Have you ever come across the type of person who carries around so much? While there’s nothing wrong with that, sometimes it feels like lugging around a bulky bag is nothing but a workout. You want your shoulders to take a rest, and that’s where small purses or mini bags come into play.
Recently, we’ve witnessed small purses surge in popularity, especially on the fashion runways. What you might not know is that the mini bag trend isn’t exactly new. It’s been there since the 60s. However, what remains a little contentious is whether this is just a fleeting fad.
In this write-up, we will discuss the reason small purses are dominating the runways and why fashionistas seem not to get enough of them. Read on!
What’s Considered a Mini Bag?
Do you remember when designer Simon Porte Jacquemus set the fashion scene ablaze with his impossibly tiny bags that could only fit the palm of your hand? Well, that’s just one part of the mini bag category — functionality doesn’t clearly define this category.
So, in this write-up, we’ll be discussing functional mini bags, also called small purses. These are miniature versions of a typical handbag.
The Rise of the Small Purse Trend
The origin of small purses can be traced back to the 1960s — at the time, shorter skirts were also in fashion. Recently, around 2016, tiny purses hit the runways, seemingly marking the beginning of the end of an era of capacious tote, bucket, and hobo bags.
Now, we have compact purses that can fit essentials like smartphones, credit cards, ID, and keys. They are tiny yet chic. They force you to embrace minimalism, offer a hands-free experience, and can be styled for different occasions.
The popularity of small purses can be attributed to fashion trends and celebrity endorsements. It’s hard to overlook the role of social media platforms like Instagram in driving fashion trends.
You see, mini bags for women are incredibly photogenic. Their small sizes make them Instagram-worthy and add a chic, minimalistic touch to your ensemble.
Functional Mini Bag Designs for Your Wardrobe
Here’s a list that’ll help you craft a minimalist handbag collection for your wardrobe:
1. Mini Top Handle Bag
With a short handle on top, this design can be carried by hand or on the forearm (the part below the elbow and wrist). The right choice meets the criteria for a small purse without sacrificing space.
2. Mini Crossbody Bag
In this design, you’ll have a long strap to allow you to wear the bag across your body. Just let the long strap loop over one shoulder and the small bag rest on the opposite hip.
3. Mini Shoulder Bag
Just like full-sized shoulder bags, mini shoulder bags come with a long strap to hang it over one shoulder. Moreover, it’s small enough to carry as a clutch.
4. Mini Tote Bag
This is the miniature version of the famous tote. Many designers aim to combine the functionality of a tote with the stylish appeal of small purses.
How to Style Small Purses
Below are the chicest ways to wear mini bags for different occasions:
- Evening look: For a night out with friends, we suggest you opt for an embellished clutch or a mini shoulder bag. You can pair it with mum jeans, a flannel baggy shirt, a crop top, and sneakers.
- Casual look: For a casual day out, you can pair a mini handbag with jeans, a dress, or a gala dress. In this case, we suggest you go bold with colour. Think pink, yellow, or purple.A bright, vibrantly designed mini bag will allow you to stand out from the crowd.
- Wedding look: Weddings are the type of occasions you want to look elegant. We suggest you opt for a floor-length gown or an elegant cocktail dress for a wedding Pair it with a small bag with pearls or crystal details. The best, versatile colors to complement your wedding outfit are black, beige, white, or navy.
Final Thought
The mini bags trend is one of those fashion styles that refuse to leave the market. It’s trying to tell us one thing — stop carrying so much stuff!
Mini bags are trendy and practical as well. You can style them for different occasions, and they give you just enough room to hold your essentials. The reason we believe mini handbags are here to stay is that they resonate with the modern trend of minimalism, which a significant number of Gen Zs and millennials love.