Micro Bags Are Trending in a Macro Way (Yes, Still)

Burberry micro bag, Burberry(-esque?) plaid trench; Image: Imaxtree

Not all street style trends are the easiest to wear IRL. But micro bags, the “It” accessory amongst the latest crop of New York and London Fashion Week showgoers, most certainly are (which is part of why they’ve stuck around for, oh, four-plus seasons now).

The street style crowd has a thing for top-handle micro bags; Images: Imaxtree

Teeny, shrunken bags say a lot about their wearer. They tell of their ability to edit, to Kondo-down their handbag to just the essentials: keys, wallet, phone, maybe a stick of gum, maybe some lip balm. Plus, they’re fun. Freeing. Usually reserved for weekend jaunts or a night out. The antithesis of the ginormous tote you use to lug around the contents of your desk/life during the week.

This past June, Kendall Jenner paired her risqué Daisy dress with a sweet fuzzy micro bag; Gotham/GC Images

Itsy-bitsy bags make any outfit feel more playful. They’re not big enough to overpower a getup but they do add instant edge — especially when done in cheery colors, unexpected shapes or unconventional materials. Take it from Kendall Jenner: add a statement purse to a simple frock and you’ve got a look.

Micro bags at Alexander Wang Fall 2018, Coach 1941 Fall 2018 and Oscar de la Renta Fall 2018; Images: Imaxtree

Another plus: if you’re looking at designer bags, the wee options are typically more affordable than a full-sized bag. Still, with luxe materials come in haute prices and it’s difficult to say whether the chain-strap fur bags we saw at Alexander Wang or the embroidered box purses shown at Oscar de la Renta will stick by this formula.

Also, let’s take a moment to appreciate how Coach, brand of the people, tethered its micro bags to giant carry-alls. Now there’s a multi-bag look for those who want to do it all. (Stuart Vevers certainly knows how to please a crowd/sit on a fence.)

We’re just a few weeks into 2018. Only days into the Year of the Dog. Why not leave all your baggage behind? Ahead, shop our favorite teeny tiny bags of the moment. (Minus these adorable Jacquemus minis that we can’t seem to find on U.S. shelves.)

[ Next: The Fanny Pack Is Back and Yes, You Need One ]