Julia Gall is a creative consultant, stylist, and writer, formerly the Style Director at Marie Claire, covering fashion, styling, and sustainability.

The Appeal of the Understated Bag

Over the years, Gall has always appreciated handbags for their ability to elevate an outfit. As a teenager, a designer bag paired with casual wear held significance, but she now finds value in stepping away from obvious status symbols. She prefers discreet yet stylish handbags for daily use, admiring options like simple two-tone nylon totes and Lindquist Object’s leather pieces.

The Rise of the Pouch

With pouches flooding runways and street style, Gall has embraced their ease, particularly during transitional seasons. She personally avoids cloth versions, recalling an experience during her internship where a colleague dismissed a similar bag as “not a real bag.” Inspired by Miuccia Prada’s embrace of a silk dust bag, Gall acknowledges the nonchalance but prefers a more grounded approach.

3 Ways to Style a 'Silly Little Pouch'

Gall rediscovered a 12-year-old leather Baggu pouch, typically reserved for vacations, and began experimenting with incorporating it into her everyday style. She highlights the pouch’s similarity to the wristlet – hands-free and holding only essentials.

Look 1: Office Chic

Pairing the pouch with a wool Frame suit creates an unfussy yet stylish look. The accessories undercut the seriousness of the suit, making it a quick and easy outfit for work or school pickup. The pouch comfortably holds keys, credit cards, lip balm, and wired headphones.

Look 2: Utility Belt Style

Tying the pouch to a belt loop on her favorite pants offers a cool, hands-free option. While access requires untying the pouch, Gall suggests a carabiner for easier use. This styling emphasizes the pouch’s utility.

Look 3: Evening Out

For a girls’ dinner, Gall used the pouch as a “silly little evening pouch,” allowing a floral outfit to take center stage. The pouch and a leather jacket acted as subtle anchors for the look. She appreciates a bag that doesn’t have a cumbersome chain, making it practical for busy working mothers.