The 12 Best Minimalist Bags That Make Valuable Wardrobe Investments

Staud Ollie Leather Bag

Best Affordable Minimalist Bag for Women

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

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J.Crew Berkeley Bucket Bag

Best Minimalist Bucket Bag

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

Best Mini Minimalist Bag

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

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Acne Studios Mini Shoulder Bag $540 Buy Now at farfetch

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Cuyana Messenger Bag

Best Minimalist Work Bag

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

Savette Symmetry Pochette Bag

Best Minimalist Bag for Summer

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

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 $2,500 Buy Now at nordstrom

Loewe Puzzle Hobo Bag $2,500 Buy Now at net-a-porter

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

Khaite Anna Crossbody Bag

Best Minimalist Crossbody Bag

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

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

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Métier Incognito Tote Bag

Best Minimalist Tote Bag 

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

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

Best Minimalist Hobo Bag

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 $1100 Buy Now at nordstrom

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

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

• 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. 

• 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.