’s roomy enough to be my work bag but cute enough to not feel bad about wearing it anywhere else. Plus, the option to add bag charms is especially fun.
Photo: Brooke LaMantia
This bag is so me, it hurts. It’s understated but features lots of zip compartments for ample storage, a branded key charm, and an attachable cross-body strap, so you can wear it multiple ways.
Photo: Brooke LaMantia
Less structured than the Brooklyn tote, the Celestia bag from Cuyana is another great option for a work bag. And unlike the other bags on this list, this is for the gold girls. The gold buckle on the strap really elevates it.
Belted bags have been all over the runway, but that doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune on the trend. Instead, opt for this chic option from Charles and Keith.
This bag features an oversize leather buckle and magnetic closure over the top, and some dreamy suede for a play on textures.
Osoi is a brand I can’t stop seeing on my FYP. I love the shape of this Brocle bag, but our photo director, Noelle Lacombe, also recommends the belted option. “It fits a book perfectly, and the long straps make it super comfortable to wear. The only con is you need to stay mindful and keep it in front of you, as the shallowness of the bag makes it a pickpocket’s dream,” she shares. Thankfully, this one features a zipper.
An essential black leather bag that can be worn both on the shoulder and cross-body. It features a top zipper and interior pocket.
You cannot go wrong with a Jackie bag from Gucci. There are plenty of vintage and secondhand options to choose from without spending a fortune. Our senior shopping editor, Bianca Nieves, swears by hers.
Sure, Quince may be the holy grail of dupes, but that doesn’t mean its products aren’t good. For example, this slouchy, woven shoulder bag is sophisticated and cool.
By Far has some of the sleekest bags on the market, including this patent-leather classic. It has a fixed shoulder strap, a zip closure, and an interior pocket. Nieves has this one in brown and is considering buying it in black.