What Are the Best Bags to Wear on Graduation Day?

• The best bags for graduation day effortlessly balance practicality and design for an accessory that fits the milestone moment and complements your own personal style.
• Below, we’ve rounded up our go-to styles and silhouettes that will move with you from ceremony to photo shoots to celebrations and beyond.

When graduation day rolls around, you’ll want to make sure your outfit and accessories complement your own personal style—even if you’re wearing a cap and gown for part of the day. It’s a milestone moment you’ll remember forever, and while you may not have much of a style choice when it comes to the formal ceremony, you do have a choice in the accessories you choose (like your handbag).

Below are a few of our favorite graduation bags that are formal enough to match the occasion, practical enough to move with you throughout the day and stylish enough to help you express yourself beyond your cap and gown.

Elevate your look with a refined shoulder bag that’s versatile enough to fit any occasion—even one as significant as graduation day. Go for the Little Black Bag (aka the Tabby) for a neutral yet iconic style that goes with everything, or choose a quilted bag with chain accents for added textural contrast.

When it’s time to shed that cap and gown, your shoulder bag will fit the vibe of whatever look you’re after next—from casual jeans and tees to your favorite going out tops and skirts.

Style Pick: Tabby Shoulder Bag 26, Tabby Shoulder Bag 26 with Pillow Quilting, Teri Shoulder Bag

When you think about bag styles that lean formal, chances are the statement clutch comes to mind. They’re a structured, polished and practical choice. Simply put your clutch down while at the ceremony and carry it in your hands while snapping photos with friends for a visually striking accessory that ties your entire look together—cap and gown included.

Choose a style with enhanced organizational features like the Tabby for convenient access to your phone, keys and wallet. With an outside slip pocket, inside zip and multifunction pockets and snap closure, your belongings will stay safe all the way through early morning ceremonies to late night after-parties.

Style Pick: Tabby Shoulder Bag 20, Tabby Chain Clutch

If you don’t want to worry about carrying anything during graduation, why not slip a mini bag right under your gown? It’s a simple way to go hands-free while keeping all the essentials close by. Bonus points if your mini shoulder bag converts into a wristlet, too (like the Nolita).

Choose a style in a versatile neutral shade like black or white to match the formal occasion or opt for a playful color or print like washed yellow, light violet or even denim.

Style Pick: Nolita 19, Teri Mini Crossbody Bag