The micro bag is all the rage. Selena Gomez loves carrying her Roger Vivier vanity micro bags for film festivals in France, Nicky Hilton can’t resist a rhinestone covered bow adorned pink Self-Portrait mini bag for TV premiere parties and Ariana Grande loves mini vintage bag belts for walks around New York City.
Still, the woman most synonymous with the tiny top handle bag is Princess Kate Middleton. Ditching the classic clutch in favor of the itty bitty bag, Kate has become the Pied Piper of of the petite purse.
Here are 6 of Kate Middleton’s Favorite Mini Handbags:
1. Strathberry Nano Mosaic Bag in Vanilla
Constructed of soft smooth leather, this timeless bag has a front flap with Strathberry’s signature gold bar. Featuring a magnetic closure, detachable crossbody strap and one interior pocket, this Spanish made bag has the flair of a full-sized bag but the portability of a tiny top handle.
How to Wear It: Perfect for city adventures, this bag works well draped over long dad coats and dusters. It also looks sleek paired with sweater dresses and cut-out ankle booties.
Seen on Princess Kate: One time at the Together at Christmas Carol Concert in 2023.
2. Tusting Mini Holly Bag in Taupe
Made in England, this 1950s inspired bag has all the features of the brand’s curvaceous original ‘Holly’ but without the size and bulk. Sleek and elegant, the timeless taupe bag features a foldover flap with turn-lock fastening. The chic neutral bag was inspired by accessories worn by Jackie Kennedy and Grace Kelly.
How to Wear It: Perfect with a trench, turtlenecks and trousers, this bag is highly adaptable to any outfit combination. It looks great with a fitted bodysuit and high waisted jeans. Carry it by hand or slung over the shoulder for a smart daytime outfit.
Seen on Princess Kate: Three times including for a visit to an air force base in September 2021, a rugby match in 2022 and a stop at Trent University in 2023.
3. Polene Paris Numero Sept (No 7) Mini Bag in Blue Grain Leather
Crafted of Italian textured leather, this bag is carefully constructed by artisans in Ubrique, Spain. The unique bag is distinguished by its gold hardware clasp with PVD plating. Worn as a shoulder bag or crossbody via the chain strap, this mini bag is contemporary and cool.
How to Wear It: Perfect for urbanite expeditions or casual day trips to the city, this bag looks smart worn diagonally across the body over blazers or button downs. The dark navy bag also looks effortless with darted denim dresses.
Seen on Princess Kate: Three times including a May 2021 visit to the Glade of Light Memorial, a May 2022 trip to Scotland and a February 2023 visit to a nursing home in Slough, England.
4. Grace Han Love Letter Top Handle Bag in Small
Forgoing the full sized version of this elegant bag, the princess covets the distinctive envelope closure on this sartorial showstopper. Designed of 100% calfskin leather, the LBP (Little Black Purse) is inspired by love letters of the past and future.
How to Wear It: Carry the bag by hand to accent a polished professional ensemble like a pleated midi dress or offset the bag’s minimalist design with a long coat in a bright shade like red.
Seen on Princess Kate: Six times including for the Royal Train Tour in 2020, a visit to Wales in September 2022 and an engagement at a Hayes Muslim Centre in March 2023.
5. Mulberry Mini Seaton Bag in Black Grain Leather
A quintessential British bag, this small satchel comes in both mini and large. Defined by its rolled leather top handle and cool crossover flap, the gold-ring lock turns to reveal partitioned interior patch pockets.
How to Wear It: Perfect for travel or errands around town, this bag is versatile with its refined structure, equestrian inspired detailing and optional shoulder strap.
Seen on Princess Kate: One time in January 2018 for a visit to Stockholm, Sweden.
6. DeMellier Nano Montreal Bag in Deep Toffee Smooth Leather
Hailing from the brand’s Montreal Collection, this mini bag is the smallest size in DeMellier’s top handle styles (joining the Midi Montreal, the Montreal and the Maxi Montreal). A standout for its unique shape, tubular top handle, gold bar closure and black cotton lining, this ethically made bag is perfectly proportioned.
How to Wear It: Pairs perfectly with retro day dresses, checked blazers or long camel coats. Accent city-chic styles or casual streetwear with this delicate triangular shaped micro bag.
Seen on Princess Kate: On three occasions including a May 2021 engagement at the National Portrait Gallery, a visit to the BAFTA Headquarters in October 2021 and a community building outing in Scarborough in November 2022.
{Images: Getty, PA}
