If you’re only a little bit over 150 cm tall (yes, tall), you most likely have heard someone saying that something you wear is too big for you. For the most part, petite girls’ problems have their own solutions: hems can be tailored, sleeves can be rolled, and kitten heels are always there for a much needed extra height. But finding bags for work remains a tricky case. The crowd-favourite ludicrously capacious bags are way too big, the small ones barely fit a charger, and medium sizes are usually non-existent. Good news for you, we’ve cracked the codes on finding the right office bags for petite proportions.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A BAG:
No one wants to look like a toddler carrying their mother’s bag, especially in the office. To avoid that, the most important thing to look out for is the shape. A bag that is elongated vertically, like a hobo or bucket bag, would do you more favour than a tote. But if you prefer the look of the latter, look for one that has a slightly tapered structure and a size that is not too big. Straps can also become a major game changer, adjustable or removable ones allow you to personalise it to your own body proportion. Here, we’ve curated bags that tick those boxes.
1. Buckle leather bucket bag, $5,900, Prada
Size: One size
Why we love it: The buckle bag is a classic line from Prada and their bucket version offers a slimmer shape that is neither too bulky or small. It easily fits a tablet, charger, notebooks, and has ample room for your stash of snacks. Plus, the interchangeable belt adds a much needed edge for work.
2. Le 5 À 7 calfskin bag, $4,490, Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello
Size: Large
Why we love it: The Le 5 À 7 bag ticks so many boxes – it’s elongated, has a tapered shape, and completed with an adjustable strap. It is the just right bag size, and the combination of all three components makes it a chic all-rounder.
3. Bel Air Carry All calfskin bag, $7,450, Balenciaga
Size: Medium
Why we love it: The Bel Air in medium is exactly what I’d expect from a medium sized bag. At first glance, it can look a little bit too big, but the tapered look accommodates both the roominess and overall proportion to your body. The best part? The sides can be opened for extra space or closed for a more compact look.
4. Privé calfskin tote bag, $6,200, Dior
Size: One size
Why we love it: The Dior Prive Tote doesn’t receive enough love for what it offers and it offers many things. For one, it fits so much without being ridiculously huge and the extra pockets provides more space for the little things that usually get lost inside the bag. It’s quite the understated bag, which we love for work.
5. Musubi calfskin tote bag, $3,100, Acne Studios
Size: One size
Why we love it: I usually try to avoid chunky bags as it can look a bit bulky on me, but the Acne Studio’s Musubi bags are particularly hard to resist. The slightly narrow silhouette helps to create an illusion of a slender bag, so it wouldn’t outsize anyone. It features a top handle and an adjustable strap that lets you go hands-free and carry it on your shoulders.
6. La Passeggiata suede top handle bag, €1.490 (S$2,230), www.theattico.com
Size: Medium
Why we love it: Not only does it hold so many essentials, Attico’s La Passeggiata is an unmistakably stylish number thanks to its slouchy and narrow shape. It perfectly sits in the middle of professional and fun – two things that are hard to be true at the same time. The tubular strap is long enough to throw over your shoulder without it sitting awkwardly on your hip.
7. Saint Louis PM canvas and calfskin tote bag, price upon request, Goyard
Size: PM
Why we love it: Don’t roll your eyes just yet, Goyard’s Saint Louis tote is popular not without a reason. The bag is incredibly lightweight and sturdy, after much of my not-so-careful bag handling, mine has lasted for years with no single tear. Despite being smaller than its GM counterpart, it holds the weight of literally everything – a 14 inch laptop, tablet books, and even an extra pair of shoes.
8. Drippy full grained leather tote bag, $629, www.songmont.com
Size: Large
Why we love it: A large sized bag that doesn’t look oversized on anybody is hard to come by, that’s about to change with this bag. The elongated hobo shape is especially roomy that you can fit a laptop vertically. It features two straps, allowing you to swap from a shoulder bag to crossbody. For a fraction of the price of most bags in the market, this Songmont bag is quite a winner.
9. Overpacker nylon bag, US$258 (S$331), www.margesherwood.com
Size: One size
Why we love it: True to its name, the bag packs all the necessities and unnecessaries. We love that it’s convertible from a work bag to a cute girl dinner bag when ruched. Like most of the bags on the list, it also has adjustable straps so you can match the length to your liking.
10. Cyme calf leather bag, US$490 (S$629), www.polene-paris.com
Size: Mini
Why we love it: Don’t be fooled by the ‘mini’ title, this bag carries a lot of baggage (except for emotional ones). The adjustable sides can be opened for extra space or closed for days you decide to pack light. It’s also extremely chic and versatile for working and off hours.
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