These 15 Charming Bags Look Good While Carrying Your Essentials

From sweet soft-pink silk to a shoulder bag with pockets, we’ve picked our favourites.

If there’s anything Carrie Bradshaw’s style legacy has imparted on the world, it’s the value of a handbag tucked neatly under the arm — specifically a Fendi baguette, designed in 1997 by Silvia Venturini Fendi in homage to the way French women carried their baguettes under their arms, and thrust into the pop-culture limelight when wardrobe stylist Patricia Field immortalised the accessory as a key part of Carrie’s wardrobe DNA.

The shape and size of the bag are also practical deterrents for thieves, the extra security provided by a bag tucked neatly against the body being one of its key drawcards.

Today, several designers have created their own small and perfectly formed handbags in a range of easy-to-wear shapes, fabrics and sizes all with the underlying concept that a smaller-sized bag to carry just the essentials is sometimes all you need. Fashion assistant and stylist Annabel Dickson selects 15 of the coolest you should consider right now.

Georgia Jay bag $530.

Harris Tapper bag $499.

Hai bag approx $295.

Brie Leon bag $176.

By Far bag $1300.

Mi Piaci bag $300.

Gucci bag $1860.

Zara bag $66.

Karen Walker bag $275.

Loewe bag, $2650, from Faradays.

Oroton bag approx $435.

Baggu bag, $99, from Ruby.

Deadly Ponies bag $679.

Bags compiled by Annabel Dickson.