15 Best Designer Mini Bags
Stephanie Patterson
Table of Contents
Think of it this way: mini bags are less about what you can fit in them and more about what you can leave behind. Today, you can’t stroll by a woman daintily clutching a mini bag without thinking of Jacquemus.
In 2017, the French fashion brand erupted on the scene with the inclusion of two mini bags in its Fall ready-to-wear runway collection.
And when we say ‘mini’, we mean micro – tiny enough to be carried by a Cabbage Patch doll, the bags were toted by runway models who casually looped one finger through the handle, parading them like they were just another purse.
However, these impossibly small renditions were something different, something special.
Mini have become anti-bags of sorts, loved for their somehow cutesy lack of space. Carrying makeup, keys, a wallet and a cellphone can be cumbersome, and there’s a freedom that comes with carrying less; one that’s brought to life in each season’s freshest collection of seriously small but mighty bags.
In the next section, we’ll walk you through what’s involved in picking out the best designer mini bags and what to look out for when splurging on one for yourself.
How to Choose the Right Designer Mini Bag for You
Not all mini bags are too small to fit more than your favorite lip gloss – some are the perfect companion for shopping trips, boardwalk strolls, and mimosa-fueled brunches, accommodating all of your essentials. Since the warm weather brings on carefree feelings and a desire to leave the bulk at home, it’s no wonder mini bags have become a popular summer staple.
That said, your search for the best designer mini bags hangs on a few important variables. Though some are certainly worth the splurge, price is an important factor that will help you abide by your budget. Be sure to keep the material and size in mind too, along with potential resale value (if you like to swap out items often).
Price
While not all of us are counting our pennies, even the richest designer devotee knows what’s worth it and what’s not. Choosing a mini bag that aligns with a particular budget is a smart move for the savvy fashionista.
When you choose to buy one of the best designer mini bags, you know you’ll most likely be spending upwards of $600 – that’s a given – but there are some bags on this list for as low as $200. How high you go is up to you, but the average price for a mini bag hovers at around $1,000.
Brand
Ever since Jacquemus’ 2017 show, designers quickly hopped on the mini bag train. While some are better known than others, the list of designers who now manufacture mini bags is quite vast. A few coveted styles are by Chloé, Yves Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, and Givenchy. From hand to shoulder to wrist to necklace, their tiny bags have been applauded for their creativity.
Material
The material of your mini bag is an important factor to consider when choosing which of these best designer mini bags is right for you. Do you avoid leather or do you think it makes a superior bag? Do you want a bag with some texture or something sleek and polished? Because your designer mini bag may be an investment piece, you might be seeking something that can hold up to constant wear and tear.
When it comes to material, leather is notoriously hard-wearing, but it doesn’t hold up well to moisture. Wicker and wood are fun and coastal, but they’re not as classy as a Chanel tweed, nor do they move with you throughout the seasons.
Size
Depending on how much space you need to store things, you may be looking for function over looks, but don’t worry – each of the best designer mini bags we’ve selected ensures that you’ll never have to compromise on fashion.
As you peruse this list, be sure to pay attention to each bag’s dimensions. Some may function better as a necklace than a bag, while others are large enough to fit your phone, keys, and possibly even a tube of Chanel rouge.
For these reasons, size is possibly the most important factor to consider when it comes to purchasing a designer mini bag, being that it will likely make the same dent in your checking account as larger versions do.
Resale Value
One of the greatest things about designer bags, or designer anything for that matter, is that if you take care of it, you’ll most likely be able to resell it to fund your next purchase. It’s worth noting that if you’re buying a designer mini bag with the intention of reselling, some designers hold more value than others and they’re usually the names you hear of most often: Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Prada.
15 Best Designer Mini Bags
If you’re looking for inspiration and a side-by-side comparison of some of the hottest mini bags, we’ve got you covered.
Below you’ll find our favourite designer mini bags for their timelessness and versatility.
#1 – Jacquemus Le Chiquito Mini Leather and Wicker Bag
From the brand that started it all, Jacquemus’ Le Chiquito Mini Leather and Wicker Bag is similar to the ones that graced the designer’s Fall 2017 runway, but with a fun twist. Adding wicker into the original all-leather design gives the bag a lighter, summery feel and provides an eye-catching contrast in neutral tones.
The wicker is woven into the red-tan leather, fusing the polished, traditional look with a modern, beachy Parisian vibe. Also, this wouldn’t be a list of the best designer mini bags without a showstopper from Jacquemus, but one obvious downside to this style is that it’s obviously too small to hold even a chapstick. But don’t let the $820 price tag stop you from trendsetting around town.
#2 – Louis Vuitton Boite Chapeau Necklace
Wearing a crossbody bag is a fabulous way to go hands-free. This $2,050 Boite Chapeau Necklace (translation: hat box necklace) from Louis Vuitton has a quirky circular body and flat bottom, inspired by the beauty of traditional hat boxes. Covered in the brand’s signature LV print, it has the look of a coin purse fastened with shiny gold hardware.
The chain of this bag is thin enough to be worn as a necklace, so throw it around your neck for an easy statement piece that conveniently doubles as a mini purse, or remove the chain altogether and hold it. Inside you’ll find Malletage print leather with two gusseted pockets, but at just over three inches long, cash and a mini tube of mascara is about all you’ll fit inside.
#3 – Bottega Veneta Mini Jodie Bag
Named after Jodie Foster for the signature moment when she used her Bottega Veneta bag to shield herself from obtrusive cameras, the Mini Jodie Bag is a more compact version of the original. It also comes with a knotted strap that gives you something to hold onto while adding dimension to an otherwise sleek and simple design.
Made in 15 shades – from kiwi to peach to parakeet – this bag’s basket woven texture stands out best in lighter shades like soothing lavender. A knotted strap gives you something to hold onto while adding some dimension to an otherwise sleek and simple design. Crafted in lambskin and calfskin, this midsize-mini bag features one compartment with an out-of-sight zip.
FInally, at about 11 inches wide and 3 inches in deep, those seeking one of the best functional designer mini bags should look no further. Pack your essentials in the Mini Jodie Bag for $1,900.
#4 – Fendi Yellow Glazed Canvas Mini Bag
Fendi was one of the first designer fashion brands to come up with a mini bag, more particularly, a baguette bag. Hence, everything that is light, fun, and convenient about a baguette bag is reflected in this $1,550 Yellow Glazed Canvas Mini Bag.
A mix of canvas and leather, it’s the perfect addition to your summer wardrobe. The bright yellow and white FF vertigo print is a trendy take on Fendi’s signature logo. Zip the bag open using the gold-finished hardware to reveal a roomy compartment that will fit more than your average mini.
#5 – Chloé Mini Daria Round Bag
Circles are inherently feminine shapes, signifying the curves of a woman’s body and the way in which she brings life into this world. The Mini Daria Round Bag is inspired by female silhouettes, contrasting textured calfskin with smooth, overlapping edges.
The thick, braided black handle gives this bag a less delicate look though, giving women something strong to hold onto while sporting this otherwise sensitive, peach leather purse. Almost 6” by 6”, the Mini Daria Round Bag has a detachable shoulder/crossbody strap, making it ideal for the summertime. Embrace your femininity with the Mini Daria for $890.
#6 – Gucci Ophidia GG Mini Bag
In true Gucci form, the Ophidia GG Mini Bag is made with the brand’s signature canvas and brown leather trim. A great choice for those looking to better the environment, canvas is a more eco-friendly material that still features the luxury look of Italian leather.
With a half-moon shape, this mini bag is a trendy alternative to the traditional round or rectangle mini bags, but you can still neatly tuck it under your arm for convenience. Beige and black with green and red webbing, this $1,195 purse in unmistakably Gucci with enough room to fit a thin wallet.
#7 – Balenciaga Hourglass Mini Top Handle Bag
The size of the crocodile print on this bag gives away just how small it really is, but it’s not the tiniest we’ve come across. Balenciaga’s futuristic Hourglass Mini Top Handle Bag reinvents a classic shape from the 50s, tapering the bottom edge up into a crescent, creating an eye-catching curve.
Large enough to hold a few credit cards, (which is perfect for an afternoon shopping trip), the leather crossbody strap helps reinforce a barely-there feel. The all-white leather exterior is accented by a dangling ‘B’ for a touch of glam. Get it for $995.
#8 – Prada Aqua Brushed Leather Mini Bag
Prada is one of those timeless brands whose collections are filled with versatile, simple, and elegant designs. The Aqua Brushed Leather Mini Bag appeals to the younger generation, the brushed leather dyed in a calming green-blue that glows in contrast to all-white outfits and minimal, glowy makeup.
The smooth texture of the Aqua Brushed Leather Mini Bag is brought to life with an enamel triangle logo and silver hardware. Worn on the arm or shoulder, it’s large enough to fit a compact and an iPhone, but has built-in card slots for easy access and is yours for $1,190.
#9 – Chanel Flap Coin Purse with Chain
Chanel is synonymous with class, elegance, and timeless style. Everything produced by the brand is highly coveted, thanks to the simple but expertly crafted designs that exude luxury and sophistication. The Flap Coin Purse with Chain is, of course, no exception.
Thin and constructed like a compact wallet, this mini bag is accompanied by a gold chain that can be worn like a necklace, crossbody, or shoulder bag. Though you can’t remove the strap, this micro purse does have a handle, making it a truly versatile and modern mini.
With enough room to fit all of your cards and cash, this black lambskin bag is an easy choice for running errands or nights out on the town. Finished with a gold Chanel emblem in the center, you can’t help but fall head over heels with this style, though it’ll cost you $1,825.
#10 – Burberry Vintage Check Cotton Olympia Pouch
Burberry’s distinctive tartan plaid pattern has made it one of the most recognizable brands in all of history. That’s why you’ll immediately catch the eyes of passerby with the Vintage Check Cotton Olympia Pouch, which features a mix of cotton and leather for an organic blend of textures.
The U-shaped design of this $830 mini bag is compact and neat, and it can easily be tucked under the arm for a classy, regal look. The strap can be detached and the small purse can be carried as a clutch. Thin but wide, it has enough space for a wallet but be careful not to overstuff it.
#11 – Loewe Nano Puzzle Bag in Calfskin
A Spanish brand, Loewe’s production still takes place in Madrid using craftsmanship techniques that have been passed down over 175 years. The Nano Puzzle Bag is a rectangular cube shape with a geometric, puzzle piece-like design and a flap that secures the top.
This bag has a quirky, modern look that’s subdued by its off-white hue. Made from smooth calfskin with a zip closure and a detachable chain shoulder strap, it rings in at a substantial $1,250.
#12 – Miu Miu Coffer Matelassé Nappa Leather Mini Bag
Miu Miu’s collections are designed with spirit. They have a youthfulness about them that captures the young and the young at heart. For those who love punky splashes of color, hectic prints, and edgy cuts, Miu Miu is a go-to.
The Coffer Matelasse Nappa Leather Mini Bag is painted in a bright yellow with a ton of funky detailing. The design plays with texture and depth, using deep stitching to make a vein-like pattern. The braided handle allows this mini bag to be carried by hand, but it comes with a crossbody strap if you want to change things up. The fold-over clasp locks things in place giving and it comes in on the low-end at $650.
#13 – Simon Miller Mini Retro Bag
If you’ve been on the hunt for the perfect summer bag, look no further. The Mini Retro Bag from Simon Miller is a gorgeous sunset orange color that makes a bold statement against anything it’s paired with. Throw on some oversized sunnies and chunky sandals and you’re ready for a day in the sun.
With enough space to hold your essentials, you won’t feel like you’re missing anything. Made from Italian leather with a crocodile skin embossment, this vintage-inspired purse has a fold-over cover with Simon Miller lettering across the front. Plus, it’s on sale right now for $206, but is normally $295.
#14 – Staud Mini Tommy Chain Bag
In a sweet lavender color, this embossed crocodile skin mini bag is proof that things can be delicate and tough at the same time. The large resin and metal chain handle brings a bit of edge to any outfit, while the clip-on strap adds an element of effortless style.
The magnetic snap closure keeps your items safe inside – from credit cards to other small bits and bobs – while suede lining cradles them in soft luxury. Staud is known for creating wardrobe staples that are fueled by emotions and accented in dreamy colors, and the Mini Tommy Chain Bag hits the mark. Get it for $250.
#15 – Givenchy Chain Nano Antigona Bag in Jacquard
Givenchy is a brand that needs no introduction, but if you haven’t seen movie stars like Audrey Hepburn draped in the heritage house’s timeless black dress, simply know that the company has been celebrated for creating styles inspired by personalities. So naturally, its collections have personality as well.
The $950 Chain Nano Antigone Bag in jacquard has an amusing pink and red GIVENCHY pattern over beige canvas that gives it a classic French look. The oversized zipper and silver metal detailing open to reveal one compartment and a card pocket. A long, adjustable thin leather shoulder strap can also be removed to carry it like a clutch.
Which designer mini bag is the most timeless?
There are some designers who can’t help but create timeless designs; simple, but elegant, with eye-catching details that don’t go overboard. For these reasons, the Prada Aqua Brushed Leather Mini Bag and the Chanel Flap Coin Purse with Chain win awards for ‘most timeless’ mini bag, but our overall vote is for Chanel as the colour aqua does not translate the way black does.
Which designer mini bag is the most versatile?
When it comes to a bag you want to get some good use out of, versatility is important to keep in mind. If you’ve read through our entire list of the designer mini bags, then you know how different they all are. Some aren’t meant for function, while others prioritize it.
In terms of the most versatile, we looked for a bag that can be worn multiple ways, can fit more than one item, is a neutral color, and works with a number of styles. As a result, our number one pick for the most versatile is the Chloe Mini Daria Round Bag. It meets all of our conditions and is completely adorable too.
How can you style a designer mini bag?
There are an infinite number of ways to style your designer mini bag, but as with anything that is designer, it’s usually a good idea to put a little effort into what you’re wearing. Consider making the iconic outfits that we describe below work:
- Clueless-inspired gingham mini skirt? Check. Tiny tee? Check. Simon Miller Tommy Chain Bag? Check. All you need is some 90s shades, a sleek hairdo, and a sunset orange headband to match.
- Take inspiration from Dua Lipa and keep it simple. A slinky black, thin-strapped mini-dress, sky-high heels, and your Jacquemus Le Chiquito is all you need to put together a hot look.
- For an easy-chic look, wear your Louis Vuitton Boite Chapeau Necklace over a simple blazer, white tee, jeans, and cute white sneakers.
How should you care for a designer mini bag?
Depending on what your bag is made from, you may need to care for it differently. All of the best designer mini bags are made from leather or have features that are made from leather. Leather should not be exposed to light and heat for long periods, nor should it get wet.
Because sunshine and rain do happen, be sure to dab your mini bag with a soft cloth (do not rub!). Let it dry at room temperature, then store your bag in a cloth case indoors to prevent additional light and heat from getting to it.
Do not spray your mini handbag with any perfumes or oils, and never overstuff it to ensure it stays in shape.
