Stylish Bag Charms: 15 Ways to Personalize Your Bag
The other day, I was scrolling through an article and saw a photo of someone with the cutest gold chain and a splashy glitzy cherry charm hanging off her all-black bag. It made me smile. It was that simple — a blip of joy bubbled up seeing someone add a hint of their personality to their handbag. And why not? I love it when people make things unique to them.
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In a world of mass-produced everything, TikTok influences our purchases at every turn, carrying an expensive (but generic) handbag because a reality star told us to becomes a bit redundant. I’m not saying everyone is out there walking around looking like human clones of each other… but I do think carrying the Louis Vuitton Neverfull while wearing your Uggs/Adidas Campus/Birkenstocks with a boyfriend button-down and barrel jeans becomes a bit repetitive when you see it everywhere? A bit, yes. But, hey – I’ve worn that outfit, outside of the Neverfull, many times myself. But if you’re itching to shake things up, just a little, bag charms are the perfect antidote. When I see something fun like this trend that allows people to put their stamp on something they carry day in and day out? Well, it makes me smile.
Bag charms have been around a LOT longer than you’d ever guess. In the Middle Ages, small decorative pouches or charms were often attached to belts or girdles. These accessories were practical, holding keys, coins, or small personal items, but they were also adorned with intricate designs to reflect status and style. During the Victorian era, charm bracelets became popular, with small charms symbolizing personal milestones or interests. This trendextended to bags, where women began adding small trinkets for personalization. They really have been around in some form for centuries. Cut to the early 2000’s. Designers and fast fashion brands began creating various charms, ranging from whimsical motifs like animals or initials to functional items like miniature wallets or coin pouches. They have waned a bit for the last decade, but they are back in force!
Bag Charms Have Been Around Awhile
In digging into the origin stories of bag charms, I would be remiss if I didn’t point out the queen of all queens when it came to adorning and personalizing her bags – Jane Birkin. Jane was the muse for the holy grail handbag, The Birkin, and she often decorated hers with stickers, scarves, political statement buttons, and charms, and it was often overflowing with notebooks and more scarves. I’d post a picture but I don’t have the rights to do so. But look it up – her additions to the bag were quite interesting.
Without further ado, here are some really cool bag charms and other ways to add a little spice to your handbag, tote, purse, or backpack. Get creative, friends!
Bag Charms
Charmed Strand Bag Charm
Vintage-inspired, this lovely little charm has a carabiner for attaching, a metal pendant, a locket, and an edgy chain
Bubble Letter Bag Charm
Add this heavy little letter charm for the perfect bit of gold bling on any bag.
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Cherry Bag Charm
We have this and have given this as a gift for many birthday parties. Especially great in the winter when they want to play but the nights are dark.
Party Bag Charm
For all you social butterflies who like a good party, this would look great draped across any bag! Check out the dimensions before purchasing to make sure it’s long enough to work across your bag. If not? Just attatch to one end!
Marc Jacobs Nano Tote Bag Charm
You can actually put a few essentials into this tote bag charm (and when I say essentials I mean your favorite lip gloss – but still!!). This makes me happy.
Fuzzy Cat Key Charms
Calling all cat fans! These are so cute. Why do I feel like Swifites will like these? You can name your charms Meredith, Olivia and Benjamin. 🙂
Chunky Gold Chain Charm
A gold chain (and cherries) are what initially caught my eye as it pertains to the fun of purse charms. This is just flat out cool.
Gold Bow Pearl Charm
Very sweet and girly. I’m going to get this one to hang off a new Madewell bag I got as a gift.
Free People Beaded Bandana Bag Charm
Something entirely unique – this screams Stevie Nicks with boho bandana and beaded elements.
Fendi White Fox Fur Pom Pom Charm
I think a few of the OG influencers back in the day all had these charms. They are still adorable. Quite pricey but if you’re looking for bling factor – go for it.
Jelly Cat Munro Scottie Dog Bag Charm
If I’m going to give love to the cats, I have to give equal love to the dogs. And jellycat seems to be all the rage right now.
Acetate Leopard Print Pendant Charm
Leopard print is currently so trendy so this would fit the bill as an addition to any bag.
City Bag Charm
Anthropologie has a whole line of these themed city bag charms that range from Aspen (skiing) to London (umbrella) to Hollywood (the rolllerskate above). This might be my favorite of the most personal charms to show your interests or favorite city.
Cherry Bag Charm
I know! Cherries again! I can’t help myself but how cute is this??
Rocknot Rhinestone Chain
Super luxe, girly and perfect for a night on the town.
Now…for a couple of bags that I would LOVE to put these charms on? See below. Reminder: I’m not really into high-end luxury bags, so you won’t really see me posting any of those (save for one I’ve been coveting for years). I’d rather have ones that are a bit more unique… and don’t break the bank. But if high-end luxury bags are your thing – you go, girl.
free people
Idle Hands Sling
tory burch
Pebble Leather Bucket Bag
longchamp
Le Pliage Energy Recycled Nylon Shoulder Bag
Zella
Faux Sherling Crossbody
amazon
Crossbody Tote bag
Coach
Tabby Cherry Print Leather Crossbody Bag
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