These Designer Bags Are Small, But They're Worth Every Penny

“Can you even fit anything in that bag?” That is the question friends, strangers, and even my partner have asked me when I’m donning one of my favorite mini designer bags. As an avid collector of mini bags, I’m well aware that this particular handbag trend requires a commitment to minimalism and even impracticality at times. Yes, there are more functional bags like clutches and oversize totes, but I don’t care. It’s not about function for me; it’s about fashion. Denying a mini designer bag because of its size is like trying to relinquish the very grip it has on the celeb set and mere mortals alike. From the ready-to-wear collections of designers like Telfar and Jacquemus to recent red carpets (think Lizzo wearing a tiny Valentino bag at the 2019 American Music Awards), it’s evident that, though it may be physically minuscule, this bag trend is having a major moment. Of course, the true telltale sign of a trend’s longevity is if stylish people (like yourself) are buying and wearing it. And while my editor’s intuition says yes to baby bags, I wanted to back it up with some stats that I probed from the all-in-one shopping service Klarna. Since last summer, Klarna reported that searches for designer mini bags across retailers have jumped over 713%, which clearly isn’t a micro-trend. But if you’re still not sold on why mini bags are worth every penny, then keep scrolling. I’ve rounded up 50 of the best mini designer bags at various price points to convince Who What Wear readers that not securing this popular bag is a serious fumble.

It’s not a roundup of mini designer bags without paying homage to the brand that brought them into the zeitgeist: Jacquemus. If you’re not buying into its viral, more expensive Le Chiquito design, then this small pouch is a great way to dip your toes into mini-bag territory.

One of the most popular mini designer handbags of the moment is from Telfar, obviously. Not only is this bag beloved by the fashion set, but it’s also one of the most-purchased bags with Klarna. If you can get your hands on this tote, then I can attest to it being worth every penny.

Long before Telfar was spotted on Beyoncé, it was known as a rising Black-owned brand. So take it from me: Securing a designer mini bag before it blows up is the best way to go. The next brand making a practical yet petite bag worth buying is Ciriaco. You heard it here first!

Leave it to Senreve to make the cutest mini bag I’ve ever seen. Will it fit a bottle of hand sanitizer? Debatable. Is it cute? Nonnegotiable.

Although I own the oversize version of Staud’s iconic Moon Bag, I have to say this micro version is at the top of my list.

When it comes to mini bags, it’s all about the details. This House of Want micro baguette in black and fuschia colorways with a funky chain strap is doing exactly what it needs to do.

Woven leather bags are a trend that’s staying around for fall, so why not get it in an affordable mini version?

Is it a necklace, or is it a mini bag? Why not both? Helpful holders in mini-bag form are the accessory trend that keeps on giving.

If you can’t imagine carrying just a mini bag quite yet, investing in one that can be styled as a key chain on your go-to bag is the perfect way to test it out.

What makes purchasing a mini designer bag even better? Knowing you’re supporting a Black-owned brand with your purchase.

Um, tell me this is not the most unique micro bag you’ve ever seen. The shape, the crocodile fabric, the wristlet… too cute.

Yes, this is the second Staud purse I’ve included, but can you blame me? This beaded bag with a chain strap is too cute not to cop.

Not to be biased, but I have yet to see a Cult Gaia bag I didn’t love. As the owner of quite a few of the brand’s accessories, I can vouch that the nano version of its classic Ark Bag is very worth it.

I just got this bag from Brandon Blackwood, and honestly, it’s one of the best designer mini bags I own. It can be styled as a clutch or crossbody, and the denim is too hot to handle.

Who said mini bags were always impractical? Not only is this Who What Wear vegan-leather drawstring bag affordable, but it also comes in white and peach and has a shoulder strap, so it’s a wardrobe staple.

I own this bag from the rising NYC-based brand MR Label, and I will be the first to admit it’s worth buying at full price. It’s a more practical version of a mini bag but still packs the cute factor.

This mini Michael Kors duffle bag is giving early aughts in the best possible way.

Despite being so small, this Steve Madden crossbody bag makes a big statement.

What makes a shoulder bag even better? When it comes in a mini vegan-leather version—thank you, Simon Miller.

If you have any doubts about mini bags being wearable, then you’ll want to buy this Marc Jacobs tote first. It’s both functional and fashionable.

I love a mini bag in pouch form, especially when it’s from Ganni.

Danse Lente’s bags never disappoint. Case in point: this delightful color-blocked leather shoulder bag with metal straps.

This pebbled leather crossbody from Tory Burch is worth the investment.

Maybe it’s the reboot of Gossip Girl, but nylon mini totes have been on my mind. You know you love this embroidered Kate Spade version.

Maybe this toast-shaped Rejina Pyo pouch will finally satisfy your hunger for mini designer bags.

When I tell you I have been unable to stop thinking about Coach’s leather crossbody, I’m not being hyperbolic. It is the dreamiest, amirite?

Calling all tote lovers. Meet your newest baby, the micro Stella McCartney chain crossbody. It not only plays into the heavy-hardware trend that’s big this fall, but it’s also a micro tote, making it a worthwhile buy.

Another emerging designer brand to have on your radar is Edas. This crimson handbag is everything. Plus, you can know that every penny spent is going toward supporting a Black-owned business.

This bag is a portable disco ball, and I’m not mad about it. If you’re looking to invest in something bold for the fall, this BY FAR bag is it.

Your next night out is incomplete without this macramé net handbag from Petit Kouraj.

The best designer mini bags come in unusual shapes. See: Yuzefi’s Oval Tote. Is it a loaf of bread or a bag? Either way, it’s very chic.

Talk about a designer bag that scores! I’m not a sporty girl, but this nano baseball cap bag has me reconsidering my stance.

Just when you thought mini bags couldn’t make a bigger statement, Coperni created this egg-shaped concoction.

What’s not to love about this bag? The size of the tote, the rainbow crocodile fabric, the crossbody chain—it’s perfection.

This crystal-fringe crossbody bag gives a whole new meaning to the word drip.

Remember your affinity for your elementary school pencil box? Consider this Mansur Gavriel bag the grown-up version of that, sans crayons, of course.

Not to expose myself as a bag lady here, but I own this BOYY bag too, and it’s worth the price tag. In fact, it’s one of the most pristinely made handbags in my collection.

Petite and posh? I’m betting this bag will be on the arms of royalty soon.

Not all mini bags require you to forgo packing chapstick. Nanushka’s leather two-tone tie handbag is big enough to carry your sunglasses but still too small to be considered a standard-sized bag.

Meet the most practical bag for a day or night out. The plush olive corduroy and gold crossbody chain make it the perfect purchase for any fall wardrobe.

I own my very own Le Chiquito (in a beautiful chocolate brown), and I have to say it’s the best mini bag I own, hands down. I am, however, eyeing it in a saturated hue because c’est la vie.

Fun fact: Gucci’s Dionysus Supreme Mini Bag is one of the best-selling mini designer bags among Klarna’s shoppers.

Did you just audibly gasp? Good, that’s how you know this bag is worth the big bucks.

Anyone who assumes designer mini bags don’t stand the test of time doesn’t know about Louis Vuitton’s Nano Speedy Bag. Think back to when every celebrity in the early ’00s was carrying this bag—it’s the type of purchase that will last a lifetime.