32 Minimalist Bags That Whisper Chic—From Khaite to Everlane

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With the dawn of a new year upon us—a time most synonymous with change—one can’t help but think about the many shifts that are bound to take place, whether personally, professionally, or in this case, sartorially. And while new trends are to be expected, there’s something to be said about sticking to a solid foundation of wardrobe essentials, beginning with a strong selection of minimalist bags. A sleek bag has both the power and potential to elevate any outfit in mind—you can throw one over your shoulder with a classic white T-shirt and jeans or atop a festive party dress and expect success every time. Thanks to luxury labels like The Row and Khaite to more contemporary brands like Nothing Written and Staud, a pared-down handbag has become somewhat of a status symbol—sometimes, the more minimalist, the merrier. 

Back to The Row; its ‘Margaux 15’ leather tote bag is destined to be a mainstay in your closet, serving as a timeless work tote, an elegant evening bag, and everything else in between. Take a styling cue from the Olsen twins, the design duo behind the brand, and sling yours over a cozy cashmere knit and tailored trousers. Another outstanding offering comes from Tory Burch, whose structural leather bag is inspired by the style icon, Lee Radziwill. Then, there are still those irresistible, trend-forward pieces like Bottega Veneta’s ‘Sardine’ bag and moon bags from Marge Sherwood and Rag & Bone that are simplistic but never boring. Who could forget the time Kendall Jenner, who has many a minimalist street style hit, wore the Bottega It bag alongside a simple slip dress? 

This holiday season, no winter white wardrobe is complete without an ivory, ecru, or beige bag from Wandler, Staud, and Savette. Meanwhile, burgundy crossbody bags from Neous and Saint Laurent add a welcome pop of color. Options from the High Street are equally as eye-catching—find these from Cos, Zara, and H&M. 

Here’s to raising the bar on stylish essentials this winter season, starting strong with a minimalist handbag, or two for that matter. Below, shop 32 minimalist bags that are forever stylish, yet perfectly practical. 

The Row Margaux 15 leather tote bag

Tory Burch Lee Radziwill leather cat eye bag

ATP Atelier Cortona nappa medium tote bag

Madewell The Sydney shoulder bag

Bottega Veneta Sardine metal-handle Intrecciato-leather bag

Saint Laurent Manhattan leather shoulder bag

Proenza Schouler ruched large two-tone leather tote

Savette Tondo small leather shoulder bag

Boyy Bobby 18 soft buckled textured-leather shoulder bag

Nothing Written mini Golf bag

Anine Bing Colette shoulder bag

Neous Phoenix leather shoulder bag

Aesther Ekme Sway bucket bag

Everlane The New Day market tote

DeMellier The Midi New York

Hunting Season The Extra Large Drawstring leather bucket bag

Khaite small Ada leather hobo

Jil Sander leather tote bag

Cos leather baguette shoulder bag

Little Liffner slanted baguette bag

Banana Republic oversized Vida bag

Marge Sherwood large crinkle shoulder bag

Alexander Wang Crest flap leather bag

Dragon Diffusion Grace Double Jump small woven-leather basket bag

Loewe Flamenco large leather tote

Staud Acute leather shoulder bag

Zara minimal flap shoulder bag

Nothing Written Ferry bag

Wandler Uma leather shoulder bag

Rag & Bone mini Commuter hobo bag