The New Minimalist Handbags We’re Loving (and Shopping!) for 2025

 

This winter (and with the new year around the corner!), stylish city women everywhere are swapping out trendy It bags for understated, luxurious, and minimalist designs. Brands like The Row, Khaite, Cos, and Mango are leading the charge. As temperatures continue to drop, it’s the perfect time to build your wardrobe around timeless essentials—starting with a classic tote (or maybe even two!).

Sleek bags, often spotted on our favorite celebrities (hi, Jennifer Lawrence and Kendall Jenner) and the street-style scene, have the unique ability to instantly elevate any look. Whether you’re throwing one over your shoulder with a classic white T-shirt and jeans or pairing it with a timeless trench coat, these bags guarantee effortless sophistication every time.

For those looking to splurge, The Row’s collection of minimalist handbags keeps setting new standards. A few standout pieces include a ladylike top-handle bag in winter white and the brand’s signature Park tote in black. Inspired by the Olsen twins, the design masterminds behind the brand, these bags pair beautifully with a cozy cashmere sweater, a roomy leather bomber jacket, and relaxed tailored trousers.

Of course, we can’t resist a fresh twist on the classics. Think elegant east-west bags from Freja, Cos, and Alaïa, or more unexpected, textured options from Khaite, Ferragamo, and Cuyana. Rich, seasonal hues are also making a statement, with burgundy designs from Aesther Ekme and Studio Amelia, as well as chic chocolate brown bags from Savettte and Loewe. For a warmer tone, Loro Piana’s toffee-colored tote is another must-have. And let’s not forget sumptuous suede options like Gap’s slouchy shoulder bag or Elleme’s trendy bowling-bag silhouette, both of which are at the top of our wishlist this season.

No roundup of minimalist bags would be complete without mentioning St. Agni, the Australian brand that’s carving out a permanent spot in our capsule wardrobes. The best part? Many of their most coveted designs come in under $300. As we usher in the new year, it’s time to upgrade your essentials with one of these stunningly simple handbags. Below, shop over 50 minimalist bags that combine timeless style with practical elegance.


The Under $350 Edit:

 

Craft the chicest minimalist handbag collection—all for under $350. 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 affordable handbag sampling has a little something for everyone.

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The Flight Leather Top-Handle Bag

$295

BERGDORF GOODMAN

Staud

The Dude leather top handle bag

$295

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

COS

Eastside bowling bag

$175

COS SHOP

NLA

knot bag

$250

SHOPBOP

St. Agni

mini Bon Bon bag

$339

FWRD

Coach

Brooklyn shoulder bag 28

$295

COACH

Verafied

Allure shoulder bag

$248

REVOLVE

Uniqlo

2Way shoulder bag

$40

UNIQLO

Staud

Alec bag

$350

SSENSE

St. Agni

‘90s petit shoulder bag

$209

FWRD

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The Flight Leather Top-Handle Bag

$295

BERGDORF GOODMAN

We-Ar4

The Flight Leather Top-Handle Bag

$295

BERGDORF GOODMAN

Verafied

Allure shoulder bag

$248

REVOLVE

Staud

Alec bag

$350

SSENSE

St. Agni

‘90s petit shoulder bag

$209

FWRD

More Minimalist Handbags (At Every Price):

Interested in the quiet luxury look? From The Row and Loewe to Alaïa and Khaite, these minimalist handbags are the ultimate (subtle) status symbol. Highlights include Savette’s top-handle tote in a chic chocolate color, Toteme’s effortlessly chic crossbody, Balenciaga’s double-buckle Rodeo bag, and burgundy beauties from Studio Amelia to Aesther Ekme that provide simple, yet effective color pops no self-proclaimed minimalist refuse. One thing is for sure: these silhouettes master understated elegance with ease.

Bottega Veneta

small Pinacoteca bag

$3,500

BOTTEGA VENETA

ATP Atelier

Noale black grained leather top-handle bag

$1,100

ATP ATELIER

Stella McCartney

Stella Ryder embellished textured vegan leather tote

$1,650

NET-A-PORTER

MIU MIU

leather shoulder bag

$3,050

MIU MIU

Tory Burch

Mercer croc-embossed leather satchel

$1,198

TORY BURCH

BALENCIAGA

Rodeo leather tote

$4,550

BALENCIAGA

Métier

Parallel 22 leather shoulder bag

$2,423

NET-A-PORTER

Studio Amelia

Audrey shoulder bag

$470

SSENSE

Loewe

medium Flamenco clutch

$2,850

LOEWE