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A superb bag adds a final touch to any outfit. Whether you’re running to your local bodega in sweats and your favorite pair of everyday shoes otherwise you’re attending a black tie event, your bag is the headliner of the show. And this season, your wardrobe needs the most effective mini bags.
Rickie De Sole, Nordstrom Women’s fashion director, confirms that carrying an on a regular basis mini bag is a superb idea. “We’re so often running around with totes stuffed with stuff — computers, keys, phones,” she says. “You’ll have to edit down what’s in your mini bag, but there’s something very liberating about carrying less.”
Why are mini designer handbags resurfacing? Blake Geffen, founding father of Vivrelle, explains that over the past few years, mini accessories have been popping up more ceaselessly, making a buzzy trend that’s piquing people’s interest. “Mini bags are the subsequent iteration, giving fashion lovers unique shapes and styles to experiment with. And the reality is, more often than not, we now have our phones in our hands, so all you would like is a bank card and lip gloss, and also you’re all set,” Geffen explains.
And ever since Jacquemus debuted its Chiquito bag in 2018, mini bags have taken off. More recently, Carolina Herrera and Oscar de la Renta displayed their versions during fall 2023 fashion week. For spring 2024, designers like Staud, Coach, Kate Spade, and more also showcased these petite bags. “The mini bag trend has taken off, and I don’t predict it slowing down anytime soon,” Geffen adds.
Now, the mini bag trend comes with many iterations, from mini bucket bags to mini tote bags, and all the pieces in between, each style helps to create your designer style. Some add more casual detail, while others add an opulent detail to your style.
In the case of styling mini bags, the choices are limitless. “I really like a mini bag once I’m getting dressed up, whether or not it’s a celebration or simply out for dinner, since it adds a touch of sophistication to the outfit,” Geffen shares. You too can dress the baggage down with a terrific pair of jeans and a comfy sweater for work or simply a day running errands. In addition they make a wonderful pairing with an informal dress for warm-weather getaways.
There are a lot of mini bag options to pick from in various styles, so with the assistance of expert suggestions and product picks, we created this mini bag guide to seek out the most effective one for any occasion. Scroll to see our list of the most effective mini bags — from shoulder bags and crossbody bags, to tote bags and bags for work.
Top Mini Bags of 2023
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Best mini shoulder bag for ladies
Coach Eve Glovetanned Leather Hobo Bag
Materials: Leather
Special features: Classics ’90s design
Retailer Availability: Nordstrom, Coach
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
De Sole’s recommends Coach’s Hobo Bag that has a classic mini bag look harking back to ’90s fashion. The bag is crafted with buttery-soft, glove-tanned leather, which provides the it a sleek finish. This minimalist bag also features Coach’s signature hardware on the bag, and a cushty shoulder strap.
Price upon publish date of this text: $605
Best mini canvas tote bag for ladies
Marc Jacobs Mini Tote
Materials: Canvas and leather
Special features: Combination of materials, paired with Marc Jacobs’ branding
Retailer Availability: Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Marc Jacobs
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Saks Fifth Avenue Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4/5 stars
You’ve probably seen the Marc Jacobs Tote Bag in every single place because it’s a reasonable, stylish option. However the one tote you might have to grab this fall is that this mini iteration of the brand’s bestselling bag. The mini tote has a signature canvas design, but this version also pairs it with leather details.
Price upon publish date of this text: $350
Best mini belt bag for ladies
Banana Republic Heritage Leather Belt Bag
Materials: Faux leather and polyester
Special features: Luggage trolley sleeve
Retailer Availability: Banana Republic
A mini belt bag is a sublime strategy to wear a fanny pack without looking dated. Banana Republic’s Heritage Leather Belt Bag has a shocking design that easily wraps across the waists while holding items securely inside. Not only does it have an opulent silhouette, however it retails for just $100.
What testers say: “I couldn’t praise this belt bag more. I’m so completely in love! It elevates my looks in a really charming way, being also very handy.”
Price upon publish date of this text: $100
Best mini bag for on a regular basis
Prada Re-Nylon Mini Bag
Materials: Re-Nylon fabric and leather
Special features: Will be used as a shoulder bag or wristlet
Retailer Availability: Prada, Saks Fifth Avenue
Saks Fifth Avenue Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4/5 stars
Prada’s version of the mini bag is available in the shape of this sleek, nylon bag, available in three colours. Designed with an easy-to-carry strap that functions as a shoulder or itself, this bag is ideal for on a regular basis use. The mini bag also boasts an enameled metal triangle logo, zipper closure, and nylon lining created from Prada’s Re-Nylon fabric, which is produced from recycled plastics collected from the ocean.
Price upon publish date of this text: $795
Best mini tote bag for ladies
Cuyana Mini System Tote
Materials: Italian double-faced pebbled leather
Special features: Includes D-rings to connect adjustable strap (sold individually)
Retailer Availability: Cuyana
Cuyana Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4/5 stars
Cuyana customers can’t get enough of this on a regular basis mini tote, with many praising its spaciousness. The Mini System Tote is crafted with bespoke, Italian double-faced pebbled leather that can be monogrammed. The bag also features carrying handles and has D-rings in the inside, where an adjustable strap may be added for a hands-free hold.
What testers say: “I even have been trying to find the right bag, and this one matches all my needs. It’s small, yet large enough for my phone, water bottle, wallet, and glasses, and it still has extra space. The bag is light, and the strap is soft. I can wear all of it day and never feel it on my shoulder.”
Price upon publish date of this text: $228
Best Signature mini bag for ladies
Gucci Ophidia Mini Bag
Materials: Printed coated-canvas
Special features: Chain strap
Retailer Availability: Net-a-Porter, Gucci
Net-a-Porter Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.9/5 stars
The Ophidia Mini Bag from Gucci is one other mini bag so as to add to your wardrobe. It includes a printed coated canvas and is trimmed with leather. It’s also detailed with the brand’s signature gold-tone GG that rests on the front of the trim. And the chain strap adds much more details to the already decorated purse.
Price upon publish date of this text: $850
Best mini crossbody bag for ladies
Jacquemus Le Chiquito Leather Mini Top Handle Bag
Materials: Leather and cotton lining
Special features: Magnetic-snap flap closure
Retailer Availability: Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Saks Fifth Avenue Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4/5 stars
De Sole recommends the Le Chiquito Leather Mini Top Handle Bag because the “vivid colours are joyful and fun.” For those who’re searching for a bag that brightens up your wardrobe, don’t miss out on the neon shades. Other than its wealthy colours, the trendsetting bag has a removable strap that makes it versatile to hold by the highest handle or as a crossbody.
Price upon publish date of this text: $605
Best mini clutch for ladies
Cult Gaia The Bubble Clutch
Materials: 100% acrylic
Special features: Crafted bubble art design
Retailer Availability: Cult Gaia, Nordstrom
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
It’s hard to seek out a bag from Cult Gaia that doesn’t appear like a bit of art. Take this best mini clutch, for instance. It features clusters of bubbles that compost the bag and has a mini design that makes it easy to hold as a clutch. There’s also an opaque acrylic base and a clasp closure that adds one other aesthetic detail. The bag is accessible in two shades: Sage and ivory.
What testers say: “What a stunner! I used to be pleasantly surprised to seek out that it fit so far more than I used to be expecting. What an attractive and delicate (but heavy) piece. She will be able to only be worn within the spring and summer, but the remaining of the yr she’s going to sit up on my shelf just like the stunning art piece that she is.”
Price upon publish date of this text: $388
Best inexpensive mini bag for ladies
Mango Crossbody Mini Bag
Materials: 100% polyurethane
Special features: Decorative buckles, one button fastening, and short strap
There are many the most effective mini bags which have inexpensive price tags. This one from Mango has a classy, structured silhouette that features a top handle and an adjustable strap. The crossbody also has an open interior that makes it easy to take your belongings out and in.
Price upon publish date of this text: $39.99
Best luxury mini bag for ladies
Chanel Tweed Quilted Beach Ball Round Mini Pouch
Materials: Tweed, leather and gold hardware
Special features: Unique shape and chain strap
Retailer Availability: Vivrelle
Geffen loves all the pieces about this stunning Chanel bag, “but the mixture of the form with the pink tweed is perfection!” she says. The bag has a novel circular design, an cute mini size, and a sequence strap that’s decorated with a beach ball charm. There’s also a zip-around closure and two interior patch pockets.
Price upon publish date of this text: $2,800
Best Drawstring Mini Bag for Women
Alexander Wang Ryan Small Bag
Materials: Printed coated canvas
Special features: Metallic fabric
Retailer Availability: Revolve, Saks Fifth Avenue
Revolve Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Saks Fifth Avenue Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4/5 stars
For those who’re searching for a bag that gets loads of praise, look no more. This mini bag from Alexander Wang is wrapped in a metallic rib knit that’s soft yet durable. The bag features one predominant compartment, a drawstring opening, and a printed logo across the bag.
What testers say: “Got a number of compliments on this! Material is durable and it matches greater than I expected.”
Price upon publish date of this text: $395
Best black mini bag for ladies
Strathberry The Nano Tote
Materials: 100% calf leather
Special features: Signature bar closure and gold feet
Retailer Availability: Bloomingdales, Strathberry
Bloomingdale’s Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Nothing says chic like a black mini bag. Don’t have one? Luckily, there’s this pick from Strathberry that’s equally stunning and functional. The Nano Tote is a smaller version of the brand’s beloved Strathberry Tote, and is made to suit the bare necessities. It has a mini silhouette that’s accomplished with a signature Strathberry bar closure that folds excessive handle to secure the tote.
Price upon publish date of this text: $495
Best mini diaper bag for ladies
Calpak Kaya Mini Backpack
Materials: Faux leather and polyester
Special features: Luggage trolley sleeve
Retailer Availability: Calpak
Diaper bags are essential to any mom’s on a regular basis hustle, but a mini bag is a terrific strategy to be a “cool mom.” The Calpak Kaya Backpack takes the spot as our pick for the most effective mini diaper bag. The backpack design is small in stature but has ample room for storing diapers, wipes, and other changing materials. The bag is cut from faux leather and has a particular stitching pattern. The perfect part? The backpack has adjustable straps and a luggage trolley sleeve that makes it a breeze to travel with.
What testers say: “The mini is great! I even have the Kata laptop size, however it’s too big to take out for trips that don’t need my computer. I really like that it’s classic and structured versus looking like a student backpack.”
Price upon publish date of this text: $98
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Best mini bucket bag for ladies
Polène Numéro Huit Mini
Materials: Certified Italian full-grain textured calf leather
Special features: Will be worn as a shoulder or crossbody bag
Retailer availability: Polène
Made with leathers sourced from European tanneries, Polène’s Numéro Huit Mini bag has the right bucket bag shape. It has a compact, flower-like shape and appears like. There are sculptures built into the bag, because of the waves of leather, which created a “fluted” look. It’s also lightweight and still has enough to hold every day essentials like your phone, wallet, and keys.
What testers say: “My smaller wallet, sunglasses, small makeup pouch, iPhone, and two pouches or snack bars for the youngsters fit inside.”
Price upon publish date of this text: $380
Best mini bag for summer
Loewe Raffia Mini Gate Bag
Materials: Raffia and calfskin
Special features: Has a protracted strap that makes it easy to hold
Retailer Availability: Vivrelle, Rebag
A mini bag is a staple for warm-weather getaways and summertime wear. This raffia version from Loewe complements any outfit, because of its classic design. An extended leather strap, flap closure with a knotted belt for secure fastening, and one interior double patch pocket make the bag easy to hold and elegance, and the pop of color on the flap adds a playful pop of color. “I really like this bag since it jogs my memory of summer and a beach vacation,” Geffen says. “It may be styled for day or night!”
Price upon publish date of this text: $1,200
What to Search for In a Designer Mini Bag
- Quality: “At any time when you might be looking for a designer bag, you need to all the time consider quality,” Geffen explains — determining if a bag is high-quality starts by examining its stitching. Bags which have been expertly crafted have straight stitches as an alternative of ones that appear slanted.
- Materials: Handbags are mostly cut from leather, and dearer options are created from animal skins like crocodile. The perfect mini bags will contain leather, denim, and high-quality wicker, which makes the bag durable.
- Hardware: Also, consider the hardware of the bag before purchasing. Ones which are specially designed for the brand indicate higher quality. Also, a distinctively shaped bag is a superb indication of added details. Next up, test the zippers to be certain each opening closes seamlessly. If the closure gets caught, you might wish to skip on that bag.
- Features: To land on the most effective mini bag, consider your needs. Do you favor the bag to have more room? Is color necessary? If yes to either, then compare larger versions of the mini bags first, after which research to learn if it is accessible in multiple colours.
- Usage: Consider the flexibility of the bag as well. Determine if it’s suited to on a regular basis wear or special occasions. You ought to make sure that the bag you choose is a match for what you would like. For those who’re searching for a mini bag that you would be able to toss your phone into, go for a leather option that’s durable and might withstand wear and tear.
Easy methods to Style Mini Bags: Mini Bag Outfit Ideas
Although small, mini bags could be a “big level up on your outfit,” Geffen explains. “For those who are wearing a neutral outfit, I like to recommend a burst of color with something like a vivid pink Fendi Baguette Phone Pouch or the cobalt Baby Quilted Lou Camera Bag by Saint Laurent.” And for a more formal look, select a bag with loads of color and texture.
As for styling, “It totally relies on what the occasion is!” says De Sole. “Toss on a crossbody mini with a pair of jeans for a day of running errands, or a mini bag with a mini dress for the right night out.” You too can take notes from celebs: Sofia Richie paired a plaid mini dress with a mini Chanel bag, and Zendaya added a Louis Vuitton bag to a beige with black zebra-print pattern two-piece set. While in Paris, Tatiana Elizabeth was also seen with a vibrant red mini bag.
How We Chosen the Best Mini Bags
Since 1910, WWD — also known as “the style bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the worldwide women’s and men’s fashion, retail, and sweetness communities, while also informing the buyer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for each fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors proceed to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections.
To curate the most effective mini bags, we interviewed bag experts who added their knowledge and product recommendations to this story. Alongside their suggestions, our experts also shared what to search for in the most effective mini bags, what materials to think about, and what makes them quality bags. We also researched the designer bag market, compared customer review quotes, and conducted our own product testing. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Experts
Blake Geffen is the founding father of Vivrelle, a luxury membership club that gives subscribers with unique and rare designer handbags, jewelry, and diamonds. She’s well-versed find the most effective accessories without breaking the bank, and he or she contributed to this list by adding her favorite selections of the most effective mini bags.
Rickie De Sole is the ladies’s designer fashion and editorial director at Nordstrom and is a fashion veteran. Before her current role, De Sole spent 12 years at Vogue, moving across various roles within the print and digital spaces. De Sole is a firm believer that carrying less is “very liberating,” and that’s why she added her picks to our list of best mini bags.
Meet the Writer
Taylor Lane is a WWD and Footwear News contributing freelance beauty and fashion shopping author based in Charleston, South Carolina. The previous Latest Yorker previously held on-staff shopping author roles at Yahoo Life and Dotdash Meredith. Lane’s bylines have appeared in publications like InStyle, Forbes Vetted, Women’s Health, and more. Lane has several years of editorial experience covering beauty and fashion, reporting on all the pieces from stylish and functional sneakers to the most effective mini bags to purchase now.
This text was fact checked and reviewed by Leanna Yip, a veteran copy editor with over 12 years of experience, including eight years text editing researched shopping stories and in-depth product guides across several categories, including fashion, beauty, home, footwear, tech, gifts, and more.
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