10 Best Minimalist Bags 2023

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Of all the handbags, purses, and clutches out there, selecting a new luxury handbag that will serve as a workhorse in your wardrobe can be a tall order. But the answer is simple: The best minimalist bags are classic and timeless investment pieces that you’ll wear for years to come.

Increasingly, shoppers are shifting away from designer monogrammed pieces and opting for sleek designer handbags in the spirit of the "quiet luxury" trend. We’ve seen minimalist handbags take over the runways recently, including Issey Miyake and Max Mara's spring 2023 shows, and fall 2023 collections from Loewe, Ferragamo, and Jil Sander. Just last month, Reformation launched a handbag collection featuring bags in solid colors with clean lines.

Available in multiple shapes and sizes, minimalist bags range in forms from bucket bags to women's work bags and even designer beach bags. Beyond that, minimalist bags are a highly versatile accessory to have on hand. You can pair a minimalist handbag with fashion-forward staples, like a tailored blazer, crisp button-down shirt, and polished women's loafers. Or dress the simple silhouette down with a cozy sweater and straight-leg jeans. For a fancy occasion, pair your minimalist bag with one of your favorite cocktail dresses and slingback pumps.

With so many bags from minimalist bag brands to choose from, we consulted celebrity stylist Zadrian Smith to lend us expert tips and product picks for the best options on the market. There's a style out there for you, and our edited list will help you find it.

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. When it comes to a laptop bag, there's something to be said for a style that disguises the laptop entirely. Cuyana's messenger bag just does that, tucking a 13" or 16" laptop neatly into its sleeve. The adjustable shoulder strap allows for even more flexibility in making this designer work bag suit all needs.

Cuyana Messenger Bag $398 Buy Now at cuyana

Related: Best Shoulder Bags

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.

Staud Ollie Leather Bag $256 Buy Now at mytheresa

Staud Ollie Leather Bag $256 Buy Now at Amazon

Staud Ollie Leather Bag $250 Buy Now at luisaviaroma

Staud Ollie Leather Bag $250 Buy Now at staud

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.

Savette Symmetry Pochette $1,950 Buy Now at net-a-porter

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."

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

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.

Acne Studios Mini Shoulder Bag $540 Buy Now at ssense

Acne Studios Mini Shoulder Bag $540 Buy Now at farfetch

Acne Studios Mini Shoulder Bag $540 Buy Now at saks fifth avenue

Acne Studios Mini Shoulder Bag $540 Buy Now at matchesfashion

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.

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

Khaite Anna Crossbody Bag $1,680 Buy Now at bergdorf goodman

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

Khaite Anna Crossbody Bag $1,680 Buy Now at net-a-porter

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.

Métier Incognito Tote $1,950 Buy Now at net-a-porter

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.

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.

Wandler Lin Hobo Bag $1100 Buy Now at nordstrom

Best Minimalist Travel Bag

Finding a good travel bag is tricky. There's so much to consider when searching for the one, but The Row's Logan leather-trimmed shell tote is an overnight bag that stands the test of time. The roomy interior fits your travel hair dryer, makeup bags, and more, and the versatile carrying system makes it possible to haul around by handle or shoulder strap. There's an interior pocket to keep smaller items at hand as well. While the brand stands alone as a luxury label, its celebrity roots run deep. Established in 2006 by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, the brand has been in the spotlight for over a decade. Impeccable detailing and precise tailoring are at the core of The Row; this tote a display of just that.

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: The Best Overnight Bags

To find the best minimalist bag, Smith suggests starting your search by seeking "a bag crafted in one material and color." Quality is essential, and you also want to choose a bag that aligns with your wardrobe. In order to assess this, keep an eye out for silhouette, features, and sizing.

The beauty of a minimalist bag is that it truly can be paired with any outfit, making it a perfect choice for everyday wear," Smith says. You can either keep with the less-is-more theme or go for something bolder. You can also dress minimalist bags up or down.

Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as "the fashion bible" — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women's and men's fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD's breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD's editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections.

To select the best minimalist bags, we started by consulting with celebrity stylist Smith for expert tips and product selections. Through a combination of expert commentary, extensive research of the market, customer reviews, and sampling product, we selected the ten best minimalist bags to consider for your wardrobe. Each of the minimalist bags on our list feature high-quality materials, subtle silhouettes, and organizational features.

Zadrian Smith is one half of the celebrity styling duo Zadrian + Sarah. Smith is an international fashion director, with years of expertise in accessories that lend to thoughtful commentary on current trends.

Gaby Keiderling is a freelance writer whose work has been seen in Vogue, Esquire, Harper's Bazaar, Oprah, Observer, and more. She has a particular aficionado for designer handbags, with a personal collection that dates back over 50 years. To curate this list of the best minimalist handbags, Keiderling spoke to a celebrity stylist, dived deep into "quiet luxury" trend research, and selected minimalist handbags that cater to a variety of style preferences and purposes.

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