Bag Charms: How to Style One on Every Kind of Bag

Bag charms are small decorative pieces, usually made of metal, leather and enamel, that hang from a bag’s handle, strap ring, even its zip pull, to give a plain bag a personal note. Among designer bag charms, the best ones hang freely without touching the leather body, repeat the metal tone of the bag’s hardware, and stay in proportion to the bag: one charm on a small bag, at most two on a large tote. Clip it to the side that faces outward when you carry the bag, and remove it before storing. Our worked examples come from Zimmermann at Coveti, whose new jewel charm has just arrived.

By Coveti Editorial. How we research and write: our editorial and AI policy.

The charm used throughout is the Zimmermann Jewel Bag Charm in ruby red, gold tone brass charms on a red sheep leather cord. Zimmermann describes it as a sculptural, jewel inspired design in leather and brass, with intricate brass detailing in a decorative hanging silhouette, designed to attach to bags. Because it pairs a coloured leather cord with warm metal, it shows clearly how a charm can bring colour and hardware together on one bag. For the evening bag side of the story, our sibling guide on how to style a sequin clutch works through the velvet and sequin Cloud 91 Small Clutch.

Key facts

• A bag charm is a decorative accessory that hangs from a bag’s handle, strap ring, even its zip pull.
• The most secure place to attach a charm is a metal D ring, where it cannot slide along a strap.
• One charm suits a small bag; a large tote can carry two when they share a colour and a metal tone.
• Metal charms can scratch soft leather, so hang them where they swing away from the body of the bag.
• The Zimmermann Jewel Bag Charm is gold tone brass charms on a sheep leather cord, one size, filed at Coveti under Resort 2027.

What is a bag charm?

A bag charm is a hanging ornament for a handbag, typically made from metal, leather, enamel, beads and fabric, that you attach and remove at will. It lets you change the personality of a bag without changing the bag itself.

Charms descend from the key fob and the luggage tag, and the best of them still carry something of that practical heritage: a sturdy clasp, a ring built to take daily movement, and materials that age well. Today they range from a single leather tassel to a cluster of small metal shapes, and from discreet to openly playful. For a wide view of the category, see our designer bag charms guide and the designer bag charms edit.

Where should you clip a bag charm?

Clip a bag charm to a metal D ring where the strap meets the bag, because it holds the charm steady and keeps it clear of the leather. If the bag has no ring, a handle base and a zip pull are the next best places.

1. The strap ring. The most secure position. The charm hangs at the side of the bag, swings freely and cannot slide along the strap.
2. The handle. On a top handle bag, loop the charm around the base of one handle, close to where it joins the bag, so it hangs instead of sliding to the centre.
3. The zip pull. Good for small charms only. A heavy charm will drag the zip open and strain the pull over time.
4. A side loop. Some totes have a small leather loop at the side seam, which is ideal for a light charm.

Whichever you choose, hang the charm on the side that faces outward as you carry the bag, so it shows when the bag is on your shoulder and sits away from your coat.

How many bag charms are too many?

For most bags, one charm is right and two is the sensible limit; beyond that, the bag starts to look like a key ring. The larger and plainer the bag, the more it can carry.

• Small and evening bags. One small charm at most, and often none.
• Shoulder and top handle bags. One charm of medium size, at the strap ring.
• Large totes. Two charms, grouped together on one side, sharing a metal tone and one colour.
• Playful layering. If you want a cluster, choose one charm as the lead and keep the others smaller and quieter.

Should a bag charm match the bag’s hardware?

A bag charm looks most polished when its metal matches the bag’s hardware, gold with gold and silver with silver. Mixed metals can work, but only as a deliberate choice repeated elsewhere in the outfit.

The ruby red charm is gold tone brass, so it sits naturally on bags with gold hardware and beside gold jewellery. It also echoes gold details on shoes: the Astor Loafer 30 in mahogany patent has an adjustable strap with a branded gold stud fastening, and the Astor Loafer 30 in olive woven nappa carries gold tone hardware on its squared toe and strap. Worn with either, a gold tone charm ties the bag to the feet. Colour matters just as much. A red cord picks up the deep red of mahogany patent, and it brings warmth to a black, tan and cream bag.

Which bag charm suits which bag?

Match the charm’s size and weight to the bag’s structure: light charms for soft and small bags, larger charms for structured totes. The table gives a quick guide.

How do you style a bag charm with an outfit?

Treat a bag charm like a piece of jewellery: let it pick up one colour and one metal from what you are wearing. That single link makes it look intended.

A red leather cord brings warmth to an otherwise neutral look. Pair it with a cream bag and the Zimmermann Riviera Sandal in milk, a flat nappa sandal with a cork outsole, contrasting edge detailing and leather covered buckles, and the charm becomes the one point of colour in a resort outfit. Against print, choose a charm that repeats one shade of the print. The Lace Pleated Long Sleeve Mini in black and cream dot needs only gold and a touch of red to feel finished. In the evening, a jewel charm can also stand in for a bracelet when you carry a structured bag by hand; repeat the idea with the jewel brooches of the Zimmermann Embellished Headband for a full look with one shared theme.

A silk scarf is another way to dress a handle, and the two can work together on a large tote. Our guide on how to tie a scarf on a bag covers the knots.

Which bag charm materials last longest?

Solid metals such as brass, paired with good leather, last longest on a bag charm, because they take daily movement and age into a soft patina instead of breaking. Lighter materials have charm of their own but ask for more care.

• Brass. Weighty and durable, with a warm gold tone. Polish occasionally with a dry soft cloth and keep it away from perfume.
• Leather cord and tabs. Supple and quiet against a bag. Leather softens with handling, so check that knots and stitching stay tight.
• Enamel. Brings colour that does not fade, but a hard knock can chip it. Hang enamel charms where they will not strike a table edge.
• Beads and glass. Bright and light, though the threading is the weak point. Restring before it frays.
• Fabric, raffia and plush. Soft and playful, best for weekends and summer, and the first to look tired.

Think about the season too. A brass and leather charm belongs to every month of the year, while a raffia tassel looks right in summer and slightly out of place on a winter coat. Rotate charms with your bags, the way you rotate scarves, and they will stay fresh for longer.

How do you stop a bag charm from scratching leather?

Stop a charm scratching leather by hanging it from a ring where it swings clear of the bag body, and by removing it before you set the bag down and store it. Metal against soft leather leaves marks quickly.

• Choose a strap ring over a handle on soft nappa and patent bags, which mark easily.
• Shorten the drop if the charm reaches the body of the bag; some charms let you loop the cord twice.
• Remove the charm before putting the bag in its dust bag, so metal does not press into the leather.
• Check clasps every few weeks, since a worn clasp is the most common way charms are lost.
• If a scratch does appear, our guide on how to clean a leather bag covers gentle care.

Is a bag charm a good gift?

A bag charm is one of the easiest luxury gifts to get right, because it needs no size and works with bags the person already owns. Choose metal tone by their jewellery and colour by their wardrobe.

For someone who wears gold jewellery and warm colours, a gold tone charm on a red leather cord is a safe and generous choice. For a person with a mostly black wardrobe, a charm adds a point of interest without asking them to change anything. Pair a charm with a small evening bag for a larger gift, and tuck a note inside on where to attach it. Our Zimmermann bags guide and the Zimmermann jewellery and scarves guide cover the rest of the house’s accessories.

The pieces at a glance

How we measured: prices are read from the Coveti catalogue and compositions from the house composition on each Zimmermann product page. Sizes are the sizes Zimmermann showed in stock on 15 November 2026, given in UK sizes (Zimmermann 0 is a UK 8) and in EU sizes for shoes. Stock moves daily, so the product page is the final word.

Bag charms around the world

United States. Coveti prices every piece in US dollars. Zimmermann runs boutiques on Madison Avenue, in the Meatpacking District and in SoHo in New York.

United Kingdom. Coveti lists every piece in UK sizes. In London the house has boutiques on Bruton Street and Sloane Street.

Europe. In Paris Zimmermann sells from rue François 1er, the Faubourg Saint-Honoré and Galeries Lafayette. Sizes convert directly: a UK 10 is an EU 36.

Gulf. The first Middle East boutique opened at Mall of the Emirates in Dubai in 2024, followed by Atlantis The Royal, The Galleria Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi, Kingdom Centre in Riyadh, The Avenues in Kuwait and Marassi Galleria in Bahrain. Our Zimmermann guide for the UAE and Saudi Arabia covers the region.

Boutique locations are from the house and trade press, checked October 2026. Shipping terms are in the Coveti logistics and returns protocol.

Frequently asked questions

Where do you put a bag charm?

Attach it to a metal D ring where the strap meets the bag, on the side that faces outward. If there is no ring, loop it around the base of one handle.

How many bag charms should you wear?

One charm suits most bags. A large tote can carry two, grouped on one side and sharing a metal tone.

Should a bag charm match the hardware on the bag?

Matching looks most polished, gold with gold and silver with silver. Mixed metals work only when the mix repeats elsewhere in your outfit.

Can a bag charm damage a leather bag?

A metal charm can scratch soft leather if it swings against the body of the bag. Hang it from a ring where it falls clear, and remove it before storing the bag.

Can you put a bag charm on a clutch?

Only a small one, and only when the clutch has a strap ring. On a soft evening bag, the weight of a charm can pull it out of shape.

What is the Zimmermann Jewel Bag Charm made of?

It is gold tone brass charms on a red sheep leather cord, in a jewel inspired design that Zimmermann makes to attach to bags. It is one size.

Curated by the Coveti Studio.