REVIEW | THE MARC JACOBS SNAPSHOT BAG

Marc Jacobs snapshot bag review, is marc jacobs snapshot bag worth it

Are you a bag lady or a shoe lady? Perhaps you just can’t resist either. Hey, that’s okay. Treat yourself!

For me, it has to be our handbags that really fascinate. Over the years, I’ve learnt that a well made accessory can give a huge amount of pleasure to the wearer. So I prefer to buy the best that I can afford at the time, even if that means buying less.

The Marc Jacobs Snapshot bag is one that your collection might need. 

This little bag seems to have conquered the internet in recent years, turning up in lots of influencer feeds along the way. The Snapshot bag has been a bestseller for the label since launch and shows no signs of slowing down.

But is the Marc Jacobs Snapshot bag still hot? What does it hold? How do you style it? Well, beautiful people, I’m here to answer those questions and more.


What Is The Marc Jacobs Snapshot Bag Like?

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Marc Jacobs Snapshot bag, how much is Marc Jacobs Snapshot


Simple, clean, bold and sporty. Those are the words that come to mind when I think of this bag. With a punchy, colour-blocked finish, a statement strap in wide canvas and a neat, boxy shape, the Snapshot bag is capturing everyone’s imaginations for a reason.

Although it's a small bag, it's extremely practical with a simple, stylish finish that makes it so popular.

There are endless colour combinations and even patterns available for the bag itself, and the straps can be switched out for a fully customisable finish, from more minimal arrangements to the eye-catchingly bright. Some of the main features of the Marc Jacobs Snapshot are:

  • Boxy shape
  • Chunky gold hardware
  • Wide canvas ‘guitar style’ strap that’s detachable
  • Two colour finish to the bag
  • Two zipped main compartments
  • Slip pocket to the back

When I was in Florence, I spotted several immaculately dressed ladies  - and one very fabulous looking guy - wearing this bag. They all had individual styles, but the Marc Jacobs Snapshot bag fitted each of their aesthetics perfectly due to the minimal lines and unfussy design.

For maximum styling options, I went for the classic French Grey colourway which features black and white panels as well. This is one of the most neutral options available, but there are also brights, patterns and even bejewelled versions available. That means this bag has a version for pretty much everyone, no matter their taste.

Each version of the bag comes with a different strap design -  you can also buy additional straps separately to change up the look of your bag. Mine came with a black, white and gold metallic version with the Marc Jacobs name repeated on it. I like that I can switch this out for a plainer strap if I want something a little more low key. Other options I’ve seen are striped, geometric or camo-style designs.

The bold strap designs are a huge part of the look of this bag, and having such a wide strap makes it extremely comfortable to wear as well. You can adjust its length to suit your own body and make it either cross-body or a shoulder bag. This versatility means the Snapshot is a good one to have in your collection.

A major feature of the Snapshot bag is Marc Jacobs’ bold, gold hardware. You get chunky embossed zips, large clips to attach the bag strap and a raised metal ‘double J’ insignia to the front of the bag. These features are eye-catching but also done in a very sleek way.

The vibe here is a little 80s, quite sporty and youthful. This means the Marc Jacobs Snapshot pairs well with athleisure trends, but the bag can also be styled to look smarter as needed. 

You also get really good quality, as the bag is finished in Saffiano leather which is grained and designed to be hardwearing and resistant to scratches. Most spills could be wiped off very easily, and the bag is water resistant. This makes the Snapshot bag practical, low-maintenance luxury. For me, it means I don’t have to worry about my kids and their sticky little hands around it!

How Much Is The Marc Jacobs Snapshot Bag?

While it's safe to say that this is a luxury bag, it's at the more affordable end of the spectrum, at around the £300.00 mark. Not the kind of spare change you’re going to find under the sofa cushions, but comparatively accessible compared to the likes of Chanel or Dior.

Online, you can purchase at Selfridges or MyBag, so look out for new member discounts and sales on those sites. Alternatively, it might be a good idea to buy a preloved bag instead. Sites like Vestiaire Collective verify all their items, so you know your bag is genuine, and pieces are in really great condition. That way you get to save some money and be kind to the planet in the process. Win win!

What Fits In The Marc Jacobs Snapshot Bag?

Marc Jacobs bag review, is the marc jacobs snapshot bag worth it, marc jacobs snapshot dupes

Marc Jacobs bag review, is the marc jacobs snapshot bag worth it, marc jacobs snapshot dupes


So, we know it's a compact bag - what actually fits in? 

Although the design of the bag is compact and the sides are firm, it holds more than you may expect. You get two zipped compartments, one open and one with an internal divider for easy organisation, plus a small slip pocket at the back that would hold an Oyster card, other travel pass or ID.

True, you will have to travel fairly light if you’re only wearing this, but you’ll have room for all the real essentials - your phone, keys, a few bank cards, mints and tissues, a compact, a lipstick and similar small personal items. You could even fit a pair of sunglasses in one compartment if you were careful.

I’m a fan of travelling light, so I like avoiding the temptation to take lots of stuff with me. If I’m heading out for the day with the kids, I can use a tote or a backpack to hold their things, and keep my personal items separate in a small bag like this for easy access.

More fits into the Marc Jacobs Snapshot bag than,say, a small clutch or wallet style bag, so it's ideal for day-to-night dressing as well.

How To Wear The Marc Jacobs Snapshot bag?

Marc Jacobs bag review, how do I wear marc jacobs snapshot bag , marc jacobs snapshot bag outfits

Marc Jacobs bag review, how do I wear marc jacobs snapshot bag , marc jacobs snapshot bag outfits

Marc Jacobs bag review, how do I wear marc jacobs snapshot bag , marc jacobs snapshot bag outfits


You’re not short of options when it comes to wearing the bag. It’s one of my favourites because it can be styled differently depending on the occasion. 

It works perfectly with leggings and activewear thanks to the sporty looking wide strap, and also works well with jeans. Equally, you can pair it with clean shapes, like jeans and a knotted shirt, or a midi skirt with a cropped tee. I also like to wear the Marc Jacobs Snapshot with a statement blouse. 

If you’re looking for a more polished evening look, it would also be easy to swap out the strap to a plainer, slimmer leather design or chain option which would give the bag a much sleeker look. You can purchase handbag straps easily online from many sites to customise the look of your Snapshot bag.

Alternatively, detach the strap entirely and rock it as a clutch with a longer dress!

Is There A Marc Jacobs Snapshot Bag Dupe?

If a genuine Marc Jacobs bag is out of the question right now, the good news is that the popularity of this style has spawned a million design homages at every price point. 

There are lots of colour blocked, cross body bags available and even more bags with a changeable strap design. Pom Pom London’s City Bag is a great Snapshot dupe and Apatchy have a range of bags with very similar straps. Even UK high street design favourite Oliver Bonas is in on the action.

Is The Marc Jacobs Snapshot Bag Worth It?

Marc Jacobs bag review, how do I wear marc jacobs snapshot bag , marc jacobs snapshot bag outfits


In my humble opinion, this bag is absolutely worth the spend if you have the budget. Launched a few years ago, it's still highly popular and looks set to become a bit of a classic.

The size and shape make it the perfect throw-on-and-go bag option for coffee dates and lunches, and despite being small it holds a fair amount.

The Snapshot bag is versatile - you can style it easily for both day and evening, and from a very casual look to something much smarter. So the Cost Per Wear you get from the bag is likely to be great value.

Made well and from extremely sturdy, durable materials, your Snapshot bag is unlikely to get damaged easily and is hard wearing enough to be in daily use.

Combined with a sleek, bold design, this bag could be the ideal addition to your collection.


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