From Gen Z to Millennials, Every Stylish Person Agrees That the Little Shoulder Bag Is Back—And Coach's Tabby Is the Ultimate Buy

Handbag trends come and go, but one silhouette that has never truly fallen out of favour is the little shoulder bag—and the Coach Tabby is a style that every well-dressed woman agrees deserves a place in your capsule wardrobe.

For an accessory to truly stand the test of time, it needs to tick several boxes: be trend-forward and yet hold timeless appeal, offer versatile functionality, be easy to style with any and every outfit, and exude luxury craftsmanship that makes it worth every penny. The Coach Tabby ranks unbeatably high for every single one of these criteria.

From the larger Tabby 26 with multiple pockets and crossbody function to the more petite Tabby 20 with room for all the essentials and a sleek finish that tucks under the arm, the Coach Tabby manages to be simultaneously versatile and elevated to suit every wardrobe.

Trend-Forward Investment

Despite its enduring appeal, there was a time when oversized totes or mini clutches overtook the neat shoulder bag in the fashion landscape. But the recent return to '90s-inspired handbag silhouettes has meant that smaller under-arm designs have firmly returned to the fore. The most synonymous with this look is undoubtedly the Coach Tabby—a reiteration of a 1970s design from the label that was reinvented in 2019, and has found itself on the arms of countless stylish women since. A born-again classic, the Tabby could even be credited with the shoulder silhouette's resurgence.

Marrying '70s, '90s, and Y2K influences with its slimline form, front-flap closure, chunky C hardware and multiple handle options, it opens itself up to countless styling opportunities. Looking back three decades, the Tabby's silhouette would have been paired with low-slung denim and an elevated evening top, or a pencil skirt and a baby tee—both of which would look just as polished and relevant today. Just ask Charli XCX, Bella Hadid or Elle Fanning—all of whom have the Tabby in their current wardrobe rotation.

Branding and Craftsmanship

With a singular ability to produce what trend-hunters are looking for next, New York-based Coach is consistently offering fresh designs and details that fashion-conscious shoppers can't get enough of. Take the bag charm trend—Coach was designing these handbag accessories long before they entered the mainstream fashion world, making the brand's influence undeniable.

In fact, Coach even introduced the made-to-order Tabby concept in a time before consumers' personalised wardrobe investments became a "thing", with iterations including the patchwork finish Tabby (upcycled from luxury leather production scraps). This is just one aspect of the brand's Coachtopia initiative, which aims to transition the business towards a more circular fashion economy by reusing waste without sacrificing Coach's signature craftsmanship.

Multi-Use Functionality

Although true vintage handbags offer plenty of selling points, there's one vital factor the Coach Tabby offers that older styles typically lack—functionality. No matter if you prefer the slouchier Tabby 26 or the sleeker and more structured 20 or 19 styles, each iteration is deceptively roomy inside without any added bulk.

Including a front flap pocket ideal for slipping smaller essentials into, to the generous interior with an impressive four compartments including a zipped section, it's a true holdall with a deceptively neat exterior silhouette. Considering the larger Tabby 26 is only ten inches long, it offers incredibly impressive space for everyday wear.

Plus, there's the option to switch the '90s shoulder strap for additional longer options provided, meaning you can go fully hands-free by wearing it as a crossbody when you desire.

Unwavering Style

If '90s era dressing calls to you, opt for the Coach Tabby 20 or 26 with either a leather or chain-strap handle and an understated, neutral finish such as black, white, or tan leather. Styling with high-rise straight-leg jeans and a crisp white tee will instantly evoke a Carolyn Bessette Kennedy air, whilst investing in a canvas monogram or denim Tabby finish captures a playful New York girl-about-town feel. Combined with a slinky bias cut dress, the Tabby is a bag made for daywear, evening, holiday, weddings and everything in between.

Shop the Coach Tabby