Micro Bags Trend: The Case for Going Mini This Summer

Mini handbags have evolved since the trend first took off and there are a few rules that you need to follow if you want to keep the look chic and fresh. Rule number one? Think small. Really small. Like, itty-bitty. When micro bags first started to appear, they were a tongue-in-cheek response to popular oversized bags. Bright colors and fun patterns were the name of the game and there was a silent, intense competition to see whose mini bag could be cutest. Many were cuddly animal-shaped pieces designed to make every passerby go, “Aww.” Micro bags essentially looked like sweet regular handbags that had shrunk in the wash. They had the proportions and functionality of a normal bag, just scaled down. That’s not the case anymore. Now, statements are being made that beg the question: just how small can a bag actually get? The recent runways of Saint Laurent, Dolce & Gabbana and more have been pushing traditional bag boundaries and the results are being snapped up by street style pros like Thássia Naves and Yuyu. Before, the phrase “nano bag” may have been a bit of a stretch. But like most forms of technology (computers, phones, etc.), micro bags started out small and have only gotten smaller. As we head into the summer months, when there are fewer daily essentials to lug around, a mini bag is really all you need on most days. So, let these street style stars inspire your pocket-sized purse game with 10 micro bags that are extraordinarily detailed, amazingly adorable — and yes, magnificently mini.

[ Next: Fanny Packs: Sleeker, Chicer and More Kendall Jenner-Approved Than Ever ]

Micro Bags (Runway Manhattan)

It's Black and White

A black leather Saint Laurent micro bag reinforces blogger Thássia Naves’ monochrome theme. With abstract angles and mirrored shades, her look has contemporary chic written all over it.

Image: Runway Manhattan/Mondadori
Vivid and Sophisticated

For the optimal blend of fun and refinement, try swirly colors grounded by solid black accessories. Blogger SvetLana Shashkova’s quilted Dior bag and Aquazzura pumps anchor her bright pants and top.

Image: Runway Manhattan/Zach Chase
Sweet as Strawberries

A tiny wicker basket equals the most adorable tote imaginable. Rounding out this sweet ensemble is a necklace of pearl dotted strawberries and a decorative belt.

Image: Runway Manhattan/Mondadori
Bold Plus Gold

Milan-appropriate, this bold red and black outfit combines a ruffled dress with over-the-knee boots. A cut-out lace panel collar and compact gold micro bag provide the finishing touches.

Image: Runway Manhattan/Mondadori
Scholarly and Quirky

Plaid pants and a checked jacket form a smart backdrop for this gem of a bucket bag. Shaped from mustard leather and topped by silver rings, this little bag has a big personality.

Image: Runway Manhattan/Grace Lunn
Gilt and Gorgeous

Set glamorously against a Dolce & Gabbana skirt of textured gold, blogger Negin Mirsalehi’s mini bag is decorated by bejeweled flowers and a delightful bumblebee motif.

Image: Runway Manhattan/Mondadori
Extraordinarily Exquisite

It’s amazing how much detail can be packed into such a tiny accessory. Delicate florals blossom on this royal purple Dolce & Gabbana creation.

Image: Runway Manhattan/Mondadori
Super Shine

Yuyu is all smiles in high gloss materials and a patriotic color scheme. Piling on the designer items, she shines in Balenciaga boots and an Isabel Marant skirt plus a Louis Vuitton mini bag.

Image: Runway Manhattan/Michael Ip
Polished in Pink

The "Queen Bee" of Kiev fashion, Daria Shapovalova earns her title yet again with this lovely pairing. Adorned with a tassel, her crossbody micro bag ties together a patched jean jacket and a pale pink dress.

Image: Runway Manhattan/Michael Ip
Unmistakable Style

Blogger Sandra Kleine Staarman strides along in a flowy printed dress and glittery pumps. With its gleaming insignia, her YSL micro bag is unmistakably stylish.

Image: Runway Manhattan/Zach Dodds