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10 best mini bags

Go small on size but big on style with a handy accessory

Friday 01 April 2016 16:33 BST

For women on the go, having everyday essentials to hand is, well, essential. But more often than not they become irretrievably trapped at the bottom of your handbag beneath a pile of receipts and other unpleasant miscellanies. However, one of this season’s biggest accessory trends, the micro-bag, could be about to change all that. While pint-sized purses don’t carry very much, what they do offer is the chance to redefine what counts as indispensable and it’s really quite liberating. So, to prevent shopping for your very own bite-sized bag becoming more of a task than a treat we’ve searched high and low for some of this season’s hottest offerings.

1. Zara Contrast Material City Bag: £29.99, Zara

This is a great all-rounder. Opposing shades of dusky pink and black coupled with a split-suede colour flap give it a directional and androgynous edge. It also comes with a detachable tassel which you can conveniently interchange with other bags.

2. New Look White 3D Floral Mini Tote Bag: £19.99, New Look

With the promise of spring comes florals and we love New Look’s 3D take on seasonal blooms. With double handle straps and a detachable shoulder band it can be worn multiple ways, while the pretty pastel shades and stark white body guarantee that it doesn’t skimp on style.

3. M&S Faux Leather Spotted Across Body Bag: £38, Marks and Spencer

A small bag allows for experimentation in other areas, such as print, and this polka dot offering from Marks and Spencer promises to add a little eccentricity to any outfit. The adjustable straps mean it can be worn across the body or over the shoulder and it also has an inside zipped pocket for your fundamentals.

4. Pink Mini Lady Bag: £32, Skinny Dip London

If you’re a girly-girl then this one’s for you. The super soft, super cute pink leather bag is perfect for any occasion and even comes with a detachable furry pompom. It can be worn as a cross body bag or draped over your arm for a touch of sophistication.

5. The Cambridge Satchel Company Mini Traveller Bag: £65, Asos

The Cambridge Satchel Company is well known for its handmade leather bags and despite being originally aimed at school children they have been met by high demand from the fashion world. This bright, pint-sized satchel will add a pop of colour to your ensemble and makes for a great springtime accessory.

6. Jaeger Mini Leather Push Lock Bag: £125, Jaeger

If you’re after something a little more understated then this Jaeger bag is ideal. Crafted from leather with a water snake front flap, it offers impeccable quality and distinctive style matched with the convenience of an internal zipped pocket and separate front compartment.

7. Accessorize Mini Push Lock Bag: £15, Accessorize

Not big, but certainly bold. This bright yellow mock-croc bag offers a modern twist on Sixties style and is a fun way to make a statement with just one miniature piece. It’s also fitted with a top handle and adjustable shoulder strap so the options are there depending on the occasion.

8. Dinidawsons Mini Eyelet Detail Bag: £60, Dune

For more of an everyday, office friendly bag, this small but spacious offering from Dune ticks all the boxes. It has multiple internal compartments which is great for separating your essentials and doesn’t hold back on the style front either, with a navy leather look body and gold hardware detailing. Also available in blush and red.

9. Small Flap Over Shoulder Bag: £189, Jonathan Saunders x Radley London

Collaborating with British designer Jonathan Saunders, Radley London has put together an impressive collection of graphic leather bags and wallets but our favourite has to be this mini shoulder bag. The sharp Hazard print in black, white and orange guarantees to turn heads but by using low-key structure and modest hardware detailing the bag has a classic edge.

10. Topshop Mini Leather Cross Body Bag: £25, Topshop

Optic white bags are set to be another hit trend this season, so this makes for a wise purchase. Featuring striking criss-cross stitch detailing, it’s a modest and contemporary take on the mini bag and super-easy to incorporate into your wardrobe.

Verdict

With so many mini bags on the market the options are endless but our pick of the bunch has got to be the Zara option. It’s one of the more affordable bags out there and straddles the line between feminine and edgy almost seamlessly; plus we love that it comes with a removable tassel.