Are you guilty of having more than 10 bags but only using the same few ones?

Is your massive bag collection taking up more space than you anticipated?

Do both situations sound familiar to you?

If you are nodding your head repeatedly, I hear you. As a bag lover, I can relate!

As much as I don’t want to part with my beloved bags, I know that some of them deserve a better home where they’ll be used and valued more.

Besides, I’ve been feeling super overwhelmed by all of the things I have.

So, I’m going to focus on decluttering my home this year, and that includes decluttering my bag collection.

Living with less means I get to build a timeless and minimalist bag collection.

Not only will this help me to save money, but it will help me to save time when I’m getting dressed.

Ready to join me? Keep reading to discover how you can build a minimalist bag collection.

Related: The Best Minimalist Jewelry Collection For Every Day

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How Many Bags Should A Minimalist Own?

To me, minimalism looks different for everyone.

If you’re a maximalist-turned-minimalist, keeping 20 bags from a 100-bag collection might be your version of a minimalist bag collection.

However, if living with less is your intention, you’ll do just fine with 3 bags. One for work, one for leisure, and one for travel.

I have to admit, I belong to the former.

My mom was a real fashionista and owned a massive designer bag collection.

After she passed, I was lucky enough to inherit most of them.

While I’ve parted with most of her belongings, I’m still holding on to her bags for sentimental reasons because these were her prized possessions.

Nevertheless, I don’t use ALL of them. I have 5 bags that I use regularly for different occasions.

Five Must-Have Bags In A Minimalist Bag Collection

Large Tote Bag

Every woman needs a large tote bag.

Whether it’s to carry a laptop or everyday essentials, a large tote bag is versatile for work, leisure, and travel.

I have a large tote bag in canvas that is great for work, but it stains easily and gets pretty heavy with all of my things in it.

Additionally, the rough handle applies a lot of pressure on my shoulders, especially if I have to commute for a long time.

If you’re on the hunt for a large tote bag, I highly recommend getting a large leather tote in a classic shape and color.

This bag can take you from a morning in the office to drinks with your girlfriends at night.

1. Charles & Keith Calla Tote Bag // 2. Cuyana System Zipper Tote (comes in 2 sizes!) // 3. JW Pei Hana Medium Tote Bag // 4. Everlane Luxe Medium Italian Leather Tote // 5. Madewell Essential Bucket Tote // 6. A New Day Kate Tote Handbag // 7. Amazon Oversize Pu Leather Tote Bag // 8. Amazon Soft Vegan Leather Hobo Shoulder Slouchy Tote // 9. Madewell Handwoven Leather Tote

I currently own the Longchamp Le Pliage Tote – I love mine and have used it to death. It’s lightweight, spacious (fits a laptop!), and water-resistant. To top it off, this bag folds flat, so you don’t have to worry about storing a bulky bag.

Related: The Best Minimalist Makeup Collection For Beginners

Crossbody Bag

The crossbody bag is my favorite bag style of all time.

I’m always on the go, and I find that the crossbody is the most secure style when I need to be hands-free.

When I don’t have my laptop with me, the crossbody bag is my go-to.

It fits all my daily essentials (think keys, phone, sanitizer, makeup, and more!) and it’s the perfect bag for running errands, hanging out with your girlfriends, going to the movies, etc.

1. Anthropologie Mini Top-Handle Woven Tote with Wallet // 2. A New Day Mini Tulip Tote Handbag with Crossbody Strap // 3. Anthropologie Structured Belted Crossbody Bag // 4. JW Pei Women’s Carly Saddle Bag // 5. Madewell Mini Crossbody Bag // 6. Charles & Keith Gabine Leather Saddle Bag // 7. Amazon FashionPuzzle Triple Zip Small Crossbody Bag // 8. Mali + Lili Convertible Sling Bag // 9. Songmont Medium Song Bag

I currently own the Gucci Soho Leather Crossbody Bag – I bought this exact crossbody eight years ago, and I still use it frequently. Don’t be fooled by its size! This bag is SO roomy. Plus, it’s durable, and the adjustable shoulder strap makes it easy to carry. I love all of the little details too – the embossed logo, tassel detail, and gold hardware.

A Bag for Fancy Occasions

Now, you probably won’t use this bag often, but it’s something you need to have unless you’re a recluse who doesn’t attend any fancy occasions.

This is usually a small bag that you’ll bring to weddings, date nights, and formal events.

1. Mini Woven Shoulder Bag // 2. Cesia Metallic Accent Shoulder Bag // 3. Mini Cloud Clutch // 4. Amazon Shoulder Bag // 5. Mini Chrystie Bag // 6. Luna Bag // 7. Lila Metal Frame Clutch // 8. Mini Pouch In Suede // 9. Jane Bag

Travel Bag

Whether you’re going on a local staycation or sitting on a long-haul flight, a travel bag is a must.

This can be a backpack, a duffel bag, or a gym bag.

Whatever you choose, it needs to be easy to lug around and have sufficient storage.

Splurge: Beis The Weekender – This is the perfect travel bag. It has a ton of storage space including different organizational pockets and a separate compartment for shoes. And, there’s a padded sleeve for your laptop. That’s not all – this bag has a wide opening for easy access AND a trolley sleeve to attach to your luggage. Practical, convenient, and oh-so-cute!

Save: Etronik Gym Bag (from Amazon) – If budget is a concern, this bag is a great dupe. It has similar features as the Weekender and more. Comes with a USB charging port so you can charge your phone while you’re on the go. Genius!

Related: Minimalist Shoe Collection For Women – How To Get What Works For You

Summer Holiday Bag

A summer bag is not necessary, but I couldn’t resist adding it in.

After all, you may not want to carry a huge tote or leather bag if you’re going to spend time by the sea.

That’s why I’ve added two straw bags that are great for beach vacations and summer holidays.

Splurge: Loewe Small Square Raffia Basket Bag – Some straw or basket bags may look uneven or worn because of the nature of the materials used to construct the bags. But, this bag is the complete opposite. The neat construction gives the bag a very clean look while the structured silhouette lends it a lovely shape.

Save: L’Space Summer Days Backpack – Want something a little more secure? This 100% corn husk backpack comes with a draw cord to seal things inside it. It’s also spacious enough to fit beach towels and blankets. More importantly, the material doesn’t feel scratchy against the skin.

(Bonus) A Pop Of Color Bag

Chances are your minimalist bag collection is going to consist of bags in neutral colors like black, white, grey, and brown.

Like the summer bag, a brightly-colored bag is not essential, but it’s a great way to inject a pop of color into your wardrobe.

Splurge: Furla Metropolis Mini Crossbody Bag – I didn’t think I’d wear this bag very often because of its bright raspberry pink color, but it surprisingly goes with a lot of outfits. The pop of color adds an interesting contrast to a monochrome look.

Save: Madewell Piazza Mini Crossbody Bag – If you prefer something less boxy and easy on the wallet, I’m loving this bag. It comes in several pretty colors like pink, light green, and light yellow. It’s not the cheapest bag on the market, but it is high-quality since it’s made of super soft sustainable leather.

Minimalist Bag Brands

Not sure where to shop for minimalist bags? Check out these brands known for their clean minimalist design aesthetic:

1. Everlane
2. Madewell
3. Polene
4. Cos
5. All Saints
6. Khaite
7. Mansur Gavriel
8. Cuyana
9. Freja
10. Bottega Veneta – designer
11. Loewe – designer

Conclusion

If you’re having trouble choosing which bags to keep or buy, ask yourself these questions:

• Does it fit my everyday essentials?
• Can I use it for work and leisure?
• Does this go with most of my outfits?
• Will this bag last a long time?
• Is this bag a classic style?

If you answered yes to everything, you have a keeper. And if not, I’m sure you know what to do. You can give the bag away, donate it, or sell it.

I hope this post has helped you to curate your handbag collection. All the best!

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