The New Class of Minimalist Handbags We’re Loving
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This summer (and soon-to-be fall!), chic city girls are trading their trendy It bags in favor of quiet luxury handbags from brands like The Row and Khaite to Cos and Mango. Prep your wardrobes, and follow suit by sticking to a solid foundation of wardrobe essentials, beginning with a timeless minimalist tote (or two!).
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As seen on our favorite celebs (hi, Jennifer Lawrence and Kendall Jenner), plus the street style scene, a sleek bag has the potential to elevate any outfit. You can throw one over your shoulder with a classic white T-shirt and jeans or pair it with a timeless trench coat and expect sartorial success every time.
On the splurge side of the spectrum, The Row’s roster of minimalist handbags keeps getting better. Our favorites include a ladylike top-handle bag in a rich chocolate brown and a modern bowling bag in black. Take styling cues from the Olsen twins, the duo behind the brand, and wear yours now with an oversized poplin top, and later, with a roomy leather bomber jacket, and a pair of relaxed, tailored trousers.
We can never resist a twist on the classics either. Examples include elegant east-west bags from Freja and Alaïa and unexpected, yet welcome, textural takes from Khaite, Ferragamo, and even Staud. Sumptuous suede designs will continue to be popular into the colder months—think Mango’s structured tote bag or a sleek slouchy style from Toteme.
Finally, no minimalist bag roundup could be complete without a mention (or two) of St. Agni, an Aussie-based brand taking up major real estate in our fall capsule wardrobes. The best part? Several of their most coveted It bags check out for under-$300. Here’s to raising the bar on stylish essentials this season with 50+ minimalist bags that are forever stylish and perfectly practical.
The Under $500 Edit:
From covetable contemporary brands like St. Agni, Staud, and Freja to high-street favorites, a new handbag doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you gravitate towards slouchy styles, suede stunners, or the darling LBBs (little black bags!), the below purse-friendly sampling has a little something for everyone.
More Minimalist Handbags (At Every Price):
From The Row and Loewe to Alaïa and Khaite, these quiet luxury handbags are the ultimate (subtle) status symbol. Highlights include Toteme’s effortlessly chic crossbody, Balenciaga’s double-buckle Rodeo bag, and burgundy beauties from Studio Amelia and Aesther Ekme that provide simple, yet effective color pops. One thing is for sure: these silhouettes master understated elegance with ease.
