The Hobo Bag Is Back—Top Stylists Weigh in on the Best Ones to Shop

After many seasons of leaning into the structured ladylike bag, suddenly, it appears we’re all ready to soften up a bit. “Chloé’s fall/winter 24 show kind of single-handedly brought back the boho trend, and with it these slouchy bags of the early 2000s feel right for the moment,” stylist Caitlin Burke says. Chemena Kamali’s first collection for the Parisian brand did, in fact, feel like a vibe shift, ushering in a new era of diaphanous silk chiffon-tinged French bohemia.

SHOP FALL 2024 HANDBAG TREND

The key bag from the collection, a soft leather slouch with gold hardware named the Bracelet borrows inspiration from the 1960s bags favored by hippies in the counterculture era. The word hobo references the bindle bags carried by migrant workers at the turn of the last century, and perhaps the term hobo needs a rebrand—stylist Brie Welch recommends “sling” or “crescent” as an alternative—but the bags themselves look better than ever.

Brown suede takes feel most relevant going into fall, as offered by Cos and Gucci, while black leather is a forever classic option from Aesther Akme and Mansur Gavriel. If you’re feeling truly boho, Isabel Marant is offering light studding on tan suede, while Loewe’s soft leather Squeeze with gold chain detail embodies the more glam side of the shape.

Vogue’s Must-Have Slouchy Bags

• The New Icon: Chloé large bracelet hobo bag – $3,890
• The Fall-Ready Suede: Gucci B medium shoulder bag – $4,100
• The Minimalist’s Favorite: Cos slouchy tote – $190
• The Preppy Classic: Polo Ralph Lauren Polo ID leather shoulder bag – $798
• The Soft Leather Take: Mansur Gavriel soft leather hobo bag – $895
• The Hero Buy: Bottega Veneta Hop Intrecciato hobo bag – $4,900
• The Luxe Shoulder Bag: The Row Bindle 3 tote – $2,250
• The On-Trend Burgundy: Coach Brooklyn shoulder bag 28 – $295
• The Chic Steal: Madewell The Essential Curve shoulder bag – $198
• The Easy-for-Everyday: Little Liffner Pillow hobo bag – $695

Why the Hobo Bag Appeals to Stylists and Fashionistas Alike

What does Welch find appealing about the return of an early-aughts icon once made famous by Sienna Miller and Kate Moss? “The functionality!,” she says, “Their shape contours to your body while generally having a wide and zippered opening to allow easy access.” Similarly, Burke is also a fan of the utility of the often-oversized style. “I love a carryall that can fit my laptop and all the things I need for the day, but traditional ‘work bags’ are usually more on the structured side,” she explains. “A hobo style balances a relaxed, casual feel with the functionality of something more serious.”

The Versatility of Hobo Bags

Beyond Chloé, luxury brands across the board are in on the revival, “The Row is unsurprisingly nailing the style with its Bindle and Blake bags. I also love Khaite’s Lotus tote for a twist on the design, and Bottega’s Hop feels like the ultimate luxe version,” Burke continues.

For her own collection, Welch leaned into a more approachable-priced iteration, “I have a more crescent shaped style from Rag & Bone that I use often for its ability to be totally hands-free as a crossbody,” she says. Madewell, Staud, and Reformation also offer great takes on the look.

The Timeless Nature of Hobo Bags

No matter which you choose or what you call it, this bag isn’t a mere trend; it has staying power embedded in its very design. “Functionality always ends up reigning supreme,” Welch says, “but there is also a simplicity to the bag which I think resonates with wanting to invest in timeless pieces.”

Noteworthy Hobo Bag Options

• Cos: Serif tote – $290
• Madewell: Suede soft grain shopper tote – $188
• Wandler: Maggie bag – $1,170 (Shopbop)
• Coach: Brooklyn shoulder bag 28 – $295
• Aesther Ekme: Lune mini bag – $340 (Ssense)
• Nothing Written: HT suede bag – $295 (Ssense)
• Little Liffner: Pillow hobo bag – $695 (Shopbop)
• Bottega Veneta: Hop Intrecciato hobo bag – $4,900 (Saks Fifth Avenue)
• Gucci: B medium shoulder bag – $4,100
• Cos: Slouchy tote – $190
• Chloé: Large bracelet hobo bag – $3,890
• Khaite: Augustina shoulder bag – $2,500 (Net-a-Porter)
• Reformation: Silvana bucket bag – $398
• Madewell: The Essential Curve shoulder bag – $198
• Loewe: Squeeze leather bag – $4,100 (Saks Fifth Avenue)
• Rag & Bone: Spire leather hobo bag – $458 (Bloomingdale’s)
• The Row: Bindle 3 tote – $2,250 (Ssense)
• Polo Ralph Lauren: Polo ID leather shoulder bag – $798 (Saks Fifth Avenue)
• Marcella NYC: Kelly tote – $198
• Cuyana: Celestia shoulder bag – $398
• Mansur Gavriel: Soft leather hobo bag – $895 (Saks Fifth Avenue)
• Isabel Marant: Oskan whipstitched suede shoulder bag – $1,295 (Net-a-Porter)
• Banana Republic: Slouchy Vida bag – $260
• Staud: Mel suede hobo bag – $395 (Saks Fifth Avenue)

Incorporating Hobo Bags into Your Wardrobe

The beauty of the hobo bag lies not only in its aesthetic but also in its versatility. Whether you’re heading to a casual brunch or a sophisticated cocktail party, these bags can effortlessly transition between occasions.

• Casual Looks: Pair with jeans and a flannel shirt for an effortless boho vibe.
• Sophisticated Outfits: Style with tailored pants and a silk blouse to elevate the look.
• Travel Essentials: Perfect for weekend getaways, fitting all your essentials in one stylish package.

The hobo bag is more than just an accessory; it’s a statement of style that combines form with function. As fashion continually evolves, this timeless piece remains a staple, ready to adapt and complement any look.