The tuck-and-go shoulder bag was a supermodel essential back in the ’90s, and now it’s serving a new generation of supers. The models of the moment have fallen for styles with perfect proportions (the ideal dimensions are around 30cm wide and between 15 and 20cm tall), and a strap they can sling over one arm.
Larger than life totes and micro pouches dominated the spring/summer 2022 runways, but neither one of these delivers on a practical level. That’s where the “just right” shoulder bag comes in.
The commute would be that much brighter with one of Miuccia and Raf’s postbox-red accessories, as seen in Prada’s spring/summer 2022 show, like its cult brushed leather Cleo bag, or the shiny new Femme bag in paintbox brights.
Also on our wish-lists: everything from Bottega spring/summer 2022. Daniel Lee closed out his tenure at the house with an enticing line-up of rigid yet curvaceous shoulder bags that veered away from his signature, squishy formula.
Black or tan bags are classic investment buys, but don’t overlook more colourful contemporary styles, like JW Anderson’s Bumper bag. For styling inspiration consult Dua Lipa, who wore her Baguette Bumper – it’s also available in a slouchy Moon shape – with a lime green Y/Project dress last month.
More versions can be found at Coperni, Diesel and Kiko Kostadinov, all of whom introduced new shoulder bags this season, and of course Balenciaga, which has been making waves with its Le Cagole. Demna hit the sweet spot with his new shape, debuted for Pre-Fall, that’s a rounded take on the house’s zippy motorcycle bag (the one carried by Kate Moss et al in the Noughties).
Minimalists will gravitate towards The Row, Jil Sander or Khaite, where understated elegance – rather than embellishment – is top of the agenda. At a more accessible price point, brands like By Far and Staud deliver similarly effortless, vintage-inspired shapes. Try By Far’s trapeze Amber shoulder bag or Rachel; or from Staud the Tommy or Ollie.
If you’re going down the vintage route for your tuck-and-go accessory, then Fendi’s Baguette, famously worn by Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City is the ultimate score, while Dior’s Saddle bag is Rihanna-approved.
