Mini Kelly vs Kelly 25

[sammytheMUA]

Hello lovely Hermes TPF community,

I have gone down the rabbit hole of obsessing over all things Hermes as my collection grows. I recently purchased my 4th Hermes bag (and first quota) and I am trying to continue with curating a classic collection that fits my lifestyle and usage. That said, I am trying decide on if a mini Kelly is an absolute must have or if a Kelly 25 will work for the same purpose. For those who have both or one, can you advise if they serve the same purpose based on bag size? can I carry a Kelly 25 to events (galas, charity events, weddings etc?) I ask because my husband and I have a fairly social life based on the industries we are both in and I attend enough events that are considered “black tie or upscale cocktail” attire in the calendar year. I know a mini kelly would work in those environments, but my concern is that it’s too small to be practical and I would get more cost per wear with a kelly 25 (use for events and also date night with the hubs).

TIA!

 

[Letter]

I know this might be unpopular but I don’t think a mini Kelly truly works as an “evening” bag. As a bag to take out at night if you’re 30 and going to bars? Sure. It is not an elegant bag though. I would go for a Kelly pochette or elan or to go.

Eta re read your question and I think mini Kelly’s being considered black tie is an influencer created thing. They are not black tie!

 

[sammytheMUA]

I know this might be unpopular but I don’t think a mini Kelly truly works as an “evening” bag. As a bag to take out at night if you’re 30 and going to bars? Sure. It is not an elegant bag though. I would go for a Kelly pochette or elan or to go.

Eta re read your question and I think mini Kelly’s being considered black tie is an influencer created thing. They are not black tie!

Thanks for that feedback! I would also consider a Kelly pochette but it not having a strap is my only hesitation. Which thinking about it, if I’m wearing the bag to events and dinners not having a shoulder strap isn’t a huge negative as a handheld bag would honestly look better than a shoulder bag with the style of dress I would be wearing. Would be interested in seeing a size comparison of a Kelly pochette vs a Kelly 25.

 

[Veritybelle]

I wouldn’t use any Kelly or Kelly family bag for black tie. I don’t have a MK because I refuse to carry a bag that won’t fit a phone or any of the other bare necessities. I have one K25 sellier which I think is a gorgeous, versatile size that goes quite well from day to day-adjacent contexts (eg casual drinks, dressy lunch etc) so long as you don’t carry a huge amount. I might carry it to a restaurant in the evening, but I would be more likely to choose my Kelly Cut for that situation.

 

[chkpfbeliever]

I would only use the Kelly Cut or pochette in shiny Croc for black tie events and that also depends on the outfit you're wearing. Kelly bags are classy but not to the level of black tie events. Great for garden parties, fund raisers or auctions but nothing that require you to wear long gowns if you prefer to use the K25 or mini kelly.

 

[QuelleFromage]

Technically, black tie really asks for a clutch IMO, or at most a small bag with chain strap. A mini Kelly without its strap is just barely in the ballpark, and I have taken my black Box calf MK to black tie events occasionally. Personally, for me, a Kelly 25 would not work. That said, in my experience lots of people, maybe most, break the "rules" of black tie at these events - you will see plenty of dresses above full-length, for instance.
"Upscale cocktail" is a whole different deal and a much wider range, where a mini K is fine and a K25 sellier is probably OK, both without shoulder strap - but honestly, I would still stick with a clutch/pochette/Kelly cut etc.

That said, I have both bags and if I had to choose it would be Kelly 25 all day long, much more versatile - it's just not a formal evening bag. It is wonderful for a nice dinner out, a semi-formal wedding , etc etc.

 

[hbr]

I wouldn’t use any Kelly or Kelly family bag for black tie. I don’t have a MK because I refuse to carry a bag that won’t fit a phone or any of the other bare necessities. I have one K25 sellier which I think is a gorgeous, versatile size that goes quite well from day to day-adjacent contexts (eg casual drinks, dressy lunch etc) so long as you don’t carry a huge amount. I might carry it to a restaurant in the evening, but I would be more likely to choose my Kelly Cut for that situation.

+1 absolutely agree on all points.

 

[themk888]

I wouldn’t use any Kelly or Kelly family bag for black tie. I don’t have a MK because I refuse to carry a bag that won’t fit a phone or any of the other bare necessities. I have one K25 sellier which I think is a gorgeous, versatile size that goes quite well from day to day-adjacent contexts (eg casual drinks, dressy lunch etc) so long as you don’t carry a huge amount. I might carry it to a restaurant in the evening, but I would be more likely to choose my Kelly Cut for that situation.

+1 as well

 

[jenngu]

I think a mini Kelly worn without a strap in a classic combo such as noir/craie + gold hardware, box or exotic leather could make for a lovely evening bag over a K25. But if you prefer to bring cosmetics or other essentials, I would favor K25. It’s important to consider whether or not you need your bag to hold a phone along with other essentials on nights out. Best of luck to you!

 

[sammytheMUA]

I wouldn’t use any Kelly or Kelly family bag for black tie. I don’t have a MK because I refuse to carry a bag that won’t fit a phone or any of the other bare necessities. I have one K25 sellier which I think is a gorgeous, versatile size that goes quite well from day to day-adjacent contexts (eg casual drinks, dressy lunch etc) so long as you don’t carry a huge amount. I might carry it to a restaurant in the evening, but I would be more likely to choose my Kelly Cut for that situation.

I would only use the Kelly Cut or pochette in shiny Croc for black tie events and that also depends on the outfit you're wearing. Kelly bags are classy but not to the level of black tie events. Great for garden parties, fund raisers or auctions but nothing that require you to wear long gowns if you prefer to use the K25 or mini kelly.

Technically, black tie really asks for a clutch IMO, or at most a small bag with chain strap. A mini Kelly without its strap is just barely in the ballpark, and I have taken my black Box calf MK to black tie events occasionally. Personally, for me, a Kelly 25 would not work. That said, in my experience lots of people, maybe most, break the "rules" of black tie at these events - you will see plenty of dresses above full-length, for instance.
"Upscale cocktail" is a whole different deal and a much wider range, where a mini K is fine and a K25 sellier is probably OK, both without shoulder strap - but honestly, I would still stick with a clutch/pochette/Kelly cut etc.

That said, I have both bags and if I had to choose it would be Kelly 25 all day long, much more versatile - it's just not a formal evening bag. It is wonderful for a nice dinner out, a semi-formal wedding , etc etc.

Thanks for the feedback! I of course have other clutch options but really like the idea of a Kelly “shaped” bag with certain outfits.

I actually really like the idea of a Kelly pochette. I also would feel comfortable adding a 25 to my collection as it will serve a different purpose than a KPs.

Thank you everyone for your feedback! I’m hoping for a SO next year and trying to decide on a bag option, and I’m now leaning towards a KP. Are KPs available in exotic touch combinations for current SOs?

 

[sammytheMUA]

I think a mini Kelly worn without a strap in a classic combo such as noir/craie + gold hardware, box or exotic leather could make for a lovely evening bag over a K25. But if you prefer to bring cosmetics or other essentials, I would favor K25. It’s important to consider whether or not you need your bag to hold a phone along with other essentials on nights out. Best of luck to you!

Cosmetics no, but phone, lipgloss, and blotting paper absolutely yes. I’m leaning towards KP as they seem to fit more and I would mostly use the bag without the strap at evening events.

 

[jenngu]

Cosmetics no, but phone, lipgloss, and blotting paper absolutely yes. I’m leaning towards KP as they seem to fit more and I would mostly use the bag without the strap at evening events.

KP in exotic would make for a good option to consider. Too bad it’s so hard to come by in store. I have not seen any SO option of KP in exotic touch as they are typically offered in swift. Hope you get your hands on one!

 

[acrowcounted]

Thanks for the feedback! I of course have other clutch options but really like the idea of a Kelly “shaped” bag with certain outfits.

I actually really like the idea of a Kelly pochette. I also would feel comfortable adding a 25 to my collection as it will serve a different purpose than a KPs.

Thank you everyone for your feedback! I’m hoping for a SO next year and trying to decide on a bag option, and I’m now leaning towards a KP. Are KPs available in exotic touch combinations for current SOs?

I don’t believe I’ve seen any KP in a touch format at all. But no, touch version is not an option for any bag whatsoever for SO. For KP it would be straight swift or polished croc, if you’re so lucky as to get the extremely more limited exotic SO invite.

 

[sammytheMUA]

I don’t believe I’ve seen any KP in a touch format at all. But no, touch version is not an option for any bag whatsoever for SO. For KP it would be straight swift or polished croc, if you’re so lucky as to get the extremely more limited exotic SO invite.

Thank you! I’m new to the world of quota bags so this information is helpful. A polished croc isn’t in the budget now, but one day!

 

[880]

I have a K25 and consider it a daytime bag.

If I want a clutch, I use my BBK longue wallet as a clutch. It fits my iPhone and cards, and antibacterial wipes. mainly bc I already own it and bc at 17 ounces empty, it’s too heavy for a wallet. If I want more capacity, I have a medor 29. I also have a flat silver chèvre clutch by Hermes in a discontinued style in case I want something metallic. And I also have a vintage matte croc chaine d’ancre bag that can act as a clutch. But, I’m not really a fancy black tie person (which in my mind calls for a fancy minaudiere or satin clutch). I have occasionally been tempted by a satin BV stretch knot. But never got around to buying one.

I go back and forth re the merits of a mini K. My SA thinks that in the right combo, it might work for me, but I think that on a person over average build, it can look like a toy bag.