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A good 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 or you’re attending a black tie event, your bag is the headliner of the show. And this season, your wardrobe needs the best mini bags.
Rickie De Sole, Nordstrom Women’s fashion director, confirms that carrying an everyday mini bag is an excellent idea. “We are so often running around with totes full of stuff — computers, keys, phones,” she says. “You’ll need to edit down what is in your mini bag, but there’s something very liberating about carrying less.”
Why are mini designer handbags resurfacing? Blake Geffen, founder of Vivrelle, explains that over the past few years, mini accessories have been popping up more frequently, creating a buzzy trend that is piquing people’s interest. “Mini bags are the next iteration, giving fashion lovers unique shapes and styles to experiment with. And the truth is, most of the time, we have our phones in our hands, so all you need is a credit card and lip gloss, and 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 everything in between, each style helps to create your designer style. Some add more casual detail, while others add a luxurious detail to your style.
When it comes to styling mini bags, the options are limitless. “I love a mini bag when I’m getting dressed up, whether it be a party or just out for dinner, because it adds a touch of sophistication to the outfit,” Geffen shares. You can also dress the bags down with a great pair of jeans and a cozy sweater for work or just a day running errands. They also make an excellent pairing with a casual dress for warm-weather getaways.
There are many mini bag options to choose from in varying styles, so with the help of expert tips and product picks, we created this mini bag guide to find the best one for any occasion. Scroll to see our list of the best 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 women
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 reminiscent of ’90s fashion. The bag is crafted with buttery-soft, glove-tanned leather, which gives the it a sleek finish. This minimalist bag also features Coach’s signature hardware on the bag, and a comfortable shoulder strap.
Price upon publish date of this article: $605
Best mini canvas tote bag for women
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 everywhere since it’s an affordable, stylish option. But the one tote you have to grab this fall is 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 article: $350
Best mini belt bag for women
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 an elegant way to wear a fanny pack without looking dated. Banana Republic’s Heritage Leather Belt Bag has a stunning design that easily wraps around the waists while holding items securely inside. Not only does it have a luxurious silhouette, but it retails for just $100.
What testers say: “I could not praise this belt bag more. I am so completely in love! It elevates my looks in a very charming way, being also very handy.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $100
Best mini bag for everyday
Prada Re-Nylon Mini Bag
Materials: Re-Nylon fabric and leather
Special features: Can 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 comes in the form of this sleek, nylon bag, available in three colors. Designed with an easy-to-carry strap that functions as a shoulder or itself, this bag is perfect for everyday use. The mini bag also boasts an enameled metal triangle logo, zipper closure, and nylon lining made from Prada’s Re-Nylon fabric, which is produced from recycled plastics collected from the ocean.
Price upon publish date of this article: $795
Best mini tote bag for women
Cuyana Mini System Tote
Materials: Italian double-faced pebbled leather
Special features: Includes D-rings to attach adjustable strap (sold separately)
Retailer Availability: Cuyana
Cuyana Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4/5 stars
Cuyana customers can’t get enough of this everyday mini tote, with many praising its spaciousness. The Mini System Tote is crafted with bespoke, Italian double-faced pebbled leather that can also be monogrammed. The bag also features carrying handles and has D-rings in the interior, where an adjustable strap can be added for a hands-free hold.
What testers say: “I have been searching for the perfect bag, and this one fits all my needs. It is small, yet big 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 it all day and not feel it on my shoulder.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $228
Best Signature mini bag for women
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 another mini bag to add to your wardrobe. It features 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 even more details to the already decorated purse.
Price upon publish date of this article: $850
Best mini crossbody bag for women
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 since the “bright colors are joyful and fun.” If you’re seeking a bag that brightens up your wardrobe, don’t miss out on the neon shades. Aside from its rich colors, the trendsetting bag has a removable strap that makes it versatile to carry by the top handle or as a crossbody.
Price upon publish date of this article: $605
Best mini clutch for women
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 find a bag from Cult Gaia that doesn’t look like a piece of art. Take this best mini clutch, for example. It features clusters of bubbles that compost the bag and has a mini design that makes it easy to carry as a clutch. There is also an opaque acrylic base and a clasp closure that adds another aesthetic detail. The bag is available in two shades: Sage and ivory.
What testers say: “What a stunner! I was pleasantly surprised to find that it fit so much more than I was expecting. What a beautiful and delicate (but heavy) piece. She can only be worn in the spring and summer, but the rest of the year she will sit up on my shelf like the stunning art piece that she is.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $388
Best affordable mini bag for women
Mango Crossbody Mini Bag
Materials: 100% polyurethane
Special features: Decorative buckles, one button fastening, and short strap
There are plenty of the best mini bags that have affordable price tags. This one from Mango has a stylish, structured silhouette that includes a top handle and an adjustable strap. The crossbody also has an open interior that makes it easy to take your belongings in and out.
Price upon publish date of this article: $39.99
Best luxury mini bag for women
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 everything about this stunning Chanel bag, “but the combination of the shape with the pink tweed is perfection!” she says. The bag has a unique circular design, an adorable mini size, and a chain strap that’s decorated with a beach ball charm. There is also a zip-around closure and two interior patch pockets.
Price upon publish date of this article: $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
If you’re seeking a bag that gets plenty 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 main compartment, a drawstring opening, and a printed logo across the bag.
What testers say: “Got lots of compliments on this! Material is durable and it fits more than I expected.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $395
Best black mini bag for women
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 fit the bare necessities. It has a mini silhouette that’s completed with a signature Strathberry bar closure that folds over the top handle to secure the tote.
Price upon publish date of this article: $495
Best mini diaper bag for women
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 everyday hustle, but a mini bag is a great way to be a “cool mom.” The Calpak Kaya Backpack takes the spot as our pick for the best 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 distinctive stitching pattern. The best 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 have the Kata laptop size, but it’s too big to take out for trips that don’t need my computer. I love that it is classic and structured as opposed to looking like a student backpack.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $98
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Best mini bucket bag for women
Polène Numéro Huit Mini
Materials: Certified Italian full-grain textured calf leather
Special features: Can 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 perfect bucket bag shape. It has a compact, flower-like shape and looks like. There are sculptures built into the bag, thanks to the waves of leather, which created a “fluted” look. It’s also lightweight and still has enough to carry daily 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 kids fit inside.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $380
Best mini bag for summer
Loewe Raffia Mini Gate Bag
Materials: Raffia and calfskin
Special features: Has a long strap that makes it easy to carry
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, thanks to its classic design. A long leather strap, flap closure with a knotted belt for secure fastening, and one interior double patch pocket make the bag easy to carry and style, and the pop of color on the flap adds a playful pop of color. “I love this bag because it reminds me of summer and a beach vacation,” Geffen says. “It can be styled for day or night!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $1,200
What to Look for In a Designer Mini Bag
- Quality: “Whenever you are shopping for a designer bag, you should always consider quality,” Geffen explains — determining if a bag is high-quality starts by examining its stitching. Bags that have been expertly crafted have straight stitches instead of ones that appear slanted.
- Materials: Handbags are most commonly cut from leather, and more expensive options are made from animal skins like crocodile. The best 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 that are specially designed for the brand indicate higher quality. Also, a distinctively shaped bag is a good indication of added details. Next up, test the zippers to make sure each opening closes seamlessly. If the closure gets caught, you may want to skip on that bag.
- Features: To land on the best mini bag, consider your needs. Do you prefer the bag to have more space? Is color important? If yes to either, then compare larger versions of the mini bags first, and then research to learn if it is available in multiple colors.
- Usage: Consider the versatility of the bag as well. Decide if it’s suited for everyday wear or special occasions. You want to ensure that the bag you select is a match for what you need. If you’re seeking a mini bag that you can toss your phone into, opt for a leather option that’s durable and can withstand wear and tear.
How to Style Mini Bags: Mini Bag Outfit Ideas
Although small, mini bags can be a “big level up for your outfit,” Geffen explains. “If you are wearing a neutral outfit, I recommend a burst of color with something like a bright pink Fendi Baguette Phone Pouch or the cobalt Baby Quilted Lou Camera Bag by Saint Laurent.” And for a more formal look, choose a bag with plenty of color and texture.
As for styling, “It totally depends 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 perfect night out.” You can also 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 Selected the Best Mini Bags
Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail, and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections.
To curate the best mini bags, we interviewed bag experts who added their knowledge and product recommendations to this story. Alongside their tips, our experts also shared what to look for in the best mini bags, what materials to consider, 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 founder of Vivrelle, a luxury membership club that provides subscribers with unique and rare designer handbags, jewelry, and diamonds. She’s well-versed in finding the best accessories without breaking the bank, and she contributed to this list by adding her favorite selections of the best mini bags.
Rickie De Sole is the women’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 in 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 Author
Taylor Lane is a WWD and Footwear News contributing freelance beauty and fashion shopping writer based in Charleston, South Carolina. The former New Yorker previously held on-staff shopping writer 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 everything from stylish and functional sneakers to the best mini bags to buy now.
This article 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.
