12 small but mighty handbags we’re loving right now

micro bags

Something big – or rather small – is happening in the fashion world right now. For summer, handbags have suddenly become tiny again. Back in the late 90s, the iconic Fendi Baguette was spotted on the arm of everyone from Carrie Bradshaw (aka, SJP) to Paris Hilton. But since then bags have steadily grown in size, with the fashion editor-approved oversized tote the accessory of choice (think a Hermes ‘Birkin Himalaya’ or perhaps a Saint Laurent shopper held neatly in the crook of your arm).

Designer micro bags

When it comes to social media though, size matters and because smaller accessories are just plain easier to photograph, micro bags are back on the agenda. Add to this a couple of very covetable (tiny) designer handbags and you have yourself a bone a fide trend. Step forward Jacquemus, which has launched the teeny ‘Le Sac Chiquito’ (Rihanna is already a fan, so expect a mega waiting list) and Fendi, whose mini purse sold out after Gigi Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski showcased theirs.

Affordable micro bags

Minimalism is taking over the high-street, too, with Zara and Mango constantly selling out of their micro pearl pouches over spring/summer. In reality of course, it’s fair to say that a micro is not the most practical of bags – you’ll be lucky to fit your credit card and lip balm in there. However, you can make the trend work for you by carrying around your essentials in a more discreet net or on-point PVC shopper.

How to wear micro bags

Still not convinced? Think of it this way: the micro bag is the ultimate office-to-party option, meaning you don’t have to decant everything before rushing out the door. You might just need to supplement it with a tote bag, but then there is no such thing as too many bags. Happy shopping.

Penny Goldstone

Penny Goldstone is the Digital Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, covering everything from catwalk trends to royal fashion and the latest high street and Instagram must-haves.

Penny grew up in France and studied languages and law at the Sorbonne Nouvelle University in Paris before moving to the UK for her MA in multimedia journalism at Bournemouth University. She moved to the UK permanently and has never looked back (though she does go back regularly to stock up on cheese and wine).

Although she's always loved fashion - she used to create scrapbooks of her favourite trends and looks, including Sienna Miller and Kate Moss' boho phase - her first job was at MoneySavingExpert.com, sourcing the best deals for everything from restaurants to designer sales.

However she quit after two years to follow her true passion, fashion journalism, and after many years of internships and freelance stints at magazines including Red, Cosmopolitan, Stylist and Good Housekeeping, landed her dream job as the Digital Fashion Editor at Marie Claire UK.

Her favourite part of the job is discovering new brands and meeting designers, and travelling the world to attend events and fashion shows. Seeing her first Chanel runway IRL at Paris Fashion Week was a true pinch-me moment.