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Battle of the Bags: Gen Z and Millennial Editors Face Off on Favorite Bags
From totes to tiny purses.
Byrdie
When it comes to style, millennials and Gen Z seem to have quite a bit of overlap; the latter, after all, are the generation that brought Y2K style back to life (as jarring as that has been for their predecessors). Specifically, though, there are marked differences, and the choice of bags may be one of them. Our hypothesis is that Gen Z seems to have an affinity for super compact purses that they can jet around town with, while millennials gravitate toward larger totes and carryalls that they can fit their whole lives in.
“As someone who styles both generations, this bag debate is fascinating because it’s really about life stage and lifestyle habits,” says fashion stylist and founder of Style Club, Jenni Lee. “[Gen Z has] streamlined everything onto their phones and embraced fashion with serious pocket game—cargo pants, belt bags, and oversized chore coats,” Lee shares. “Millennials are more likely to be attached to tactile objects and consciously trying to put the phone down—like writing with a nice pen in a journal or reading an actual book.”
We’re taking a deeper dive into whether this rings true for two of our editors—millennial and Gen Z—and what styles this season will bring joy to all generations.
The Millennial POV
I think this is such an interesting conversation and one that I have theories on. Back in my day (I’m 35, so I feel more and more that I can say that), we were schlepping around town with everything we owned because we had to. I had a nine-to-five, remote work was not a thing, and I spent an unspeakable amount of time elbow to elbow on the A train. I needed a bag that could fit all of my essentials for work, happy hour, and whatever shenanigans I got into with my friends afterward, because I was outside, OK? I think in that case, bottomless tote bags just made sense. Now, when I have to go into the office—much less than before, might I add—I do still reach for something that can hold it all. I’m older and much more thoughtful about style and function, but I can’t say that I’m beating the tote and crossbody allegations.
Madewell The Essential Curve Shoulder Bag
I adore this shoulder bag because I feel like it’s big enough to fit my essentials, including my laptop, but the curve gives it a sleek look instead of a bulky or oversized vibe. It has a zip so everything stays secure, it’s 100% leather so I know it’ll last, and it pairs well with so many different looks.
Cuyana Oversized Linea Bag
Now, I think this pick is what makes it particularly difficult to deny the millennial love for carryalls, but look at how stunning this style from Cuyana is? This deep plum hue really does something for me, and I have to admit that the compartments make me feel a bit giddy. The brand boasts that you can fit a sweater, laptop, notebook, and makeup bag in this oversized bag, and I mean, what more could you ask for?
Our Millennial-Approved Carryall Bags
Coach never misses, and that’s a fact that spans generations. This silhouette is classic, and this merlot colorway is hot for fall.
Animal print is a neutral, and that’s a hill I’m willing to die on. This pony-hair beauty is as chic as it is functional.
This sleek pick is perfect for something simple yet eye-catching, and the hardware is subtle, so it’ll match with anything.
On a budget? No need to sacrifice style with this oversized shopper bag with a zipper pouch for added organization.
The Gen Z POV
As someone in my late 20s, I definitely had my fill of tote schlepping days back in college and in my first job after graduation. But I have to admit, now, I rarely wear a tote. Yet I wonder how much of it is a lifestyle change versus a generational difference? Like for a lot of people, Covid ushered in a new way of living. I traded my high-rise office and daily subway commute for a laid-back lifestyle on the West Coast. I work remotely and drive everywhere. Carrying a large bag feels like a burden that’s, quite literally, weighing me down. Even when I go back and visit New York City, I still reach for a compact work bag. There’s something that feels more secure about a sleek bag tucked under my arm rather than a large tote anyone can reach into. If you look at my favorites below, the key is that I choose structured bags that can secretly hold a lot. Whether this affinity is a Gen Z thing or not, one thing is for sure: my shoulders are a lot happier for it.
Behno Elizabeth Baguette Min
I got this bag a few years ago, before “butter yellow” was a craze, so I’m pretty proud of my trend forecasting abilities. Since it’s an East-West bag, it actually holds a fair amount—from my phone, wallet, pack of gum, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc.—and when I open it, everything is laid out and easy to find. Similar to a doctor’s bag, it snaps shut without zippers or magnetic closures, making it secure but not cumbersome to open.
Freya Chrystie Bag
I usually prefer real leather handbags, but Freya makes the most realistic vegan leather. The material is soft yet not gummy like pleather, and even the ultrafiber lining feels like real suede. Inside, you’ll find four pockets and a key leash, making this compact, adorable bag extremely functional and spacious. I chose the espresso shade, and the chocolate brown is a great neutral alternative when I’m bored with black.
Our Gen-Z Approved Micro Bags
This vegan leather bag is secretly spacious with four interior pockets and a key leash.
This is my go-to travel purse since it easily fits into my luggage and holds all my essentials.
Small bags are clutch when going to concerts. This one is specifically designed to comply with stadium requirements.
I love an East-West bag. They hold a lot while remaining sleek and structured.
The Expert Take
Jenni Lee, fashion stylist and founder of Style Club, says: Millennials are deep into their careers—they’re carrying laptops for impromptu work sessions, cords for charging, backup flats because they’re wearing heels, and makeup for touch-ups throughout their days. They’ve learned through experience that being prepared means carrying more.
But millennials are clever and not above the tiny bag trend; they’re just being strategic with the bag-within-a-bag hack. They’ll carry their oversized tote for daytime with everything they need, then pull out their mini-bags or clutch for the evening.
Gen Z takes a different approach. They’re distributing essentials across their outfit rather than centralizing everything in one bag. They’re even wearing their smartphones with crossbody beaded chains. Plus, they’re choosing comfortable shoes from the start and have minimal makeup routines, so there’s genuinely less to carry.
Here’s my prediction: as Gen Z advances in their careers and life gets more complex, those tiny bags will evolve. They’ll discover the same truth millennials learned—sometimes you really do need to carry your whole life with you, and Chiquitos can only hold so much.
Meet Our Expert
For this article, Byrdie consulted the following expert:
- Jenni Lee is an expert fashion stylist and founder of Style Club.
Why Trust Byrdie
Emily Cieslak is an associate editor at Byrdie, mainly covering fashion. While some people collect shoes, she collects handbags. She loves trying new bag brands and trends, yet her favorite activity is scoring a designer bag at a vintage store.
Dominique Hobdy is a senior editor at Byrdie, leading fashion coverage. She’s a bona fide millennial who’s a vet when it comes to fashion trends, new and old. From ultra-mini purses to totes, she loves collecting and yapping about great bags.
Source URL: https://www.byrdie.com/millennial-gen-z-bag-trends-11816785