Thursday, June 15, 2023

19 Mini Bags That Are As Chic As They Are Kitsch

One thing you should know about me is that I’m an avid mini bag collector. My fondness for tiny purses has been with me for as long as I can remember. In addition to being a statement piece, a tiny bag is also a talking point — with people constantly inquiring about what you can actually fit in one. I love convincing them just how practical they can be. While mini bags can feel extra, they also serve a real (albeit minimalist) function. After all, as long as you have the essentials (phone, card holder, lip balm, keys, and hand sanitizer), why bother with a big, bulky bag?

I am also not alone in my love of tiny bags. It's been a bonafide trend for a while now. While there were predictions that the mini bags would be phased out, luxury designs like those from Jacquemus and Prada have continued to trickle down to our favorite retail stores and online shopping sites.

With over 20 small but mighty handbags in my own collection — some that I use daily and some that I simply admire — I've become a tiny purse connoisseur. I'm constantly on the hunt for kitschy and funky options, searching the internet for the best chic and compact purses that I'd personally like to add to my wardrobe.

Tag along if you want to see my top picks for trendy bags across an array of unique designs, fabrics, and colors. Opting for mini, micro, and nano-size styles, I've meticulously made selections that are no more than 8 inches tall or wide. From Reformation's first handbag line to Coachtopia's Y2k options to a juicy (you'll see!) pick from Amazon, each of these tiny purses promise to elevate your style and scale back your clutter.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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Staud Rainbow Micro Moon Crystal Bag


Staud does it right when it comes to mini bags, and the brand's signature moon-shaped style is to die for. Its crystals make for a statement, but its detachable crossbody strap makes it super-wearable.

Shop Staud

Staud Rainbow Micro Moon Crystal Bag, $, available at Staud

Coachtopia Wavy Wallet With Crossbody Strap


Coach's new sister brand Coachtopia is full of whimsical miniature purses that anyone would fall head over heels for. While technically a wallet, this style can serve as a mini bag, thanks to its crossbody strap.

Shop Coach

Coachtopia Wavy Wallet With Crossbody Strap, $, available at Coach

Anthropologie Mini Knot-Handle Crossbody Bag


The sweet micro bag will happily carry your lip gloss and cash when you just don't need (or want) to carry a whole lot out to dinner. Wear it as a top handle bag or attach a long chain strap for extra ease.

Shop Anthropologie

Anthropologie Mini Knot-Handle Crossbody Bag, $, available at Anthropologie

Eric Javits Mini Squishee Barrel Bag


Eric Javits creates not-so-basic straw bags, and this mini is made from the brand's
lightweight and flexible Squishee recycled fabric. This allows you to easily compress, or squish, the bag into your luggage without fear of damaging it. So throw it in your carry-on and take it on vacation.

Shop Eric Javits

Eric Javits Mini Squishee Barrel Bag, $, available at Eric Javits

JW Pei Abacus Mini Top Handle Bag


This buttery-soft round-top handle bag reminds me of a neck pillow and immediately gives me a sense of comfort. JW PEI is known for its trendy tiny purses, and this style is popping up all over my Instagram feed. While the brand admits that it can’t fit your iPhone, this sleek sidekick will happily hold your lipsticks.

Shop JW PEI

JW PEI Abacus Mini Top Handle Bag, $, available at JW PEI

Ganni Occasion Top Handle Knot Bag


Perhaps the largest of these tiny purse selections — coming in at a whopping 8 inches tall — this piece packs a bright punch. Slouchy ruching offers a casual and fun detail to this everyday bag made from recycled fabric.

Shop Ganni

Ganni Occasion Top Handle Knot Bag, $, available at Ganni

Mulberry Mini Bayswater Bag


Mulberry is known for its iconic Bayswater Bags, with many iterations, including mini bags, being created throughout the years. So if you're looking for a luxury investment piece that's durable and will stand the test of time, consider this leather mini.

Shop Mulberry

Mulberry Mini Bayswater Bag, $, available at Mulberry

Freie Liebe Orange Crossbody Novelty Purse


If fruit-shaped bags don’t put a smile on your face, I’m not sure what will. This eccentric and darling creation on Amazon is a playful statement piece. It's also subtle enough to go with plenty of colorful summer outfits (or ones that desperately need a pop of color).

Shop Amazon

Freie Liebe Orange Crossbody Novelty Purse, $, available at Amazon

Mlouye Micro Flex Bag


Still think that tiny purses aren't versatile and too unpractical. This shape-shifting bag will change your mind. It can be reshaped through its leather panels and straps to form a top-handle bag, wrist bag, crossbody, or clutch.

Shop Mlouye

Mlouye Micro Flex Bag, $, available at Mlouye

Reformation Mini Chiara Convertible Bag


Another convertible bag on our radar is this style from Reformation's first handbag line. Wear this adorable mini bag as a top-handle or wrist bag, and add some extra interest to your summer outfits.

Shop Reformation

Reformation Mini Chiara Convertible Bag, $, available at Reformation

We The Free Rider Crossbody Bag


A simple leather crossbody bag that can be worn to brunches, markets, and concerts. Sign us up for any of these heritage-inspired purses.

Shop Free People

We The Free Rider Crossbody Bag, $, available at Free People

Kate Spade Knott North South Phone Crossbody


This handy holster has a timeless and classic Kate Spade design. Solely intended to carry your phone — fitting the current iPhone 14 generation — it will certainly get the job done. But of course, feel free to break the rules (because pockets exist) and add any of your small essentials inside this mini crossbody instead.

Shop Kate Spade

Kate Spade Knott North South Phone Crossbody, $, available at Kate Spade

Mango Buckled Flap Bag


Listen, we just love a mini crossbody, especially since they're a bit more practical than a top-handle bag. This chic style could easily be mistaken for designer, but it comes with an affordable price tag

Shop Mango

Mango Buckled Flap Bag, $, available at Mango

JW Anderson Mini Twister Leather Mini Bag


Sometimes, fashion is more important than practicality, and when that's the case, we'd go for this twisted top-handle bag. The powder pink color is also so sweet.

Shop JW Anderson

JW Anderson Mini Twister Leather Mini Bag, $, available at JW Anderson

Skinnydip London Black Beaded Flower Drawstring Bag


A modern take on the shopping bag purse, this drawstring pouch is a bit more trendy. The beaded flower pattern is also giving '70s vibes that we'd love to don.

Shop Skinnydip London

SkinnyDip London Black Beaded Flower Drawstring Bag, $, available at Skinnydip London

Cult Gaia Lucinda Nano Rhinestone Clutch


If you’re going to splurge on something so miniature, it might as well dazzle and shimmer. This nano-sized top-handle clutch can accompany any evening dress or even elevate a chic daytime look. The adorable Y2K style may not fit your phone, but it will securely hold your credit cards, lip gloss, and keys in style.

Shop Cult Gaia

Cult Gaia Lucinda Nano Rhinestone Clutch, $, available at Cult Gaia

L*SPACE Sayulita Bag


Another summer bag to keep on your radar, this woven straw pouch purse is perfect for vacation or a destination wedding. It's compact, cute, and super-elevated.

Shop Revolve

L*Space Sayulita Bag, $, available at Revolve

Brandon Blackwood Kuei Bag


No, I do not own a Brandon Blackwood bag, but I will one day. I love all of the brand’s famed chunky and boxy shapes. This top-handle bag comes in an array of colors and textures, but the green-and-black-checkered pony-hair style is so magical. With a traditional shape merely scaled down, it's both classic and edgy.

Shop Brandon Blackwood

Brandon Blackwood Kuei Bag, $, available at Brandon Blackwood

Min & Mon Vali Crossbody Handbag — Micro


When I first passed a Min & Mon storefront in SoHo, I nearly lost my mind at the sight of the bags. I own a larger one adorned with colorful patches and studs, but I also love this micro style. The mini mohair and eye-appliqué purse is perfectly quirky yet still practical. It can be worn as a clutch, top-handle, or crossbody bag.

Shop Min & Mon

Min & Mon Vali Crossbody Handbag - Micro, $, available at Min & Mon

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