I don’t pretend to have much in common with celebrities, but there is one thing I share with some of fashion’s biggest stars: a love of the Coach Tabby bag.
Seen on Bella Hadid, Emily Ratajkowski, Jennifer Lopez, among several other famous fans (and slightly less famously, me), the Coach Tabby bag is in many ways, the story of a modern-day “It” purse. Introduced by creative director Stuart Vevers in Fall 2019, the Tabby has already seen several variations on a theme in its relatively young lifespan; in 2021, a soft, puffy “Pillow Tabby” was launched, followed by a quilted, chain-strap Tabby models in 2024. Years later, the bag continues to be a bestseller — which in an age of constantly-evolving trends, is no small feat.
Let’s begin with the one that started it all: The Tabby Shoulder Bag 26. Inspired by a 1970s archival Coach style, the Tabby Shoulder Bag was brilliant in its simplicity: A single flap design and minimal hardware make it a universal piece that goes with anything, and the versatility of being worn on the shoulder or crossbody meant she was up for anything. A more structured version followed suit, in addition to larger sizes and a rainbow of colorways, including a limited-edition metallic gunmetal quilted leather version.
I scooped up last year. (And on sale! Talk about a score.)
Personally, I’m convinced that the compact but not mini size is a major part of its mass appeal. I love that I can fit a phone, makeup, and wallet in my Tabby bag without feeling weighed down by a larger purse. (And if there’s one thing about me, if you give me a bag, I will find a way to fill it.) The natural-grain leather also elevates any outfit, but not too much so that it feels stuffy. It strikes the perfect tone between casual and fancy, and works with everything in my closet, from a white tee and jeans to a wedding guest dress.
For the versatility and endless styling options, the Tabby feels extremely rare in a trend cycle dominated by novelty. The denim Tabby is perfect for my recent grads, who deserve to finally receive their first designer bag. Plus, the price point makes it one of those rare designer bags that feels like a genuine treat without the guilt spiral. No matter who you’re shopping for this season, a Coach Tabby bag is a hard gift to get wrong.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
