The Best Spring Summer 2020 Luxury Micro Bags

Now trending: diminutive, adorable, completely impractical and teeny tiny micro bags. They’ve been around for a while, and the fashionistas show no sign of Tiny Bag Fatigue. Quite the contrary. We had been planning to let this trend go by, but now we feel we have to deal with it. The first step? We went in search of the best chic designer luxury micro bags, mini bags, AirPods holders and phone bags for spring summer 2020.

the appeal of the micro-bag for a type-A boss lady

OK, we’re just gonna say it up front: we’re obsessed with the idea of the micro bag. Because it’s the exact opposite of every bag we’ve ever had. Yes, we’re that person with the bulging, really heavy briefcase; the over-stuffed top handle; or the 50-pound shoulder bag that seems to be holding the weight of the world.

Sure, for black tie events and big occasions, we know how to get through the night with only a small clutch. But for day? For the office? Forget it.

Our fantasy is floating through life needing only a tiny micro bag. No larger than a tube of lipstick. Or a chunky necklace. But where’s all our stuff? What if we need something? In our dream, the laptop, the pens, the power bar, the passport and the portable umbrella are all someone else’s problem.

The micro bag also happens to deliver a great deal of fashion at a relatively tiny price. For the same amount  of investment as a pair of earrings, you can rock something much more fresh and of-the-moment. 

Finally, what better gift for Mother’s Day, a birthday, an anniversary or just because than a tiny beautiful object with very little practical purpose? It’s the opposite of giving her a vacuum or a dishwasher. Nothing says “I love you” more than a pretty little bauble with no other purpose than to make people smile, right?

The best micro bags this spring-summer 2020

Herewith, then, the dream of spring-summer 2020: that we shall be living an unencumbered, adventure-filled, hard seltzer-fueled life that requires no more than a little bauble like one of these to get through the season. Maybe it’s not as good as a Hot Girl Summer. But a Tiny Bag Summer would do us just fine. 

1. Polished Classics

The easiest way to ease into the micr0-bag trend is to begin with a miniature version of the bag you already love. Louis Vuitton and FENDI have micro versions of some of their iconic handbags. A structured, top-handle micro can be an exquisite accessory for a fresh polished look.

Here are a few to consider: (1) Christian Louboutin’s black Elisa bag ($1,190); the (6) Jacquemus Le Vanity leather bucket bag ($312) and the brand’s (5) La Boîte à Gateaux crossbody bag ($564). This (3) Cult Gaia Phaedra transparent tote ($350). And the (7) Balenciaga Barrel shoulder bag ($1,250).

You can stay close the shore with a classic black or white bag. But we also love the edgy graffiti’d Balenciaga bags and the softer blush-colored ones this spring. (4) Saint Laurent Manhattan Nano leather tote ($1,650). (2) By Far mini ($468). (9) Jill Sander bamboo bag ($1,180). Louis Vuitton Petite Boite Chapeau Crocodilien ($28,100). And (8) the FENDI Nano baguette ($648) in lollipop pink.

2. Necklaces and “phone bags” 

Another subset of the nano- and micro-bag category? The tiny necklace bag and the slightly larger “phone bag.” Here are some of the standouts this season.

(1) The Gucci GG Marmont phone bag ($790). (2) The Balenciaga Shopping Phone Pouch Shoulder bag ($950) in black or leopard. (3) The FENDI Pico micro baguette ($750) is adorable, and is available in pink and sunny yellow.

(10) Loewe Heel necklace bag  ($890). The (5) Jacquemus Le Pitchou ($258). Or the brand’s (4) Le Petit Chiquito ($300). The “it” bag of the season also comes in miniature size! The new (7) Bottega Veneta The Pouch mini leather clutch in orange ($630) or black ($585). 

3. AirPods and earphone cases

Most micro bags have very little functional purpose. They’re meant to be decorative, and they are. But the subgenre of luxury micro bags that has a very specific functional role are the new wave of designer Apple AirPods (and other earphone) cases. And while there are lots of them out there, these are not fakes, dear reader – these are the real luxury deal.

(1) Saint Laurent ($250). (2) Burberry ($210). (3) & (5) FENDI ($490). (4)  Miu Miu ($228). (6) Palm Angels ($80). (7) Dolce & Gabbana ($210). (8) Bottega Veneta ($450).

4. Minimalist Minis

For those who like a crisp and uncluttered silhouette, there’s a micro for that.

Loewe’s Gate silhouette has been re-imagined for the season in miniature form with (3) this pale-lime green  or pale pink Pocket crossbody bag ($790). Cult Gaia‘s Soray micro bucket bag ($146) is a standout. The (5) Balenciaga Sharp XS leather belt bag can also be worn cross-body ($995). (7) Chloe mini C vanity bag ($1,150) is a nice pop of shimmer for an evening look.

Keep the lines sharp with Bottega Veneta’s newest sensation, the (4) Envelope leather clutch ($1,980). We love (6) Alexander Wang’s She.E.O. mini ($400). And (2) Valextra’s Iside micro bag ($2,383) and this (1) Jacquemus Bello bag in navy leather ($356).

5. Belt Bags for Bosses

We found lots of micro-bags that exude a sense of gravitas and authority, despite their diminutive size. Here are some of the sophisticated belt bags that are totally office-ready.

This Balenciaga B. Quilted leather belt bag can easily go to work. The ID belt bag from Givenchy is similarly boss-lady appropriate in design ($1,290), as is the new Valentino VSLING belt bag and this Christian Louboutin Elisa mini belt bag ($1,190).

And what task-oriented individual could resist the highly utilitarian yet strangely stylish Banglering clutch from Osoi? Its three elements are conceived with specific purposes: one serves as a sunglasses case, another is for coins and the third is fitted with eight card slots. What more does one really need?

The best micro bags this spring-summer 2020

What do you think? Are you in on this? We’re going for it – the only thing we have to lose is some of our stuff. And some of our inhibitions.

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