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Hailey Bieber Wore the Perfect Little Black Bag, and I Found 7 Lookalikes From $17

The ‘90s-inspired accessory is timeless.

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Published on 04/22/24 06:00PM

Hailey Bieber Freja NYC Black Shoulder Bag — Backgrid

There are a few wardrobe staples everyone should have in their closet. Think: A lived-in pair of jeans, a crisp white button-down, and—as Hailey Bieber recently demonstrated—a little black shoulder bag.

Earlier this month, the model was photographed carrying a ‘90s-inspired vegan leather shoulder bag from Freja New York. Bieber styled the classic bag with a slouchy leather bomber jacket, blue athletic shorts, black sunnies, and her signature slicked-back bun for an effortlessly cool, casual look.

Freja New York Caroline Bag

Buy on Frejanyc.com $258

With a simple, sophisticated silhouette, Bieber’s Caroline Bag, epitomizes the belief that less is more. It’s made from a subtly textured vegan leather and features elegant details including rolled straps, a rich plum interior, and an envelope-like flap closure. Notably, it’s lacking hardware, instead sticking to a minimalist, all-black color palette. Elegant and understated, this bag’s magic lies in its versatility.

In fact, that’s what makes the black shoulder bag in general such a timeless essential. It’s the rare accessory that can be styled countless ways, whether you opt to dress it up for a night out, pair it with a chic tailored blazer, or throw it on with jeans and a T-shirt. No matter your sense of style—sporty, edgy, trendy, or classic—a little black bag would make a worthwhile addition to any wardrobe.

Freja New York Roma Bag

Buy on Frejanyc.com $258

There are a few factors to consider when choosing the right LBB (little black bag, for the uninitiated). For example, size is key to nailing this look. Generally, a shoulder bag should be roomy enough to fit all of your necessities, like your phone, keys, wallet, and maybe a pair of sunglasses or a lip balm; it shouldn’t be so big that it will feel uncomfortable tucked underneath your shoulder. Take it from me—nothing is more annoying than a bulky shoulder bag. Strap length is also an important consideration. If the straps are too short, the bag may be difficult to wear over your shoulder, especially if you have on a sweater or jacket.

Once you’ve narrowed in on an ideal size, think about aesthetic elements such as the material, design, hardware, and any other details. If your taste tends towards maximalism, for instance, you may be drawn to bags with a bit of flair, like a croc texture or a chain.

If Bieber’s bag is out of your budget, I found lookalikes starting at just $17. At $59, this JW Pei bag from Nordstrom merges a simple silhouette with elevated details like a crocodile finish and sleek silver hardware. Shoppers say it’s “beautiful” and “compact,” and love it so much they’ve purchased more than one color.