Practical and chic, vanity bags are proving to be summer’s biggest handbag trend

They’re breaking free of the bathroom

Best vanity case bags
(Image credit: @emilyrosemaloney, @lefevrediary, @juliesfi)

Whenever a handbag trend that’s in the slightest bit practical comes along, I find myself latching onto it. After many years of teeny tiny mini bags and uncomfortable case clutches ruling as the bag-du-jour, the arrival of a handbag trend that’s not only roomy enough to hold more than just a lipstick but that is aso comfortable to hold and delivers on style, pretty much guarantees I’ll be adding it to my basket at some point soon. So, you can imagine how happy I was to see vanity shaped bags popping up on my feed once again and cementing themselves as the chicest handbag to hold this season.

Taking inspiration from the iconic travel accessory, you’d be forgiven for thinking these vanity bags were no more than a packing essential. Featuring a structured shape, smart top handle and sleek zip winding around their body, the vanity bag pays homage to its counterpart in the chicest way possible. Unlike the original however, on opening, these styles have ditched the compartments and lipstick holders (although I have to give Dior their dues for keeping a handy interior mirror) and have instead created a bag roomy enough to fit your essentials. Add to it that many styles have the added practicality of a removable crossbody strap and you can see why this bag style is on rise.

The great thing about this season’s vanity case bags is that they come in so many different styles. While in previous years it was Chanel’s quilted case or Lora Piana’s sleek simple pouch that were the only styles to be seen with (and extraordinarily difficult to get hold of too, I must add), this season there are endless options. From punchy printed designs to paired back colour ways across a variety of price points, this year investing in the vanity bag trend is not only much more accessible but much more fun too.

Ready to see for yourself? I’ve of course compiled an edit of the best vanity case bags to shop right now so keep scrolling and treat yourself.

Shop the best vanity handbags

Jazzria Harris
Freelance Fashion & Beauty Writer

Jazzria Harris is a freelance fashion and beauty journalist with over 8 years experience working in the industry. At just 4ft 11, she’s an expert in petite dressing and previously wrote the column Jazz’s Short Stories giving tips and advice on dressing for petite proportions. Her wardrobe staples are a great black blazer, a hardworking slip skirt and of course a great pair of heels (for the extra inches, of course). Jazz has written for publications including ELLE UK, heat magazine, Eliza, Women & Home and more.