When mini bags first emerged on the scene, I have to admit that I was skeptical if they would take off. I have always gravitated towards the practicality of big bags, so the arrival of mini bags was confusing for me. Curiosity took over— Who would want to wear these? What can people fit in there? And most importantly, how do they carry so little with them? When I started seeing celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Ariana Grande wearing mini bags, I thought this trend would fade away as quickly as it arrived. But as we transition into fall, mini bags have proven they aren’t going anywhere fast.
The big pain point for me with this trend is that it moves away from the ideology of a statement bag. For most purse lovers, a bag is the first thing that catches our eye, and is often the most interesting part of an outfit. You may be wearing plain clothing, but a bag can make it memorable; which is a primary reason why I love bags so much. The athleisure trend is crystalized proof that a purse can turn simple clothes into an outfit. I’m not sure that a mini bag has the ability to create the same effect. Suddenly not having the bag be the focal point of an outfit is a big adjustment to make.
On the other hand, I do love the aesthetic of mini bags. The “less is more” approach is dainty and delicate; a look I can get on board with. Along with a beautiful design, these small bags often pack a punch with ornate details. With footwear getting increasingly chunkier, it seems only natural that I would balance my outfit with a smaller bag. When paired with statement clothing or shoes, I can appreciate how tiny and cute mini bags are. But I have to wonder—is this a trend that works for the masses? I know I personally would have a difficult time using a mini bag. As beautiful as they are, it doesn’t change the fact that I carry around a lot with me day to day (and I mean a lot). I can barely use a traditional cross body, how am I going to go so small? I’m not sure I am ever going to get to the point where I can consolidate enough to have a mini bag be functional for me, but that doesn’t mean I can’t admire from afar!
Have you tried out the mini trend? What was the hardest item to cut from your bag? Let me know in the comments below, I would love to hear what you think about the trend! Shop some of my favorites below.
Gucci Sylvie Mini Chain Bag
Louis Vuitton Twist Chain Wallet
Tory Burch Miller Crossbody
Fendi Micro Peekaboo
Prada Saffiano Leather Shoulder Bag
Chanel Classic Wallet on Chain
Hermes Cherche-Midi Mini Bag
Kate Spade Reese Park Delilah
I love this trend! There really is something unexplainable about those tiny bags, despite their impracticality. I mean, I already got a few pieces, the smallest one can’t even fit a regular card holder, but I absolutely love it over my hobos and totes.
I’m befuddled by them.
What’s their purpose? Perhaps if they were called jewelry instead of a handbag?
Ha! You’re so right! They ARE jewelry. They serve no purpose or function, except to dress up their arm/hand. They are an affectation! Frankly, they look rediculous! It boggles my mind why you’d pay a couple thousand for one.??
Wasn’t tired of it when it first became a trend, and I’m not tired of it years later! I’m looking for the perfect micro nano bag to use as a wallet in my bags
I only go mini. Anything bigger than 25cm overwhelms my frame and my look. I love mini bags. I was so happy when I got my mini and micro peekaboos.
I love that they are light weight, as I have bad shoulders and a bad back, they make life easier. I don’t need to carry much, my phone, card and keys and I am good to go.
Love mini bags. Very practical for 21st century lifestyle.
I probably wouldn’t be willing to sacrifice a thing – most of the women in the pictures are people who have an assistant following close by to carry their huge totes full of stuff. If I go mini, it’s for an evening event where I only need my key pouch, mini wallet and phone. If I do a small crossbody in the daytime, that’s when I have another bag to carry my other stuff in.
I find mini bags to be fascinating! They would never work for my lifestyle, however. Maybe having a tiny bag for concerts that fit just my phone, wallet, keys, and a lip balm, but I would never use that bag day to day. In fact, for that purpose, I might prefer to just get a Bandolier.
I own one mini bag to wear to concerts and athletic games (football, basketball). I own a wallet-on-chain (not Chanel). But I could never carry one on a daily basis and I carry a small bag! For everyday life, I need something functional.
Besides, no matter how much I love a bag, if it can’t fit my phone…it’s a dealbreaker. I’m not one of those people who walks around with a phone in hand. It’s annoying.
I have a mini bag, but it’s definitely not practical for me. How structured are people’s lives? Do you never buy or bring home some small item or do you get a bag with every small purchase or do you just wake up knowing exactly what you’ll need to carry every day?
Love mini bags, not going back to bigger bags.
Reasons I only go for mini-bags:
– They don’t hurt my shoulders or back carrying them around. I only need my mini-wallet, phone and keys to fit in them. Other things just goes in a diaper bag I hang on my kid’s stroller
– I can buy more bags. Instead of spending on 1 Chanel classic flap I can buy a couple or more of WOCs in different colours for different outfits
– They are easier to protect from the rain, snow, being scratched by anything you pass by when you’re walking outside, etc
– You can pack more mini bags in your hand carry when you travel
– In an emergency where you have to evacuate your apartment, you can fit all your mini bags in one suitcase to take with you.
I haven’t scaled down to mini-mini, only mini for me. I went from a GST to a classic flap to an old medium boy. With all of the electronic apps taking the place of things in my bag (notes app instead of a notebook, applepay instead of a checkbook, etc…) keyless entry to my car & keypad to my building meaning fewer keys, I’ve been able to naturally downsize. Can’t imagine going any smaller than an old medium, though.
I definitely enjoy watching OTHER people carry them. Too impractical to spend my cash. Grande and Jenner can carry them for me.
Way too impractical for me! For almost 1k to carry a bag that I won’t be able to fit in my needs, needless to say, no one will ever notice, i’d Pass! Thanks
I love how some of these mini bags look ( my fave been the tiny peekaboo) but again, what’s the point of buying a bag that is that expensive & I won’t use that much?
My bag collection is made up almost exclusively of mini bags. I just find them easier to carry (crossbody) and much lighter too. I only ever carry my cash pouch, keys, lipbalm, lipstick and phone.. so size isn’t a problem for me! That said, I hv 2 bags which I can’t fit my iPhone 7+ into, but I just hold my phone in hand on those days!
I wonder what Kendall Jenner carries in that tiny bag…
Anyway, it’s not a trend for me, I usually carries a lot of things and I must have a bottle of water with me, always.