A Lady Dior bag is the perfect finishing touch to your daytime casual or night-time glam ensemble. This Christian Dior bag is considered one of the ultimate luxury classic bags, alongside bags from Hermes and Chanel, etc. But with all the different Lady Dior sizes and colors available, it can be hard to pin down exactly which bag is right for you.
So, let's help you out! Here's a quick guide to one of the most iconic accessories in the fashion world.
The history of Lady Dior bags
First up, how did these iconic bags come about? It all starts with the British Royal Family. The story goes that Diana, Princess of Wales, was visiting Paris in 1995 to attend a Cezanne exhibition at the Grand Palais.
And the First Lady of France, Bernadette Chirac, wanted to impress the princess by giving her an exquisite gift. Who did she approach to find something memorable enough for the princess? None other than Maison Dior.
The result of this advice was a brand-new Christian Dior handbag, which was known as the Chouchou. The style hadn't officially launched at the time.
However, the bag made such an impression on the princess that she bought every color option, creating multiple matching and style opportunities.
Lady Diana's favorite accessory
Lady Diana brought her fabulous new handbag on many outings. And the designer brand responded by renaming the Chouchou to Lady Dior in honor of her.
In addition, the princess also brought her Dior bag in the’90s to a met gala. The style was loved so much that they're making it available for purchase again.
Construction and materials
The Lady Dior, of the french fashion house Dior, is no ordinary bag. The detailed construction that is so structured while also being so fashionable speaks of a thoughtful design.
This timeless piece is constructed from 144 parts. Since its release, you may have seen the bag in every color combination imaginable, along with special seasonal editions.
Dior handbag styles and popularity
In addition to the Lady Dior bag, other popular styles from Dior's own fashion house, like the saddle bag and the Dior book tote, are also well known. Dior handbags are popular with celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker and Paris Hilton. But even the rest of us find the styles iconic.
However, the Christian Dior bag made for Princess Diana is unique and unforgettable. So, which of the sizes and design features is the right choice for you?
What are the different Lady Dior sizes?
There are five different Lady Dior sizes available, from mini to large and everything in between.
Lady Dior bags are made of "cannage-quilted lambskin" leather, but also sometimes calfskin and other fabrics such as velvet.
Let’s take a closer look at the various sizes, including measurements and specifications for each style. Then you can decide which one is the right size handbag for you.
Lady Dior micro size
The Lady Dior micro size measures 12cm (width) x 10cm (height) x 5cm (depth), or in inches, 5” x 4” x 2”.
Despite its small size, this is an adorable bag you can wear with a shoulder strap or hold using the top handle, whatever works better for your outfit and preferences.
It's more of a wallet than a purse, but you'll look super stylish! This bag won't hold much more than your very basic items, though, maybe some money and perfume at most.
Lady Dior mini size
The Lady Dior mini size measures 17cm (width) x 16cm (height) x 7cm (depth), or in inches, 6.5” x 6” x 3".
You'll get the same look as the micro with the Lady Dior mini but with the advantage of more space. You'll be able to tote your phone and a few other items with you, perfect for errands or a nice dinner.
It features a chain shoulder strap usually, so you can carry it on one shoulder or as a cross-body bag. And of course, if you prefer, you can use the handle to carry it by hand.
Lady Dior small size
The Lady Dior small size bag measures 20cm (width) x 16.5cm (height) x 8cm (depth), or in inches, 8" x 6.5" x 3".
This bag sits in the middle of all the Lady Dior bag sizes.
It looks fantastic worn crossbody, with a thicker shoulder strap, although it's also dainty enough if you prefer to carry it by hand.
As a level up from the mini, you'll fit your phone, money, makeup, and more in the small size bag.
Lady Dior medium size
The Lady Dior medium size bag measures 24cm (width) x 20cm (height) x 11cm (depth) or in inches, 9.5" x 8" x 4.5".
As the second-largest in the range, this versatile accessory is great for stocking everything from your phone to your diary and wallet.
It's a genuinely convenient choice to use during the day and really makes a statement.
But that's not where the fun stops! With a thin detachable strap, it's a cinch to transform this into an evening look too.
Lady Dior large size
The Lady Dior large size is built to accommodate your lifestyle, measuring 32cm (width) x 25cm (height) x 11cm (depth), or in inches, 12.5" x 10" x 4.5".
You'll want your large Lady Dior at your side for all your regular outings.
It's a versatile accessory that has a shoulder strap you can remove and gives you plenty of styling options; classy yet functional.
It has a generous capacity, and you can use it to hold all your essentials, including a small tablet and a makeup bag.
Where to buy your favorite Lady Dior sizes
Part of deciding which sizes to buy may come down to cost. Although it may surprise you that some of the smaller Lady Dior styles can be more expensive than the larger styles.
The intricacy or exclusivity of the design can influence the price you pay.
Purchase a bag preowned
But if you're looking for the most affordable way to own a Lady Dior bag, your best bet is to buy preowned. Websites like Fashionphile offer a wide range of Lady Dior bag sizes. You can expect discounted prices and the bonus of free shipping and returns.
(Note: Fashionphile is a brand we trust and the link above is an affiliate link. If you make a purchase using this link we may earn a small commission. This helps us grow and keep our content free.)
Buy from the brand
That doesn't mean you should avoid buying directly from Dior, though. If you can afford it, you're promised authenticity and the guarantee of designer craftsmanship on a brand-new item.
And there's no worry of wear and tear either! With a secondhand option, you can get a good price, but the item is likely to show minor wear or scratches.
Rent the handbag
Another option is to rent your designer bag. Renting can work well for vacations or if you have a fancy event coming up.
But no matter which route you choose, remember that each of the Lady Dior sizes has its unique charm! So, choose the style that best suits your lifestyle.
How to save for your designer bag
Lady Dior sizes purchased directly from Dior could cost up to $7,500 or more, which is quite an investment. In comparison, some preowned Lady Di bags on sites like Fashionphile are priced above $2,000. Don't worry, though, you'll find some gems for less.
But either way, this isn't small change! So if you have your heart set on owning Princess Diana's favorite accessory, or another luxury bag, it's essential to budget for your purchase. Credit cards aren't a good idea as the interest charges will soon add up and leave you in debt.
Create a separate account to fund your purchase
The best way to save is to set up a separate savings account that you only use for your Lady Dior bag fund. That way, you can see exactly how much you have to spend and track your progress.
You might even want to set up a direct debit, so you're automatically transferring money into your savings account each month.
For example: suppose you find a preowned Lady Dior bag for $2,880. To buy it, set aside $288 a month for ten months, starting in December through September, or whatever works. Or, if you don't mind waiting a little longer, you could save $144 a month for 20 months.
Outfit ideas for your handbag
If you want to purchase a Lady Dior bag and then debut it with a fresh new look, check out these style ideas:
Wear it with a nice dress
A black dress and iconic bags go together. You can't go wrong with this ensemble. Or simply choose a dress in a neutral color and pair it with your bag for the perfect look.
You can easily wear this on a date, out to dinner, or to an event like a show or museum exhibit. A Lady Dior small size might be best for this type of outing.
Style it with jeans or trousers and heels for a casual look
If you want to create a casual look that still showcases your handbag, then wear jeans or trousers with a simple but elegant blouse and heels. That way, your outfit is understated, and the bag can be the star of the show.
Monochrome outfits
Depending on the color and style of the bag you purchase, you can choose an outfit that compliments the color. Wearing a monochrome outfit that is a different color than the bag will make it stand out and create a signature look.
For example, if the bag is navy, you may choose to wear all black or ivory. Or wear a complimentary combo like blue and yellow or burgundy and blush, depending on the color of the bag.
Which of the Lady Dior sizes will you choose?
Deciding which of the Lady Dior sizes to go for comes down to personal choice. It's certainly an incredible luxury item to own.
Consider your lifestyle and what you’ll be using your bag for. If you’re often on the go, then a smaller style like the Lady Dior micro size or the Lady Dior mini size might not be suitable as you won’t be able to fit everything you need in the bag.
But you may also find the Lady Dior large size too big and cumbersome for your needs. This makes the Lady Dior medium size style a good compromise between the two.
No matter which option you choose, you can be sure that your Lady Dior bag will become a treasured timeless piece in your wardrobe. For more advice and information, check out our other articles on timeless fashion and affording luxury designer items.