Small bags are having a moment again, and not just for evenings. These picks cover tiny top handles, pouches and clutches, small shoulder bags and crossbodies, all sized for a phone, a card case and a lipstick. Each one can go from daytime errands to dinner without looking out of place.
Tiny Bags, Pouches and Slim Wallets for Fall
Carry Less This Fall
Small bags keep returning for a simple reason: they force you to edit, and they make everything else in the outfit look lighter. The shapes range from a vintage-style patent pouch to a slim wallet on a chain or a tiny top handle. Aquazzura's gold Mini Tequila clutch, Gucci's small Bamboo 1947 top handle, Brunello Cucinelli's chocolate suede Envelope clutch and Erdem's black Bloom mini bag each fit the bill.
Mini Top Handles
A mini top handle looks polished with almost anything, including jeans. Balenciaga's black Rodeo mini tote and Toteme's small Mercer tote are the classic choices, Stella McCartney's navy metallic Falabella Mini adds some shine, and Bottega Veneta's burgundy Bang Bang tote brings colour.
Pouches and Clutches
A clutch is the most fun a small bag can be. Olympia Le-Tan's embroidered Wonder Woman clutch and Judith Leiber Couture's Milk Chocolate bar are for people who like a joke, while Khaite's black calf hair Audrey clutch and Simkhai's silver crystal Morgan clutch are the elegant options.
Small Shoulder Bags
A small shoulder bag is the easiest to wear every day because it leaves your hands free. Savette's tan Symmetry mini and Alaïa's black calf hair Le Teckel are sleek, Rabanne's gold sequin Sparkle mini is for going out, and Saint Laurent's leopard pony hair Le 5 à 7 sits somewhere in between.
Small Crossbodies
Crossbodies are the practical end of the small-bag spectrum. Etro's purple Pony bag and Bao Bao Issey Miyake's black Cuboid crossbody are both compact, while Anya Hindmarch's raffia crossbody and Dries Van Noten's floral-jacquard bag bring texture and a softer shape.
Our honest take
Small bags are a good excuse to look at what you actually carry. If you take one thing away, let it be that a small bag only works if your essentials fit, so check the interior before anything else. Phone, keys, a card case and a lipstick is the usual test. We would skip the very tiniest novelty bags if you want something for daily use, since they tend to end up as decoration. A small shoulder bag or crossbody is the most versatile choice, and a clutch is worth having for evenings. If you already own a large tote, a small bag gives you a second option without duplicating it.
