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The 12 Best Minimalist Bags That Make Valuable Wardrobe Investments

These simple silhouettes will be stylish workhorses in your wardrobe.

Gabriela Keiderling, Nikki Chwatt

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August 21, 2023, 1:40pm

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A guest wear a black lace print pattern long sleeves t-shirt, a dark brown shiny leather coat, a black shiny leather handbag from Khaite, black tights, outside Rodarte, during New York Fashion Week, on February 10, 2023 in New York City

Courtesy of Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

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Increasingly, shoppers are shifting away from designer monogrammed pieces and opting for sleek designer handbags in 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 colors with clean lines.

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Available in multiple shapes and sizes, 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 on hand. You can pair a minimalist handbag with fashion-forward staples, like a tailored blazer, crisp button-down shirt, and polished women’s loafers. Or dress the simple silhouette down with a cozy sweater and straight-leg jeans. For a fancy occasion, pair your minimalist bag with one of your favorite cocktail dresses and slingback pumps.

With so many bags from minimalist bag brands to choose from, we consulted celebrity stylist Zadrian Smith to lend us expert tips and product picks for the best options on the market. There’s a style out there for you, and our edited list will help you find it.

Related:
Best Everyday Bags

Top Minimalist Bags of 2024

Best Affordable Bag: Staud Ollie Leather Bag
Best Mini Bag: Acne Studios Mini Shoulder Bag
Best Bucket Bag: J.Crew Berkeley Bag
Best Work Bag: Cuyana Messenger Bag
Best for Summer: Savette Symmetry Pochette Bag
Best Luxury Bag: Loewe Puzzle Hobo Bag
Best Crossbody Bag: Khaite Anna Crossbody Bag
Best Tote Bag: Métier Incognito Tote Bag
Best Shoulder Bag: Elleme Dimple Shoulder Bag
Best Hobo Bag: Wandler Lin Hobo Bag
Best Overnight Bag: The Row Logan Shell Tote
Best Straw Bag: Little Liffner Mini Basket Bag

Staud Ollie Leather Bag

Best Affordable Minimalist Bag for Women

Materials: Leather
Special features: Internal card slot
Pros: The card slot is an added bonus so you don’t have to dig in your bag for your cards
Cons: Narrow shape decreases capacity of what it can hold
Retailer availability: MyTheresa, Amazon, Luisaviaroma, and Staud
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
MyTheresa Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars

Staud masters affordable luxury, and this Ollie bag is only one example. The brand’s reasonable price point has been one of the main factors 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. Some of the first celebrities spotted in Staud were Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid, Gig Hadid, Margot Robbie, and Selena Gomez. The Ollie bag is one 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 choice for those looking for one of the best summer handbags for their warm-weather wardrobe.

Price upon publish date of this article: $256

Staud Ollie Leather Bag $256 Buy Now at Amazon

J.Crew Berkeley Bucket Bag

Best Minimalist Bucket Bag

Materials: Leather and suede
Colorways: Brown, navy
Pros: Affordable and can hold a lot despite its small size
Cons: Thin strap
Retailer availability: J.Crew

On days when you don’t want to lug around a tote bag, a bucket bag is a great alternative because it’s just as roomy, but smaller and more structured. Our favorite option for this fall is J.Crew’s new Berkeley bag. This minimalist everyday bag looks similar to The Row’s N/S Park Tote but without the hefty price tag. It’s structured — but not stiff — and can fit a laptop and any other necessities, such as a makeup bag, a wallet, and an extra sweater, without overstuffing or stretching it out.

What reviewers say: “Great size and design, love the navy black combination. Lightweight, my bag doesn’t become to heavy with all my necessities inside. Wish it had some pockets to keep it from being a “black hole” inside or an attached clutch to hold the small things.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $198

J. Crew Berkeley Bucket Bag $198 Buy Now at j. crew

Acne Studios Mini Shoulder Bag

Best Mini Minimalist Bag

Materials: Leather
Special features: Magnetic closure
Pros: A foldover flap helps to keep belongings tucked away safely.
Cons: The mini size makes for limited capacity
Retailer availability: Ssense, FarFetch, Saks Fifth Avenue, MatchesFashion, and Acne Studios
Saks Fifth Avenue Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4/5 stars
Farfetch Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.1/5 stars

Based in Stockholm and founded in 1996, Acne Studios has made a name for itself in the accessible luxury fashion space. Producing both women’s and men’s ready-to-wear fashion, footwear, and accessories, Acne is known for its structured style and innovative silhouettes. This Mini Shoulder Bag is a choice from Smith, who says that “without a doubt” it is 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 shape. While the Acne Studios logo is visible, it’s as mini as the bag itself, keeping it in the realm of minimalism.

Price upon publish date of this article: $540

Acne Studios Mini Shoulder Bag $540 Buy Now at saks fifth avenue

Cuyana Messenger Bag

Best Minimalist Work Bag

Materials: Leather
Special features: Internal laptop sleeve and zip pocket
Pros: There’s two sizes and four colors available, catering to a variety of personal preferences
Cons: The bag weighs two pounds, making it a bit heavier than others on the market
Retailer availability: Cuyana
Cuyana Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.4/5 stars

Cuyana is all about minimalism. Striving to deliver “fewer, better things,” the brand focuses on creating timeless, classic pieces that the modern woman will have for years to come. With a loyal customer base — including Markle and Jessica Alba — Cuyana has been simplifying lives since 2011. One of the best parts about the brand is its sustainability component, aiming to have 100 percent of its products made with eco-friendly materials, most of which are recycled or reused. This minimalist laptop bag disguises your tech entirely, tucking a 13-inch or 16-inch laptop neatly into its sleeve. The adjustable shoulder strap allows for even more flexibility in making this designer work bag suit all needs.

Price upon publish date of this article: $398

Cuyana Messenger Bag $398 Buy Now at cuyana

Related: Best Shoulder Bags

Savette Symmetry Pochette Bag

Best Minimalist Bag for Summer

Materials: Leather
Special features: Gold-tone hardware
Pros: The bag is big enough to fit your necessities without being cumbersome and bulky
Cons: It doesn’t come with a strap for over-the-shoulder carrying
Retailer availability: Net-a-Porter and Savette
Net-a-Porter Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.9/5 stars

Handwoven in Italy, this leather Savette pochette is ideal 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 name a few. Woven leather gives it the feel of a summery straw bag, adding texture to any outfit. In the absence of a logo, the brand’s craftsmanship speaks for itself, drawing attention to the detail of each weave.

Price upon publish date of this article: $1,950

Savette Symmetry Pochette $1,950 Buy Now at net-a-porter

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 can be hard to get items in and out of the bag due to the closure
Retailer availability: Nordstrom, Net-a-Porter, Bergdorf Goodman, and Loewe
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Net-a-Porter Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.9/5 stars

Since 1846, Loewe has been one 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 of Loewe’s signature styles, a sculptured look with geometric detailing. While the bag is instantly 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 have had no issue with this at all. It is a perfect size, and I love the shoulder strap. Back pocket is perfect for gloss and keys and the inside pocket holds my cell phone. Very happy with the purchase.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $2,500

Loewe Puzzle Hobo Bag $2,350 Buy Now at bergdorf goodman

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 always going to be an organizational bonus, and having three of them is a trio of assets
Cons: Small interior capacity
Retailer availability: Nordstrom, Bergdorf Goodman, Net-a-Porter, and Khaite
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Bergdorf Goodman Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
Net-a-Porter Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.9/5 stars

Khaite reimagines classic feminine silhouettes in modern shapes and styles. In 2016, the women’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 gives a contemporary edge to the traditional 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.

Price upon publish date of this article: $1,680

Khaite Anna Crossbody Bag $1,680 Buy Now at nordstrom

Khaite Anna Crossbody Bag $1,680 Buy Now at bergdorf goodman

Khaite Anna Crossbody Bag $1,680 Buy Now at khaite

Khaite Anna Crossbody Bag $1,680 Buy Now at net-a-porter

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: Due to the leather and suede composition, this bag needs delicate care and attention
Retailer availability: Net-a-Porter and Métier
Net-a-Porter Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.9/5 stars

Métier is a luxury leather goods house that handcrafts every single 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 company has Italian roots, the brand’s flagship location is in London. Holmes is just one of Métier’s high-profile fans, preferring the subtle luxury that the accessories exude. The artisans that construct this Incognito Tote Bag ensure 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 in this top designer tote bag.

Price upon publish date of this article: $1,950

Métier Incognito Tote $1,950 Buy Now at net-a-porter

Elleme Dimple Shoulder Bag

Best Minimalist Shoulder Bag

Materials: Leather
Special features: Zip closure
Pros: Sturdy padded strap
Cons: Only one main component
Retailer availability: FarFetch and Neiman Marcus
Farfetch Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.1/5 stars

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 in the mainstream market, with customers including Camila Cabello, Lily Collins, and Camila Morrone. The intuitively designed shoulder bag features a padded shoulder strap and zip closure in gold-tone hardware. It’s a simple silhouette with minimal features that does just what you need it to in everyday elegance.

Price upon publish date of this article: $320

Elleme Dimple Shoulder Bag $320 Buy Now at FarFetch

Wandler Lin Hobo Bag

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 change shapes, which is added versatility
Cons: The strap isn’t adjustable
Retailer Availability: Saks
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars

Inspired by a fortune cookie, Wandler’s Lin hobo bag has an expandable component that sets it apart on the market. A wall pocket gives internal separation, and the attached key clip is a welcome addition; and suede lining and a leather exterior create a sophisticated composition in this slouchy bag. Launched in late 2017, the brand has only been around for a few years, but it’s been making waves ever since. After being seen on the Hadid sisters, Priyanka Chopra, and Robbie, it’s a chic, celebrity-approved label.

Price upon publish date of this article: $1,100

Wandler Lin Hobo Bag $1140 Buy Now at saks fifth aVENUE

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 essential for travel
Cons: Only one interior pocket
Retailer Availability: Net-a-Porter, MatchesFashion, The Row
Net-a-Porter Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.9/5 stars

Finding a good travel bag is tricky. There’s so much to consider when searching 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 fits 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 keep 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 in the spotlight for over a decade. Impeccable detailing and precise tailoring are at the core of The Row; this tote a display of just that.

Price upon publish date of this article: $1,990

The Row Logan Shell Tote Bag $1,990 Buy Now at net-a-porter

The Row Logan Shell Tote Bag $1,990 Buy Now at matchesfashion

Related:
Best Overnight Bags

Little Liffner Mini Basket Bag

Best Minimalist Woven Bag

Materials: Sustainable vegetable-tanned woven calf leather
Special features: Handmade in India
Pros: Can be taken to the beach or into the city
Cons: One main compartment
Retailer Availability: Little Liffner

There’s nothing quite like a basket bag to make any day feel like summer, no matter the season. They are great bags to throw everything into as you run out the door and effortlessly pull any look together. One brand that does it best? Little Liffner.

Little Liffner is a Scandinavian accessories brand known for its tasteful handbags. You won’t find any loud logos in its collections, just timeless everyday bags, all handcrafted using traditional techniques. One example? The Mini Basket Bag. This minimalist design has been on our radar for a while now, as it’s grown in popularity and exposure over the past couple of months, but it’s not just us crushing on this beautiful bag. A quick scroll through Instagram, and you’ll see it on the arms of our favorite content creators like Chrissy Ford. This bag is crafted from soft vegetable-tanned leather and complimented with the brand’s signature penne hardware. The best part? The bag comes in under $350, even though it’s made from beautiful woven leather.

Price upon publish date of this article: $325

Little Liffner Mini Basket Bag $325 Buy Now at little liffner

What to Look for In a Minimalist Bag

To find the best minimalist bag, Smith suggests starting your search by seeking “a bag crafted in one material and color.” Quality is essential, and you also want to choose a bag that aligns with your wardrobe. In order to assess this, keep an eye out for silhouette, features, and sizing.

Silhouette: When you’re investing in a minimalist bag, “you want to focus on the overall shape of the bag,” Smith says, suggesting you choose “simple and clean lines.” The reason for this is that you want to find a bag that you can wear time and time again. “We love a minimalist shoulder bag as the minimalist style makes it easy to pair with different outfits,” Smith adds.

Features: Consider what’s most important to you to have in a bag. Whether you have a pocket preference, like a certain type of closure, or simply want one big compartment, you want to think about what features to prioritize. “Choose a style with minimal visible trims, or one with zips and pockets.” The bag has to suit you and your needs.

Sizing: Think about what you intend to use the bag for. If you want something to carry everyday essentials, you may want a bigger tote. On the other hand, if you want something small for going out at night, a wallet on a chain could be a great alternative to fit cards and keys.

How to Style Minimalist Bags: Minimalist Bag Outfit Ideas

The beauty of a minimalist bag is that it truly can be paired with any outfit, making it a perfect choice for everyday wear,” Smith says. You can either keep with the less-is-more theme or go for something bolder. You can also dress minimalist bags up or down.

A lesser look: Retaining the minimalism motif, Smith prefers to “always pair with a minimal cashmere coat for a fashion-forward elevated look.” Think a clean and crisp white button-down, tailored pants, and simple women’s loafers.

A bold choice: As the bag is a demure choice, you can wear bright patterns that won’t clash with the accessory. A colorful printed work dress with a pair of heeled sandals goes great with sophisticated crossbody bags.

Dress it up: Head to a gala or night on the town with a leather skirt and stilettos and a minimalist bag on your arm. The leather and heels will elevate the entire outfit.

Dress it down: Throw on some baggy jeans and a white t-shirt for a look that is casual, yet put together. Or go for a slip dress with a leather jacket for a model-off-duty effect.

The Minimalist Bag Trend

In past years, logomania has been the predominant trend across handbags. However, with the ‘quiet luxury’ aesthetic, shoppers today are searching for bags that center around quality, versatility, and anonymity — also called minimalist bags.

Minimalist bags are subtle, logo-free, and exude an understated elegance. When looking at the bag, most may need clarification on who designed it; however, for the fashion set, these bags are recognizable with brand-defining elements such as signature clasps and unique silhouettes.

From the streets to red carpets, we’ve witnessed these bags pop up on the arms of Hailey Bieber, Katie Holmes, Kaia Gerber, Sofia Richie, Kendall Jenner, and many more fashion tastemakers. Whether used for the gym or a romantic date night, the proof of why these bags are so popular lies in the fact that they’re easy to wear. For example, Jenner has pulled out her The Row Half Moon Bag (a small-but-functional curved shoulder bag) many times, teaming it with her go-to ‘little nothing dress’ or simple straight-leg jeans. The same goes for Bieber, who has taken the Saint Laurent Suzanne Bag out for multiple spins, styling it with tight-fitting midi dresses and activewear.

So, if you want a bag to compliment any outfit and outlast seasonal trends, look to classic brands like The Row, Khaite, and Savette, as well as newcomers like Little Liffner, DeMellier, and Manu Atelier. These luxury labels offer everything from bucket bags to totes and even clutches that whisper “cool” and elevate your wardrobe for years to come.

How We Selected the Best Minimalist 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 select the best minimalist bags, we started by consulting with celebrity stylist Smith for expert tips and product selections. Through a combination of expert commentary, extensive research of the market, customer reviews, and sampling product, we selected the ten best minimalist bags to consider for your wardrobe. Each of the minimalist bags on our list feature high-quality materials, subtle silhouettes, and organizational features. Learn about us here.

Meet the Expert

Zadrian Smith is one half of the celebrity styling duo Zadrian + Sarah. Smith is an international fashion director, with years of expertise in accessories that lend to thoughtful commentary on current trends.

Meet the Author

Gaby Keiderling is a freelance writer whose work has been seen in Vogue, Esquire, Harper’s Bazaar, Oprah, Observer, and more. She has a particular aficionado for designer handbags, with a personal collection that dates back over 50 years. To curate this list of the best minimalist handbags, Keiderling spoke to a celebrity stylist, dived deep into “quiet luxury” trend research, and selected minimalist handbags that cater to a variety of style preferences and purposes.

Nikki Chwatt is the Style Commerce Editor for Footwear News and WWD, where she writes and edits stories on the latest clothing and shoe trends. She is at the forefront of all consumer trends with a keen eye for the latest, greatest, and classics of what people wear, buy, and love. Chwatt is always searching for the best minimalist bags they can be worn with all types of ensembles. Chwatt contributed to an update of this best minimalist bag story in August with new findings for the winter 2024 season and recent notes of popularity.

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