This Chic Bag Is So Carolyn Bessette Coded — & It Transcends Season

As someone long enamored with Carolyn Bessette’s effortless style, it’s no surprise that Ryan Murphy’s Love Story has me completely hooked. With each new episode, I find myself hunting for the kind of classically chic pieces I could imagine Bessette wearing — which is exactly how I landed on the Teri bag from Coach Outlet.

Inspired by ‘90s archival designs, the Teri is so Carolyn Bessette coded, scratching my itch for nostalgic fashion just right. The connection feels fitting, considering Coach is responsible for creating some of the era’s most iconic (and now collectible) designs. Crafted from heirloom-quality materials with adjustable straps, the chic shoulder bag moves through the day — and years — like it always understands the assignment — not unlike Bessette’s sartorial instincts.

The Appeal

Crafted from rich pebbled leather, the Teri bag doesn’t feel tied to a season, and the minimalist silhouette further elevates the timeless appeal. Curved at the top, it tapers out ever so slightly at the bottom, nodding to ‘90s designs without ever feeling costume-y. The lightweight carryall adds a layer of era-inspired influence to your look that still feels of-the-moment. Think, WWCBD (What Would Carolyn Bessette Do?). Gleaming touches of silver or gold-toned hardware add stunning textural contrast while still keeping to the minimalist Bessette aesthetic; this is the grab-and-go bag that’s just as at home paired with denim and a trench as a bias-cut silk dress.

The Luxe Details

The first of the Teri’s luxe design details: Chic, versatility-adding shoulder straps. A detachable and adjustable leather shoulder strap allows you to style it as a shoulder or crossbody bag — perfect for a relaxed daytime ensemble — while a leather top handle strap, accented by gold or silver-toned chain link detail, matches the elegance of an evening look. It’s like getting three chic bags in one. Evergreen accessories can be difficult to find, but the Teri is offered in 17 gorgeous shades — with some offerings in the brand’s signature coated canvas. This is a bag that can stay at the front of your closet, pairing just as well with rich wintry shades as with summery brights.

What It Holds (Realistically)

Whether you’re plotting a daytime look or going out for the evening, the Teri has room for your essentials. The sleek silhouette clocks in at 9 inches long, 6 inches high, and 3 inches wide, with a center compartment roomy enough to fit your phone, a smaller-sized wallet, and earbuds. An inner slip pocket allows you to keep your keys and lipstick accessible — and a zipper at the top ensures you won’t have to worry about anything slipping out.

Who It’s For

Bessette’s style remains so influential because there’s never been a moment when her looks felt out-of-date — and the Teri’s minimalist silhouette feels just as timeless as Bessette’s classic, pared back, refined style. A natural choice for both the seasoned collector and those just building a thoughtful bag collection, the Teri’s simple design, gorgeous leather, and versatile adjustable strap make it just as an incredible option for anyone looking to build on their roster of handbags. The question it begs isn’t, ‘What would I wear it with’, but ‘What wouldn’t I wear it with?’ (The answer: almost nothing).

Meet The Expert

Andrea Gale is a Los Angeles-based fashion editor. For over four years, she’s hunted down the freshest in fashion and lifestyle, writing and editing shopping guides for outlets like Bustle, Elite Daily, Nylon, and The Zoe Report. She’s got a passion for the perfectly selected accessory and a knack for scouring new and returning trends to find the pieces you’ll return to again and again.