For Just the Essentials: 10 Compact Crossbody Bags That Won't Weigh You Down

In case big, bulky bags just aren't your thing.

mini purses
PHOTO BY Kate Spade, Lacoste, Dune London, Longchamp ILLUSTRATION War Espejo

(SPOT.ph) There are people who can go out with just their phone and some cash and then there are people who pack their entire house inside their everyday bag. If you’re the former, you may sometimes find yourself in a panic when you realize you actually need more things to get through the day—and if you’re the latter, well, you’re probably suffering from back problems from lugging around a bag that weighs 10 pounds every single day (or maybe you’re just ageing).

So, whether small bags are already your thing or you're thinking of switching to carriers that don't weigh you down, allow us to present to you 10 mini purses that can fit only the essentials. These tiny and ultra stylish bags give you ample space for everyday needs while also forcing you to think about what your essentials truly are. Plus, they allow you to move around with no fuss while you’re out and about. 

These compact crossbody bags are perfect for carrying just the essentials:

Micro Dumpling Bag (P2,790) from Beyond the Vines

Beyond the Vines micro dumpling bag
PHOTO BY Beyond the Vines
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How adorable is this Micro Dumpling Bag from Beyond the Vines? Available in a wide range of shades, it’s the perfect accessory for adding a dainty touch and a pop of color to your casual looks. The bag is made from lightweight nylon fabric, which means it’s waterproof so you won’t need to worry about spilling a little bit of water if you’re the clumsy type. It has enough space to carry your phone, cards, some cash, earphones, and even a lippie and a compact mirror so you can touch up on the go. Wear it as a sling bag so you can go hands-free or use it as a handbag—either way, this itty-bitty purse will surely add some flavor and color to your outfit.

Available at Beyond the Vines' stores in Shangri-La Plaza, Power Plant Mall, and SM Mall of Asia.

Le Pliage Torchon Top Handle Bag XS (P11,000) from Longchamp

longchamp le pliage ss 2022
PHOTO BY Longchamp

A miniature version of the timeless Le Pliage, this extra-tiny Torchon bag from Longchamp's Spring/Summer 2022 Collection features a red, fish-net-inspired checkered print against a white cotton material, giving it a preppy-but-polished look. Its compact size and Russian leather details make it appropriate for any occasion, whether you’re out doing errands or going to a fancy evening event. The bag has enough space for your non-negotiables like your phone, some cards, cash, and IDs. You also have the option to sling it over your shoulder or carry it by hand.

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Available on Trunc.

Also read:
10 Timeless Must-Haves From Longchamp, Aside From the Le Pliage

Delissa Small Quilted Circle Bag (P3,250) from Dune London

Dune London delissa bag
PHOTO BY Dune London

Who knew that something as tiny as this purse from Dune London could elevate your entire look? The Delissa Small Quilted Circle Bag is one stylish way you can hop on the circle-bag trend. Its quilted design paired with its gold hardware give it an understated sophistication, making it a great purse for romantic dates and formal events. Available in a gorgeous ecru color and a classic black, this bag will compel you to bring only the essentials, so get ready to do a massive edit of your everyday necessities. Who knows, you might find that you actually don’t need a whole bunch of things to get through the day.

Available on the Rustan's website.

New York Avenue Mini Satchel (P19,650) from Kate Spade

Kate Spade New York Avenue Mini Satchel
PHOTO BY Kate Spade
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There’s something about structured bags that can make you look more put-together and it seems the same goes even when those geometric styles down-sized. Case in point: the New York Avenue Mini Satchel from Kate Spade. Despite its compact build, it gives you enough room for your daily essentials and then some thanks to its triple-compartment design. It even has a few pockets inside, which come in handy for organizing your tiny bag. The satchel also comes with a long strap so you can sling it over your shoulder or across your body, but you can also carry it as a handbag if that’s more your speed. 

Available on Trunc.

Elongated Crossbody Bag (P2,599) from Charles & Keith

Charles & Keith elongated crossbody bag
PHOTO BY Charles & Keith

This Elongated Crossbody Bag from Charles & Keith is one way you can switch up your usual look to make it more interesting. Its vertical design and boxy silhouette make it a functional statement accessory that can carry your essentials and not much else. It even comes with a handy AirPods pouch, which you can attach onto the detachable shoulder strap—a thoughtful addition if you ask us. Plus, the bag's classic black-and-gold colorway allows you to wear it with any outfit!

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Available online; see a list of Charles & Keith stores.

Solihiya Travel Kit Square Bag (P1,990) from Orias

orias Solihiya Travel Kit Square Bag
PHOTO BY Orias

Are you even a true millennial if you don’t own anything solihiya? Kidding aside, this modern-meets-rustic carrier from Orias is an interesting take on the solihiya trend, pairing it with a transparent body, which exposes everything that’s inside your bag—but if you’re a true millennial, that wouldn’t be a problem because all your things are probably #aesthetic, anyway. (We’re kidding...kind of). This statement bag can fit the usual daily necessities including your phone, wallet, keys, IDs, and maybe even your earphones and a hand sanitizer. Wear this as a shoulder bag and pair it with your linen pieces and your favorite pair of Birks for a breezy, laid-back look.

Available online.

Amelia Leather Baguette Bag (P9,950) from Lacoste

lacoste Amelia Leather Baguette Bag
PHOTO BY Lacoste

If you’re looking for something that screams classic, you can’t go wrong with the Amelia Leather Baguette Bag from Lacoste. It features an interior flat pocket for your cards and IDs, a slim carry handle, and a metal clasp with the world-famous Croc logo engraved on it for a touch of sophistication. Carrie Bradshaw would approve—if you know, you know.

Available online; see a list of Lacoste stores.

Aya Micro Bag (P2,800) from The Leather Studio Manila

aya leather studio manila
PHOTO BY Frankie & Friends

Don’t underestimate this micro bucket bag—it has enough space to carry your essentials and more! The Aya Micro Bag from The Leather Studio Manila is hand-crafted by female artisans from the brand’s weaving community in Bicol, which means each piece is hand-cut and hand-stitched, and buying one lets you support Filipino livelihood. The sling bag has a beachy feel to it thanks to its beautiful teal cowhide vegetable-tanned leather and its crochet abaca base. What’s not to love? 

Available on Fame Plus' website and Frankie and Friends' website.

Splash Kit Clutch (P750) from Viajecito

Splash Kit Clutch Viajecito
PHOTO BY Viajecito

Gear up for all your beach adventures with the Splash Kit Clutch from Viajecito. It can fit your phone, a pair of sunnies, your go-to lippie, a small bottle of sunscreen, and a few cards, bills, and coins. It’s made from a combination of silicone and plastic material, making it waterproof, so there’s no need to panic when you get it a little wet.

Available online.

Faux Leather Half Moon Mini Shoulder Bag (P990) from Uniqlo

uniqlo mini bag
PHOTO BY Uniqlo

In case you didn’t know, Uniqlo also has a range of compact purses you can wear with any look—yup, even your accidental head-to-toe Uniqlo outfit. The Faux Leather Half Moon Mini Shoulder Bag features a slim strap, which you can use to sling over your shoulder or across your body. We love the purse’s flat bottom and structured shape, which gives you more room to store everyday items despite the bag’s small size.

Available online and at Uniqlo stores nationwide.

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