When it comes to the ESSENCE Festival of Culture, the fashion is never just an afterthought; it’s the main event. While we’re limited by the clear bag policy at the Superdome, stepping into the Convention Center in New Orleans feels like a runway show because there are no bag limits. So that means the fashionistas are showing out with the most coveted designs in hand.
This year, attendees brought their absolute A-game, turning the pink carpet into a masterclass in accessorizing. From butter-soft leather to sparkling bag charms, the street style scene proved that a great bag doesn’t just complement an outfit—it makes an outfit.
If you’re looking for a cute little bag to throw over your shoulder this summer, this year’s ESSENCE Festival of Culture attendees are serving up so much inspiration. Whether you’re a crossbody lover or prefer the ease of a top-handle bag that fits comfortably over your shoulder, the purse inspiration will have you pressing add to cart in no time.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

Tory Burch Suede Slim Top Handle Bag, $295; Shopbop.com.
Louis Vuitton Fleur de Monogram Bag Charm Chain, $675; LouisVuitton.com.
Coach Short Faux Pearl Strap, $95; Nordstrom.com.Courtesy of Eshama John

Hand Tooled Mexican Leather Bag, $70; eBay.com.
Staud Leather Handbag, $250; Amazon.com.Courtesy of Eshama John

Bottega Veneta Mini Jodie Bag; $3,300; BottegaVeneta.com.
ASOS True Decadence Bag, $40; ASOS.com.Courtesy of Eshama John

Faherty Riviera Crochet Bag, $118; Nordstrom.com.
Crochet Fringe Bag, $90; Amazon.com.Courtesy of Eshama John

Coach Barrel Bag, $195; Coach.com.
Reformation Simona Cylinder Bag, $398; Nordstrom.com.Courtesy of Eshama John

Balenciaga Ville Bag, $1039; Farfetch.com.
COS Mini Studio Bowling Bag, $220; Nordstrom.com.Courtesy of Eshama John

Tumi Lex Mini Train Case Crossbody, $175; Tumi.com.
Sandro Tangolino Metallic Bag, $246; Nordstrom.com. Courtesy of Eshama John

Serpui Pablo Crab Bag, $426; Shopbop.com.
Poolside The July Crab Bag, $425; WeArePoolside.com.Courtesy of Eshama John

Telfar Vegan Leather Small Bag, $40; TheRealReal.com.
Marc Jacobs Small Metallic bag, $298; NeimanMarcus.com.Courtesy of Eshama John

Jacquemus Le Chiquito, $479; Mytheresa.com.
Proenza Schouler Mini Slide Leather Bag, $300; Nordstrom.com.Courtesy of Eshama John

Tory Burch Mini Miller Raffia Bag, $450; ToryBurch.com.
Tory Burch Fleming Crossbody Bag, $263; Nordstrom.com.Courtesy of Eshama John
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