This Summer, a Small Bag Is a Huge Style Move

Earlier this week, I wrote a story guiding you toward finding the perfect crossbody bag for summer. But I have something I need to confess—I don’t want you to get any of those bags at all, ideally. Those functional crossbody bags are great and all, don’t get me wrong. But in a perfect world, every man would be like Aussie actor Jacob Elordi, carrying a chic and stylish little bag wherever life takes him.

Jacob Elordi is far from the only celebrity to indulge in carrying a little bag around. Timothée Chalamet stepped out with a metallic Chanel bag this winter, and before that, the likes of Austin Butler, Harry Styles, and Tom Holland have proved again and again that a bag enhances your entire outfit.

Now, I know some people are going to be really mad at this article, and that’s okay—if you aren’t stylish enough to pull off a bag yet, keep working on it! But this story isn’t for everyone; it’s for the men who are stylish and secure enough to wear a bag. If that’s you, you’ve come to the right place. You could go for a canvas tote or a black sling bag, but really you should do as Elordi does and find yourself a rotation of high-quality, high-fashion bags. They’re practical, and, after all, this is the year of accessorizing—I’ve only been urging you for months to do it!

Jacob Elordi has mastered the art of wearing a cute little bag.

A bright bag is an easy way to add a pop of color to your look.

But of course, I’m not about to knock the versatility of something small and neutral, either.

Let’s start off strong: A shoulder bag is infallible. A lot of men might instinctively shy away from this because they feel it’s too feminine—but that isn’t the case. A shoulder bag (or any bag, really) doesn’t inherently do anything to your outfit except make it better, as accessories often do; just as a belt or sunglasses or a baseball cap would, a shoulder bag adds another point of interest to look at. Plus, it’s convenient as hell.

I’m all for grabbing a bright one to give your fit a pop of color, but going for something neutral is always smart—you’ll just wear it more often. Leather is a safe bet, but suede is even more sophisticated. And here’s a pro tip: Find one with a longer strap, so it isn’t constantly slipping down your shoulder, and one with a zipped closure, ’cause a button closure (or, worse, no closure) is just waiting for all your essentials to spill out of your bag.

Gucci Horsebit 1955 Medium Shoulder Bag

Bottega Veneta Traveller Intrecciato Leather Hobo Bag

Uniqlo Multi-Pocket Shoulder Bag

Coach Coachtopia Alter/Ego Shoulder Bag

Tom Holland’s crossbody bag is simple, minimalistic, and functional—perfect for practical use.

But if you want a bag that’ll really help your accessory game, reach for something more playful, like Timothée Chalamet’s metallic Chanel crossbody.

A lot of people naturally lean toward crossbody bags since they’re so damn easy and convenient. It’s the same hands-free practicality that a backpack offers you but with the afforded access of all your belongings sitting right on your chest instead of on your back. (Also, backpacks are bulkier, bigger, heavier, and uglier.)

A minimalist style is going to be easier to wear everywhere, from the beach to the bar … but isn’t a maximalist style just so much more fun? Hey, I get it—metallic pink might not be your thing. But there’s still a ton of bright, fun colors and prints to choose from.

Nike Heritage Crossbody Bag

Celine Homme Triomphe Glossed-Leather Messenger Bag

Todd Snyder x Woolrich Sling Bag

Mansur Gavriel Large Moon Sling

Burberry Trench Crossbody Bag

Any easy tote bag is perfect for on-the-go convenience, even if you’re Harry Styles; it’s spacious, lightweight, and versatile.

Austin Butler makes the case for accessorizing your accessory with an iced beverage, too.

As a New Yorker, the canvas tote bag is a staple in my wardrobe. When you live in the city, you somehow randomly accumulate dozens of canvas tote bags, but I encourage you to shop for one with intention anyway.

It’s all too easy to throw everything you own into these; mine always has, at minimum, my phone, keys, laptop, wallet, water bottle, and snack. Canvas tote bags aren’t as tough as leather, and they get beat up pretty easily, so find a few that you love. Or just go for a more durable pick, like one in leather or suede. Those will be easier to make dressier too.

Uniqlo Cotton Reusable Tote Bag

J.Crew Bond Street Graphic Tote Bag

Carhartt 18L Firm Duck Tote

Loewe x Paula’s Ibiza Leather-Trimmed Woven Raffia Tote Bag

Buck Mason Italian Leather Carry-All Tote

Mansur Gavriel Everyday Cabas