The Pencil Case Purse Trend Is Giving Your Dated Shoulder Bag the Boot

The pencil case is back, but this time, it’s a purse. Leave it to The Row to kick off the trend: Its 90’s Bag—a slim, tubular silhouette with a zip top and a short shoulder strap that looks straight out of a backpack—has been a quiet-luxury obsession for a while now, and the rest of the fashion world has officially caught on to the pencil case bag trend.Unlike the kitschy school supplies staple, the bag is often made of leather, suede, and woven materials, alongside luxe hardware, such as gold-tone zippers. The Row’s original comes in buttery leather and suede with softly rounded edges and leather piping, and the compact shape dresses up everything from a simple T-shirt to a leather midi skirt.And don’t worry—this isn’t a repeat of the micro-bag trend that took off a few years ago with the tiny Jacquemus Le Chiquito purse. The rounded, zip-top bag doesn’t sacrifice practicality for style. While it includes a minimal, low-profile design, it comfortably fits your daily essentials, including your keys, wallet, phone, lippie, and more.Aeon//Getty ImagesAeon//Getty ImagesNo wonder the pencil case purse trend isn’t slowing down, with fashion’s Hollywood crowd—including Laura Harrier, Kylie Jenner, and Sofia Richie Grainge—working the buzzy bag into their wardrobes.Instagram / @cassdimiccoReady to welcome the latest iteration of the pencil case purse trend into your lineup? Then keep scrolling for a slew of editor-approved picks.Ruby Ford-Dunker (McAuliffe) is a fashion and lifestyle journalist featured in Vogue, InStyle, Elle, Who What Wear, Marie Claire, Brides, the New York Post, Business Insider, and more. When she’s not reporting on her latest fashion obsession, she can be found listening to Taylor Swift, hunting for the best vanilla latte, playing with her cats, or smiling her way through a dance workout. Email Ruby at therubybrand@gmail.com, and keep up with her on Instagram @rubyymcauliffe and Substack via Style Note.