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Of all of the handbags, purses, and clutches on the market, choosing a recent luxury handbag that may function a workhorse in your wardrobe is usually a tall order. But the reply is easy: The very best minimalist bags are classic and timeless investment pieces that you just’ll wear for years to return.
Increasingly, shoppers are shifting away from designer monogrammed pieces and choosing sleek designer handbags within the spirit of the “quiet luxury” trend. We’ve seen minimalist handbags take over the runways recently, including Issey Miyake and Max Mara’s spring 2023 shows, and fall 2023 collections from Loewe, Ferragamo, and Jil Sander. Just last month, Reformation launched a handbag collection featuring bags in solid colours with clean lines.
Available in multiple sizes and shapes, minimalist bags range in forms from bucket bags to women’s work bags and even designer beach bags. Beyond that, minimalist bags are a highly versatile accessory to have available. You’ll be able to pair a minimalist handbag with fashion-forward staples, like a tailored blazer, crisp button-down shirt, and polished women’s loafers. Or dress the easy silhouette down with a comfortable sweater and straight-leg jeans. For a flowery occasion, pair your minimalist bag with one in every of your favorite cocktail dresses and slingback pumps.
With so many bags from minimalist bag brands to pick from, we consulted celebrity stylist Zadrian Smith to lend us expert suggestions and product picks for one of the best options in the marketplace. There’s a method on the market for you, and our edited list will assist you find it.
Top Minimalist Bags of 2023
Cuyana Messenger Bag
Best Minimalist Work Bag
- Materials: Leather
- Special features: Internal laptop sleeve and zip pocket
- Pros: There’s two sizes and 4 colours available, catering to quite a lot of personal preferences
- Cons: The bag weighs two kilos, making it a bit heavier than others in the marketplace
- Retailer Availability: Cuyana
Cuyana is all about minimalism. Striving to deliver “fewer, higher things,” the brand focuses on creating timeless, classic pieces that the trendy woman can have for years to return. With a loyal customer base — including Markle and Jessica Alba — Cuyana has been simplifying lives since 2011. Top-of-the-line parts in regards to the brand is its sustainability component, aiming to have one hundred pc of its products made with eco-friendly materials, most of that are recycled or reused. With regards to a laptop bag, there’s something to be said for a method that disguises the laptop entirely. Cuyana’s messenger bag just does that, tucking a 13” or 16” laptop neatly into its sleeve. The adjustable shoulder strap allows for much more flexibility in making this designer work bag suit all needs.
Related: Best Shoulder Bags
Staud Ollie Leather Bag
Best Reasonably priced Minimalist Bag for Women
- Materials: Leather
- Special features: Internal card slot
- Pros: The cardboard slot is an added bonus so that you don’t need to dig in your bag on your cards
- Cons: Narrow shape decreases capability of what it will possibly hold
- Retailer availability: MyTheresa, Amazon, Luisaviaroma, and Staud
Staud masters inexpensive luxury, and this Ollie bag is simply one example. The brand’s reasonable price point has been one in every of the predominant aspects in its success since its inception in 2015. Founded with the mission to bring accessibility to fashion, the female-owned label has taken the market by storm. Among the first celebrities spotted in Staud were Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid, Gig Hadid, Margot Robbie, and Selena Gomez. The Ollie bag is one in every of the brand’s staples, a baguette silhouette in a sleek leather design. Chain-link hardware adds a playful touch, and the cream colorway is a top alternative for those on the lookout for probably the greatest summer handbags for his or her warm weather wardrobe.
Savette Symmetry Pochette Bag
Best Minimalist Bag for Summer
- Materials: Leather
- Special features: Gold-tone hardware
- Pros: The bag is large enough to suit your necessities without being cumbersome and ponderous
- Cons: It doesn’t include a strap for over-the-shoulder carrying
- Retailer availability: Net-a-Porter and Savette
Handwoven in Italy, this leather Savette pochette is right for toting about on summery adventures. The brand is beloved by celebrities, worn by the likes of Katie Holmes, Emily Ratajkowski, and Lea Michele to call just a few. Woven leather gives it the texture of a summery straw bag, adding texture to any outfit. Within the absence of a logo, the brand’s craftsmanship speaks for itself, drawing attention to the detail of every weave.
Loewe Puzzle Hobo Bag
Best Luxury Minimalist Bag
- Materials: Leather and cotton-twill
- Special features: Interior wall pocket, exterior zip pocket, shoulder strap
- Pros: The multiple pockets make it great for organizing belongings in a small space; eight colorways
- Cons: Some reviewers say that it will possibly be hard to get items out and in of the bag because of the closure
- Retailer availability: Nordstrom, Net-a-Porter, Bergdorf Goodman, and Loewe
Since 1846, Loewe has been one in every of the leading luxury purveyors. As LVMH’s oldest fashion house, the Spanish brand’s leather goods are its staples. The Puzzle bag is one in every of Loewe’s signature styles, a sculptured look with geometric detailing. While the bag is immediately recognizable, it’s still an understated luxury option with minimal branding. An exterior zip pocket is a practical feature, and the hidden-zip closure safely secures belongings.
What reviewers say: “I even have had no issue with this in any respect. It is an ideal size, and I like the shoulder strap. Back pocket is ideal for gloss and keys and the within pocket holds my cellular phone. Very completely satisfied with the acquisition.”
Pimples Studios Mini Shoulder Bag
Best Mini Minimalist Bag
- Materials: Leather
- Special features: Magnetic closure
- Pros: A foldover flap helps to maintain belongings tucked away safely.
- Cons: The mini size makes for limited capability
- Retailer availability: Ssense, FarFetch, Saks Fifth Avenue, MatchesFashion, and Pimples Studios
Based in Stockholm and founded in 1996, Pimples Studios has made a reputation for itself within the accessible luxury fashion space. Producing each women’s and men’s ready-to-wear fashion, footwear, and accessories, Pimples is understood for its structured style and revolutionary silhouettes. This Mini Shoulder Bag is a alternative from Smith, who says that “indubitably” it’s his favorite minimalist bag. He adds, “It has an incredible sculptural shape that elevates every outfit.” The knotted straps are a creative fastening for the shoulder strap, furthering Smith’s praise of the form. While the Pimples Studios logo is visible, it’s as mini because the bag itself, keeping it within the realm of minimalism.
Khaite Anna Crossbody Bag
Best Minimalist Crossbody Bag
- Materials: Leather
- Special features: Three interior card slots; two-way top-zip closure
- Pros: An interior card slot is at all times going to be an organizational bonus, and having three of them is a trio of assets
- Cons: Small interior capability
- Retailer availability: Nordstrom, Bergdorf Goodman, Net-a-Porter, and Khaite
Khaite reimagines classic feminine silhouettes in modern shapes and styles. In 2016, the ladies’s ready-to-wear brand was born, quickly gaining traction. From Jennifer Lawrence to Dakota Johnson, celebrities have been seen wearing the brand time after time. The Anna bag has a boxy silhouette that offers a recent edge to the normal crossbody bag. With three interior card slots, the bag embodies functional fashion. An ergonomic design makes the Khaite stamp of approval known. The gold snake-chain also elevates the style to make it a dressier option for a crossbody.
Métier Incognito Tote Bag
Best Minimalist Tote Bag
- Materials: Leather and suede
- Special features: External pockets
- Pros: This bag is beloved for its lightweight feel.
- Cons: As a result of the leather and suede composition, this bag needs delicate care and a focus
- Retailer Availability: Net-a-Porter and Métier
Métier is a luxury leather goods house that handcrafts each bag in Italy, delivering authenticity and quality that translates in its products. Guided with a mission of purposeful design, each Métier bag is intentionally built. While the corporate has Italian roots, the brand’s flagship location is in London. Holmes is just one in every of Métier’s high-profile fans, preferring the subtle luxury that the accessories exude. The artisans that construct this Incognito Tote Bag make sure that every detail is attended to, lending thoughtful features to the bag. The magnetic-fastening external pockets are unnoticed practicalities, and the juxtaposition of leather and suede lends a mixed media design on this top designer tote bag.
Elleme Dimple Shoulder Bag
Best Minimalist Shoulder Bag
- Materials: Leather
- Special features: Zip closure
- Pros: Sturdy padded strap
- Cons: Just one predominant component
- Retailer availability: FarFetch and Neiman Marcus
French label Elleme derives its name from a word that translates loosely to “she loves,” empowering women through uniqueness, finesse, and strength. The lesser known brand has still made an appearance within the mainstream market, with customers including Camila Cabello, Lily Collins, and Camila Morrone. The intuitively designed shoulder bag incorporates a padded shoulder strap and zip closure in gold-tone hardware. It’s an easy silhouette with minimal features that does just what you would like it to in on a regular basis elegance.
Best Minimalist Hobo Bag
- Materials: Leather and suede
- Special features: Interior pocket and attached key clip
- Pros: Side snap gussets allow the bag to expand and alter shapes, which is added versatility
- Cons: The strap isn’t adjustable
- Retailer Availability: Nordstrom
Inspired by a fortune cookie, Wandler’s Lin hobo bag has an expandable component that sets it apart in the marketplace. A wall pocket gives internal separation, and the attached key clip is a welcome addition; and suede lining and a leather exterior create a complicated composition on this slouchy bag. Launched in late 2017, the brand has only been around for just a few years, but it surely’s been making waves ever since. After being seen on the Hadid sisters, Priyanka Chopra, and Robbie, it’s a classy, celebrity-approved label.
The Row Logan Shell Tote Bag
Best Minimalist Travel Bag
- Materials: Nylon and leather
- Special features: Top-zip closure and adjustable shoulder strap
- Pros: The shell is durable, which is important for travel
- Cons: Just one interior pocket
- Retailer Availability: Net-a-Porter, MatchesFashion, The Row
Finding a superb travel bag is hard. There’s a lot to think about when looking for the one, but The Row’s Logan leather-trimmed shell tote is an overnight bag that stands the test of time. The roomy interior matches your travel hair dryer, makeup bags, and more, and the versatile carrying system makes it possible to haul around by handle or shoulder strap. There’s an interior pocket to maintain smaller items at hand as well. While the brand stands alone as a luxury label, its celebrity roots run deep. Established in 2006 by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, the brand has been within the highlight for over a decade. Impeccable detailing and precise tailoring are on the core of The Row; this tote a display of just that.
Related: The Best Overnight Bags
What to Search for In a Minimalist Bag
To seek out one of the best minimalist bag, Smith suggests starting your search by looking for “a bag crafted in a single material and color.” Quality is important, and you furthermore may wish to select a bag that aligns together with your wardrobe. With the intention to assess this, keep a watch out for silhouette, features, and sizing.
- Silhouette: Whenever you’re investing in a minimalist bag, “you should deal with the general shape of the bag,” Smith says, suggesting you select “easy and clean lines.” The explanation for that is that you should discover a bag that you would be able to wear time and time again. “We love a minimalist shoulder bag because the minimalist style makes it easy to pair with different outfits,” Smith adds.
- Features: Consider what’s most significant to you to have in a bag. Whether you have got a pocket preference, like a certain form of closure, or just want one big compartment, you should take into consideration what features to prioritize. “Select a method with minimal visible trims, or one with zips and pockets.” The bag has to suit you and your needs.
- Sizing: Take into consideration what you plan to make use of the bag for. When you want something to hold on a regular basis essentials, you could want an even bigger tote. Then again, in case you want something small for going out at night, a wallet on a series could possibly be an amazing alternative to suit cards and keys.
Find out how to Style Minimalist Bags: Minimalist Bag Outfit Ideas
The great thing about a minimalist bag is that it truly may be paired with any outfit, making it an ideal alternative for on a regular basis wear,” Smith says. You’ll be able to either keep with the less-is-more theme or go for something bolder. You may also dress minimalist bags up or down.
- A lesser look: Retaining the minimalism motif, Smith prefers to “at all times pair with a minimal cashmere coat for a fashion-forward elevated look.” Think a clean and crisp white button-down, tailored pants, and straightforward women’s loafers.
- A daring alternative: Because the bag is a demure alternative, you’ll be able to wear vibrant patterns that won’t clash with the accessory. A colourful printed work dress with a pair of heeled sandals goes great with sophisticated crossbody bags.
- Dress it up: Head to a gala or night in town with a leather skirt and stilettos and a minimalist bag in your arm. The leather and heels will elevate your complete outfit.
How We Chosen the Best Minimalist Bags
Since 1910, WWD — sometimes called “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 pick one of the best minimalist bags, we began by consulting with celebrity stylist Smith for expert suggestions and product selections. Through a mix of expert commentary, extensive research of the market, customer reviews, and sampling product, we chosen the ten best minimalist bags to think about on your wardrobe. Each of the minimalist bags on our list feature high-quality materials, subtle silhouettes, and organizational features.
Meet the Expert
Zadrian Smith is one half of the celebrity styling duo Zadrian + Sarah. Smith is a world fashion director, with years of experience in accessories that lend to thoughtful commentary on current trends.
Meet the Writer
Gaby Keiderling is a contract author whose work has been seen in Vogue, Esquire, Harper’s Bazaar, Oprah, Observer, and more. She has a specific aficionado for designer handbags, with a private collection that dates back over 50 years. To curate this list of one of the best minimalist handbags, Keiderling spoke to a celeb stylist, dived deep into “quiet luxury” trend research, and chosen minimalist handbags that cater to quite a lot of style preferences and purposes.
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