My Favorite The Row 90s Bag Dupes That Actually Look Good

So many people question what is so special about The Row, especially since people are so skeptical about celebrity owned brands.

The Row brand has been around since 2006 and was founded by the Olsen twins. The brand is known for its minimalist, understated designs and high price tags due to the quality and subtle, unique design and tailoring methods. The twins were actually known for going on this journey to create the most perfect white t-shirt in 2005, which then turned into the amazing journey that is now The Row. People are sick of the crazy logos and vibrant designs. People (especially millenials) are looking for quiet luxury brands that are simple, made with high-end materials, and versatile enough to pair with many different outfits.

The 90s bag also does just that. It's an “if you know, you know” type of bag that only a certain niche audience recognizes. It’s almost as though it’s part of a cult, lol. The bag sits perfectly under your arm and has this 90s minimalist aesthetic that pairs nicely with almost anything you’re wearing. I also think people just love Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen and resonate with their style and aesthetic. The brand itself has been recognized for this effortless, minimalist vibe that so many women want to be a part of.

When I’m hunting for a good alternative to The Row 90s bag, I pay attention to a few things. First off, the shape, it needs to have good structure that will hold up overtime. A good way to know if that will be the case it looking at the material composition. The material doesn’t have to be real leather (I’m honestly cool with vegan leather), but it should feel smooth and not cheap or plasticky.

The next thing I would look out for is the sizing. The original 90s bag size dimensions are as follows:

Measures approx 7.5" W x 4" H x 3" D
Top handle with a 4.33" drop

Try to make sure to find an alternative that is as close to these dimensions!

Another thing I check is the hardware and zipper. You don't want anything too shiny because that just ruins the minimal look. And the simpler, the better. I don’t want logos or extra details stealing the show. For me, it’s all about something that feels effortless and that I can wear with pretty much everything without getting tired of it.

Lastly, and this applies to all affordable alternatives, customer reviews are absolute gold. They give you real people’s honest experiences, which helps you avoid surprises and feel more confident about your purchase.

The 90s bag is all about minimalist, effortless cool - kinda like the Olsen twins entire vibe. Whether you have the original bags or an affordable alternative, you can style it in so many different ways.

My go-to is to go with a casual and comfortable option. Pair it with baggy jeans and a simple tee for a casual weekday or dress it up with a mini dress and pointed toe mules. Since the bag is super simple and small, your outfit can be more vibrant and patterned. For example, try a floral or colorful matching set or dress, and pair it with the bag. 

If you want your structured leather bag to last and stay looking good, how you store and handle it makes a big difference. Take it from someone who used to throw their bags on the floor after a night out yes, I regret it. First off, don’t overload it with heavy stuff, that’s how it loses its shape fast. When you’re not using it, keep it in the dust bag it came with (or even a clean pillowcase works) and stuff it with tissue paper, packing paper, or an old t-shirt to help it hold its shape. I usually just keep the tissue paper it originally came with to make things easier. Try not to let it get wet, but if it does, gently pat it dry with a soft cloth and let it air out. Avoid using heat too because this will ruin the leather.

If I notice dry spots on my bag, I like to use an all-natural hand cream to moisturize it. Just make sure it doesn’t have any alcohol or weird chemicals, or it could damage the leather. Rub it in gently with your fingers or a soft cloth and let it soak in.

For spot cleaning, use a damp cloth with a little mild soap (dish soap works), gently wipe the area, then go over it with a clean damp cloth to remove any leftover soap. You can finish by drying it with a towel and let it air dry overnight. These are great at-home remedies, but if you don't feel like doing all this, you can also just get a leather bag cleaner from Amazon.

It’s not that high maintenance, but a little care here and there really goes a long way.