Fall 2025’s Biggest Bag Trend Is Actually Quite Small—and Katie Holmes, 46, and Lola Tung, 22, Are on Board

Last fall’s ‘It’ bag was big, slouchy, and effortlessly cool. But as is often the case with fashion, the pendulum has now swung in the opposite direction; this season, everyone’s replaced their overstuffed, oversized bag with something a little more manageable.  

I’ve noticed more and more people across every generation reaching for small but practical shoulder bags to complete their looks, including Jennifer Aniston, Katie Holmes, Zoë Kravitz, Hailey Bieber, and even Gen Z’s ‘It’ girl Lola Tung. And that trend toward smaller, more polished silhouettes was further reinforced at New York Fashion Week, where brands including Coach, Proenza Schouler, and Brandon Maxwell showcased more petite styles.

Look, I’m not going to stop carrying last year’s slouchy tote altogether—afterall, it’s the only thing that fits my laptop—but I’m not opposed to introducing something a bit smaller to my wardrobe. Not only can a petite shoulder bag dress up a look (something last year’s laid-back style can’t), but it forces me to be a little more picky about what actually needs to be on me at all times (my shoulder will be thankful). 

Below, shop the 10 styles I’m loving for fall. And while my list includes a few splurges, styles start at just $40.

10 Small Shoulder Bags for Fall 2025

• Most Affordable: BCBG Draped Shoulder Bag, $40 (Originally $118); nordstromrack.com 
• Under $100: JW Pei Lily Shoulder Bag, $67 (Originally $79); amazon.com 
• Celebrity Favorite: Coach Soft Tabby Shoulder Bag, $395; coach.com 
• Editor’s Most Wanted: Tory Burch Small Romy Shoulder Bag, $295; nordstrom.com and toryburch.com 
• Trending Suede: Madewell Sculptural Buckle Shoulder Bag, $118 (Originally $168); madewell.com
• Simple and Chic: Melie Bianco Shoulder Bag, $108; anthropologie.com 
• Cool-Girl Detail: J.Crew Delphine Studded Shoulder Bag, $238; jcrew.com 
• Pop of Color: Petit Moments Bow Bag, $70; revolve.com 
• Going Out Bag: Staud Timmy Sequin Shoulder Bag, $365; nordstrom.com 
• Trending Brand: Baggu Small Recycled Leather Bowler Bag, $160; baggu.com 

BCBG Draped Shoulder Bag

You definitely don’t have to splurge on this trend. At Nordstrom Rack, you can snag an elegant, no-fuss black shoulder bag for just $40. The faux leather style has a smart divided interior and adjustable shoulder strap.

JW Pei Lily Shoulder Bag

JW Pei is the affordable brand editors and celebrities (including Oprah!) love, so naturally, its on-sale Lily shoulder bag made my list. The bag is short and thin, but despite that small size, shoppers say it “can easily fit the essentials.”

Coach Soft Tabby Shoulder Bag

Coach’s famous Tabby bag—which has been carried by stars including Jennifer Lopez, Charli XCX, and Laura Harrier—expertly walks the line between cool and chic. The leather design and rectangular silhouette are luxe-looking and polished, while that giant gold C closure and subtle slouchiness provide a modern feel.

Tory Burch Small Romy Shoulder Bag

The style at the top of my wishlist is Tory Burch’s Small Romy bag. I love the wide, oversized shoulder strap that can be adjusted to for a long drop (perfect for winter layers), its cool slouchiness, and the tassel at the zipper. That Western-inspired detail is having a major moment this fall.

Madewell Sculptural Buckle Shoulder Bag

Suede will always be a fall staple, but the ultra-soft leather is extra trendy this year. That’s why I’m eyeing Madewell’s suede buckle bag. According to fans, it “goes with everything and fits all of [their] items easily.” I also love that big gold buckle, which elevates the otherwise simple style. 

Melie Bianco Shoulder Bag

Melie Bianco’s bag is simple and sophisticated. The faux leather style has nested feet and a hardware closure: two details that make the just over-$100 bag look way more expensive than it is.   

J.Crew Delphine Studded Shoulder Bag

While lots of brands’s shoulder bags gravitate toward chic and polished, J.Crew took a cool approach with its Delphine style. The black baguette bag is covered in silver studs and features an oxblood suede interior. The carryall definitely falls into the category of “statement piece,” but is surprisingly versatile thanks to that classic black leather.

Petit Moments Bow Bag

For a pop of color, I’m loving Petit Moment’s Bow bag. I always reach for a red accessory to make a basic outfit more exciting, and this bag, which features a cherry-colored faux patent leather and cute bow detail, is sure to do the trick. 

Staud Timmy Sequin Shoulder Bag

Staud’s sequinned Timmy bag is the statement style I need for my next night out. It manages to be both party girl-ready and kind of chic; that elegant chocolate brown balances the extravagance of those light-catching sequins. 

Baggu Small Recycled Leather Bowler Bag

The extra roomy drop makes Baggu’s small bowler bag a must-have for cold weather. Because the straps are so long, you don’t have to worry about whether or not they’ll fit over your puffy winter coat (they will).