15 Best Baguette Bags for Every Occasion: From Work to Weekends in Style

“It’s not a bag, it’s a baguette” is one of Sarah Jessica Parker’s most iconic quotes. The actress who brought Carrie Bradshaw to life is also credited for making the baguette an ‘it’ bag in the 1990s. One of her most iconic and memorable accessories was the Fendi baguette bag, which she frequently carried on the show.

It’s no surprise that the iconic bag is making a comeback. With Fendi partnering with SJP on a limited-edition baguette bag, we’re officially calling it one of the must-have bags of the moment.

Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw in a 2019 ad campaign for Fendi promoting the Fendi Baguette (Credit: Fendi)

But what is a baguette bag? Trust us. It’s not a bag to carry your freshly cooked bread. We’re sharing everything you need to know about this classic ‘it’ bag, how to pronounce the name, and why they’re back in Vogue. Grab your credit card. This bag needs a spot in your closet.

Exploring the Icon: The Origins and Rise of the Baguette Bag

The original baguette bag was designed by Silvia Venturini Fendi in 1997. Like all classic bags, the distinctive silhouette quickly found its way into the collection of almost every major designer.

This compact bag soon found itself on the arm of every supermodel and celebrity in Hollywood.

Silvia Venturini Fendi (R), who introduced the Fendi Baguette bag in 1997, with her friend Karl Lagerfeld at the Fendi show during Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2018 on September 21, 2017, in Milan, Italy (Credit: FashionStock / Shutterstock)

It’s largely considered one of the original ‘it’ bags after creating a fashion frenzy by being the go-to bag of choice for Carrie Bradshaw during the height of Sex and the City’s fame. You pronounce baguette as “buh-get” – if you’re not a native French speaker!

The beauty of the baguette is that it comes in every size and aesthetic. The popularity of the baguette bag is what eventually led LVHM to buy Fendi in 1999. The brand celebrated the baguette’s 15th birthday in 2012 with an exhibition at its Paris flagship.

The Resurgence of Baguette Bags: A Timeless Trend Reborn

Yes! In recent seasons, luxury fashion houses have revisited their archives to reissue classic styles. Gucci did this with the Jackie bag, while Prada did it with their nylon bags from the early 2000s.

Fendi reimagined their baguette bag for their spring/summer 2019 collection, and it has since become a must-have bag.

It’s the perfect choice for anyone who wants a mini bag but needs to carry more than just lipstick and a credit card. If you’re going to channel your inner Carrie Bradshaw and step back into the ‘90s, the baguette bag is perfect for you. It’s versatile, classic, and effortlessly chic.

Fendi is famous for classic bags such as Peekaboo, Mon Tresor, and Baguette (Credit: Report / Shutterstock)

Another reason why baguette bags have made a comeback in style is the Y2K trend. Everything from the early 2000s is making a comeback on the runway. As the bag has been around for 20 years, it has become even more popular as a style that can easily be found on the pre-loved market.

What makes the baguette so popular is its versatility. It’s the right size to hold everything you need without weighing down your arm. It’s just as chic as carrying a French baguette under your arms through the streets of Paris. You’ll find a baguette bag in every texture and color of the rainbow.

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to baguette bags. Whether you want to splurge on a Fendi or buy a similar style from a mid-tier brand. The baguette has stood the test of time, just as iconic as it was over two decades ago. If you want to invest in your closet, a baguette bag is a must-have.

With so many styles to choose from, we’re rounding up some of the best baguette bags to buy right now.

1. Celine Ava Bag: A Chic and Understated Alternative to Fendi

If you want the Fendi look but with a slightly more attainable price tag, go to Celine. This classic French fashion house offers its take on the baguette bag with Ava.

Celine’s baguette bag is an affordable alternative to Fendi’s more expensive original

It’s an understated style, featuring Triomphe canvas and calfskin trimmings. This bag captures the style’s effortless Parisian chic.

It’s an ideal choice for an entry-level luxury handbag, especially if you’re looking for a wearable, everyday style. Its adjustable leather strap offers a 9-inch drop, making it easy to carry on your shoulder or by hand.

You can customize the Ava bag and make it your own with one of Celine’s matching gold charms that incorporate the brand’s classic motifs.

2. Jimmy Choo Varenne Hobo: A Sleek Baguette-Inspired Hobo Bag

One of the most unique bags on our list is the Vareene hobo by Jimmy Choo. As it’s a smaller hobo bag, it falls into the baguette category.

It has a structured silhouette with a sleek leather handle and detachable Plexi chain for a contemporary twist.

Jimmy Choo satchel crafted in Italy from lime patent textured leather and finished with an adjustable strap

This bag features a distinctive lime patent-textured leather and a signature interlocking silver ‘JC’ monogram.

Unlike the baguette, it doesn’t feature a zipper closure; instead, it uses a chain trim and a leather-covered magnet. It’s a great choice if you want a bag with a similar silhouette to the baguette, without having to buy one from Fendi.

3. Fendi Nano Baguette: The Iconic Bag in a Miniature Version

Who can resist a mini bag? Whether you have a mini-me or want a handbag the size of a charm, this baguette is a showstopper.

The nano version of the iconic baguette bag features a magnetic clasp and can be attached to larger bags using a gold metal clip.

Fendi’s iconic Baguette bag in Nano version with flap and FF fastening with magnetic clasp

It’s one of the most affordable ways to get your hands on a new baguette bag. This nano version is in the same purple sequins as the recent Fendi x SJP bag.

4. Cult Gaia Damara: A Budget-Friendly Baguette Style

One of the most affordable options on this list is the Cult Gaia bag. It retails for just over $300 and features a crocodile-effect texture. It takes on a similar shape to the original baguette bag, but features a single shoulder strap.

Cult Gaia’s raffia and pebble leather Damara Bag in Mint can be carried on the shoulder as a mini silhouette

This bag is a perfect choice if you want to give the baguette style a trial run before committing to a Fendi.

5. Gucci Ophidia Mini: Vintage-Inspired Luxury on a Budget

Not all luxury baguette bags come with a four-figure price tag. One of the most attainable styles comes from Gucci.

Their ‘Ophidia’ GG mini bag offers a crescent silhouette and features the brand’s signature monogram canvas. It’s a callback to the ‘90s in both its silhouette and print.

Gucci’s Ophidia crescent-shaped mini bag is crafted from the House’s monogram canvas

What we love about this bag is its low environmental impact due to its GG Supreme canvas. It also features the brand’s signature green and red web at the bottom, along with two interior card slots.

6. By Far Rachel Bag: ’90s Vibes With a Modern Twist

This baguette bag is named after another ‘90s icon – Rachel Green from Friends. It’s BY FAR’s answer to the baguette bag and is one of the most affordable bags on this list.

The Rachel croc-effect leather shoulder bag has a slim shoulder strap and cotton-twill interior with enough room for your cell phone, cardholder, and compact

It pays homage to the bag that Jennifer Aniston’s character carried for most of the sitcom. This slim shoulder bag is finished with a cream croc-effect leather and cotton interior, making it the perfect size for carrying your daily essentials.

You’ll find dozens of different styles of this baguette bag from BY FAR. You can keep it simple with a slim strap or add a detachable metal chain for a streetwear twist.

7. Fendi Baguette 1997 Reissue: A True Throwback Classic

We can’t do a round-up of the best baguette bags to buy without mentioning this one. Logomania was one of the biggest trends in the ‘90s, and no brand does it better than Fendi.

This medium baguette bag was reissued in 2019 as a double of the original 1997 bag.

Medium Baguette 1997 is a re-release of the first Fendi Baguette bag created in 1997

The split leather features the brand’s signature beige monogram FF print, accompanied by the classic signature clasp. This bag, made in Italy, is a classic addition to your closet.

It’s an essential for any fan of Fendi or the Baguette style. Adding this bag to your closet gives you an easy way to transport yourself back to 1997.

8. Burberry Olympia: A Crossbody Take on the Baguette Trend

One thing we wish the classic baguette could have had is a crossbody strap. Burberry has answered our prayers with its ‘Olympia’ bag.

The slim, structured Burberry shoulder bag features palladium-plated hardware and exterior slip and zip pockets for easy access

Its crescent moon-shaped silhouette has palladium-plated hardware and is sculpted from smooth leather. You can wear this bag like a traditional crossbody or keep it as an ‘under the arm’ bag.

9. Wandler Georgia: Minimalist Sophistication for Everyday Chic

Do you want a sleek and understated alternative to the baguette? If you’re a fan of the silhouette but want a more contemporary look, check out the Georgia bag by Wandler.

Wandler’s iconic Georgia bag is enhanced by contrasting black edges and a crisp white colorway

This new season style is under $800 and features a fold-over top with magnetic fastening. The detachable shoulder strap provides a longer drop than the baguette, offering extra versatility.

10. Prada Re-Edition 2000: A Nylon Nod to Y2K Nostalgia

Fendi and Gucci aren’t the only ones reissuing their baguette styles. Prada has also looked back into its archive to reissue its classic bag from the early 2000s.

The Prada Re-Nylon Re-Edition 2000 mini bag is one of the brand’s most accessible styles.

Prada’s baguette style is made from signature recycled nylon in pastel pink and accented with an enameled triangular logo plaque

It’s available in a variety of shades from cornflower blue to wisteria purple and desert beige. This bag is a re-interpretation of the iconic Prada bag and is made using the brand’s innovative Re-Nylon fabric using recycled, purified plastic from our oceans.

11. Louis Vuitton Pochette: A Versatile, Baguette-Inspired Classic

The baguette bag also inspired one of Louis Vuitton’s most sought-after bags. The Pochette Accessoires is a versatile pochette that you can style as a shoulder bag or use as a pouch inside larger bags.

In Monogram canvas, the Pochette Accessoires easily carries all the daily necessities

This bag has skyrocketed in price in recent seasons, making it one of the best investments from Louis Vuitton. The bag is big enough to carry the brand’s iconic Zippy Wallet.

It features a textile lining and an interior flat pocket to store your valuables. It’s one of the most accessible and reasonably priced Louis Vuitton bags, and is also readily available on the pre-loved market.

12. Fendi Baguette 1997 in Red & Beige: Vintage Colorway Revival

To celebrate the re-launch of the baguette, Fendi has reissued some of the most popular original colorways of the bag.

This style is a recreation of the first Baguette bag from 1997. It’s made with contrasting red suede and beige leather finished with the classic FF clasp.

Fendi’s medium Baguette 1997 bag, made of red suede and beige leather, is decorated with an FF clasp

You can grab this bag and throw it under your arm while dashing out for drinks with friends. This bag also doubles as a pochette due to its detachable handle.

We believe this color option is the ideal choice for those seeking a more understated look that captures the late-‘90s aesthetic of the original baguette.

13. Coach Pillow Tabby: Soft Luxury Meets Retro Cool

Coach’s answer to the baguette is their best-selling ‘Pillow Tabby’ bag. It’s inspired by their archival 1970 designs and features plush, ultra-soft leather.

The Pillow Tabby 18 is nearest in size to Fendi’s original baguette and is the perfect choice for those who want a more understated – and affordable – style.

Coach’s Pillow Tabby reimagines the structured silhouette of an archival 1970s Coach design with plush, ultra-soft leather and wrapped Signature hardware

What makes the Coach bag different is that it is more versatile. You can use the two detachable straps to carry it on your shoulder, as a crossbody, or by hand.

This Nappa leather bag is available in a rainbow of colors and features the signature ‘C’ hardware, along with a matching luggage tag.

14. STAUD Bean Bag: Minimalist Baguette for Under $200

Another alternative to the luxury brands on this list is STAUD. This contemporary brand sits at a mid-tier price point at under $200.

Staud’s Bean bag is a small convertible clutch in soft leather featuring a zipper closure, suede lining, and a removable shoulder strap

The Bean Bag is available in soft leather with a suede lining and a removable shoulder strap. It’s available in a range of light pastels and earth-tone neutrals.

15. Fendi x SJP Purple Baguette: A Sequin-Studded Style Statement

If you see this style of baguette bag, grab it! The purple sequined baguette is made in collaboration with Sarah Jessica Parker and is a part of fashion history.

Eagle-eyed watchers of ‘And Just Like That…”, the spin-off to Sex and The City, will recognize it as the bag Carrie wears in one of the early episodes.

Fendi’s iconic medium Baguette bag, with delicate, finely embroidered all-over with purple sequins of different shapes and sizes to create a 3D effect, and decorated with an FF clasp

The purple sequins offer a 3D effect to the baguette bag, making it the perfect plus one for a night on the town. The interior features a contrasting gold lining that matches the exterior hardware.

Not a fan of purple? You can also find the sequined baguette in fuchsia pink with silver hardware. Which of these baguette bags will you be adding to your closet?

Stepping Out in Style: Celebrities Who Love the Baguette Bag

The iconic Fendi Baguette bag has been a favorite among celebrities for decades. From red carpet events to casual outings, here’s how some stars have styled this timeless accessory:

Olivia Palermo’s Furry Fendi Baguette at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show

• Event: Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, 2013
• Outfit: Olivia Palermo turned heads with a fringe and plaid ensemble, adding a touch of luxury with a mink and fox fur Fendi Baguette bag.
• Accessory: The furry Baguette added texture and opulence to her look, showcasing her fashion-forward style.
• Read more: Olivia Palermo Totes Fendi Mink and Fox Fur Baguette Bag

Katie Holmes Carries Khaite’s Lori Baguette Bag

• Event: Opening Night of ‘Othello’
• Outfit: Katie Holmes embraced modern minimalism with a black dress, complemented by the Khaite “Lori” baguette bag in natural python-embossed leather.
• Accessory: The art-deco gold zipper pull on the bag added a contemporary edge to her classic look.
• See more: Star-Studded ‘Othello’ Opening Night: Jennifer Lopez, Katie Holmes & More

Uma Thurman’s Sleek All-Black Look Featuring Coperni Baguette Swipe Bag

• Event: 30th Anniversary of Pulp Fiction at the 2024 TCM Classic Film Festival
• Outfit: Uma Thurman embraced a minimalist aesthetic in a form-fitting black bodysuit, high-waisted straight-leg trousers, and a black cardigan jacket adorned with silver-tone snap closures.
• Accessory: She carried a Coperni Baguette Swipe bag in smooth black leather, featuring a sleek, curved triangular silhouette and a double-ended zip fastening around the oval-shaped top handle.
• Footwear: Uma completed her ensemble with minimalist black thong sandals, showcasing her black pedicure and adding a touch of 1990s nostalgia to her look.
• Read more: Uma Thurman’s Chic All-Black Ensemble at Pulp Fiction’s 30th Anniversary

Kourtney Kardashian’s Playful “Breast Lift” Moment Featuring a Fendi Baguette

• Event: Mother’s Day Trip to Mexico, May 2015
• Outfit: Kourtney Kardashian styled a lace shirt tucked into flared trousers, complemented by round sunglasses and a woven bag.
• Accessory: She carried a Fendi Baguette micro leather shoulder bag, adding a touch of elegance to her ensemble.
• Footwear: Kourtney completed her look with caramel calfskin platform clog sandals by Tom Ford.
• Read more: Kourtney Kardashian Gets Breast Lift in Caramel Calfskin Platform Clog Sandals

Bella Hadid’s Fendi Baguette Spotlight at Paris Fashion Week

• Event: Fendi Baguette 25th Anniversary Show, New York Fashion Week
• Outfit: Bella Hadid graced the runway in a Tiffany blue jumpsuit, paired with a matching Fendi Baguette bag, celebrating the iconic accessory’s milestone.
• Details: The ensemble was part of a collaborative collection featuring designs by Kim Jones and Marc Jacobs, paying homage to the Baguette’s legacy.
• Read more: Every Look From the Fendi Baguette 25th Anniversary Show

Lily Allen’s Y2K-Inspired Fendi Baguette Look

• Event: Post-performance appearance at The Pillowman, July 2023
• Outfit: Lily Allen embraced a Y2K aesthetic with green satin low-rise cargo pants adorned with Fendi’s signature double F Baguette buckles, paired with a beige rib-knit cardigan.
• Accessory: She completed the look with a $3,980 medium Fendi Baguette bag in green Cuoio Romano leather, hand-embellished with tonal topstitching and the iconic FF clasp.
• Read more: Lily Allen’s Glamorous Stage Door Looks After The Pillowman Performances

Emily Ratajkowski’s Y2K-Inspired Fendi Baguette Moment at the 2023 MTV VMAs

• Event: 2023 MTV Video Music Awards
• Outfit: Emily Ratajkowski dazzled in a vintage Jean Paul Gaultier dress featuring a green halter-style crisscross mesh top and a burnt orange floral maxi skirt with a seductive midriff cut-out.
• Accessory: She completed her look with a small bedazzled black leather Fendi Baguette bag, adding a touch of early 2000s glamour to her ensemble.
• Footwear: Emily paired her outfit with Piferi “Fade” vegan metallic ankle-wrap sandals, enhancing her overall Y2K-inspired aesthetic.
• Read more: Emily Ratajkowski Brings Back Y2K Fashion in Crisscross Jean Paul Gaultier Dress at 2023 MTV Video Music Awards

These moments underscore the Baguette bag’s lasting impact on fashion, with celebrities continually embracing its chic and versatile design.