Think back to the last time you were scrolling through Shopbop or walking the aisle of Nordstrom and suddenly spotted it—the item that made a wave of goosebumps appear on your body. Chances are you've experienced the emotion of falling in love with something (maybe sandals or a vintage purse) on sight. But, if we're honest, that moment can quickly switch from exhilarating to disheartening when you turn over the price tag.
As much as we love the idea of buying a designer bag, it's not always something that aligns with our budgets. Of course, something must be said about the long-term value of investing in a bag that lasts longer and can accrue value. Still, getting around the concept that luxury items are out of the budget isn't easy, especially when most designer purses are now equivalent to the average cost of rent in the United States, which is around $1.7k. But before your feelings turn sour, don't lose hope because I'm here to tell you that budget-friendly options exist.
In order to prove that point, I've scoured the internet using a few tricks to find the 42 best affordable designer bags you can shop for right now. While everyone's concept of attainable is different based on their budget and sartorial preferences, I've separated my finds into three categories: under $350, under $650, and $1,000. I considered longevity, craftsmanship, versatility, wearability, and, most importantly, price when creating this roundup so that you can find a bag that gives you goosebumps in a good way.
Under $350
As antithetical as it may be to the aim of this story, there is admittedly one brand that can convince me to part with all my money: Freja. Its spring collection features so many good styles, and its Mercer bag is made from decadent ivory faux leather, has minimal hardware, and a contemporary shape for a reasonable price point. Is it any wonder why I'm willing to risk it all for this bag?
Material: Leather
No one is doing it quite like Luar when it comes to buzzy bags that won't break the bank. Its signature Ana Bag has become the must-have accessory among A-listers like Dua Lipa. That virality is partly due to the bag's practical top-handle shape, crossbody strap, luxurious colorways, sleek patent leather, and even cobalt-blue pony hair.
Material: Calf leather
Minimalists, allow me to introduce you to your newest obsession: the Behno Elizabeth Pouchette. Made from sustainably sourced and tanned pebble leather, this bag features an angular '90s-inspired shape, two shoulder straps, and no hardware. Making it the perfect low-key designer bag.
Material: Pebbled leather
Strap length: 11"
One thing you have to love about Kate Spade's bags is that they're a great value for their price point. For example, the shoulder bag above is made from crackled leather, buckle hardware, a rectangular silhouette, and an adjustable strap. In short, it's super elegant.
Material: Leather
Ever wish you could get two bags for the price of one? Look no further than this Poppy Lissiman bag, which can be styled as a crossbody or shoulder bag based on your preferences.
Material: Faux leather
Strap length: 10.2"
Staud's signature moon bag silhouette is a fan-favorite among the fashion set, myself included, because of its sizable interior and sleek exterior that features supple suede and fringe.
Material: Suede
I own a bag from Themoiré, and what I love about it is that it's ultra-versatile. You can style the bag above as a clutch, handbag, or shoulder bag. Plus, the brand always prioritizes using sustainable materials throughout its production process.
Material: Faux leather
The true test to determine if a bag is luxurious isn't the price tag but the details. Proof of that fact lies in Osoi's Brot bag. Made from buffed leather in various colorways (my favorite is this pale aqua), it has an exaggerated foldover flap and bold silver hardware to make it feel elegant.
Material: Leather
Not a fan of burgundy? This Coach bag also comes in five other colorways.
Material: Leather
Strap length: 10.5"
Everything about this Marge Sherwood bag is unique, from the soft, candy-pink crinkled leather to the geometric shape and the brand's Korean founders.
Material: Leather
What better way to spice up your wardrobe than a red suede bag? You can pair this with jeans and a T-shirt or your favorite LBD.
Material: Cow suede leather
If you've ever had suspicions about whether you should buy a BY FAR bag, let me clear the air now: You absolutely should. The brand has become beloved among the fashion set for its vintage-inspired bags that have contemporary touches. For example, its Bea Bag draws from the utilitarian shapes that dominated the '90s.
Material: Crinkled lambskin
Fun fact: This All Saints tote happens to be one of the most-purchased items among our readers.
Material: Leather
Strap length: 14 1/2"
Under $650
Some bags have managed to make me gasp at first sight. Such was the case with Tory Burch's marshmallow shoulder bag.
Material: Napa leather
Strap length: 11.4"
For those who love Scandinavian fashion, Liffner's sophisticated handbags are a must-shop.
Material: Suede
With so many '00s trends coming back into style, it was only a matter of time before we saw bowling bags roll back into the conversation. Unlike previous versions of this trend, which sometimes felt gauche, we've seen more timeless iterations. A prime example is the Manu Atelier bag above, which features pebbled leather, a chain strap, and a subtly engraved logo.
Material: Leather
Released as a part of Jacquemus' S/S 23 collection, the Le Bisou is one of the brand's best-selling bags and features a sleek, curved silhouette, beads, and a metal letter moniker.
Material: Denim
Consider your search for the perfect office-ready bag finally over. Demiller's New York Bag checks all the right boxes. It's roomy enough to fit a laptop, has functional tubular straps so you can carry it on your shoulders, and the grained leather and gold hardware make it posh enough to put you on the fast-track for a promotion.
Material: Leather
Strap length: 19.3"
Cult Gaia's bags have remained relevant because of their unique shapes.
Material: Leather
Though it was first released in the '90s, the Longchamp Roseau bag became beloved among the fashion set and has since been reimagined. Its most recent iteration comes in the form of a bucket bag made from cowhide leather that comes in four colorways and features the brand's signature bamboo clasp.
Material: Calfskin leather
Strap length: 19.3"–22.4"
Don't want to have the same designer bag as everyone else? I feel you. One place you can shop for distinct pieces is Yuzefi. The brand was founded in 2016. in London and crafts handbags from luxurious materials (e.g., leather and suede) in unexpected shapes to create exceptional pieces. Just look at the bag above as proof.
Material: Calf leather
Paying attention to craftsmanship is the key to finding a great designer bag within your budget. You want to shop for brands that center on design details, like Mlouye. The brand's Studio Bag is a prime example of its unparalleled partisanship. It features stitched-together geometric leather to create a sleek '90s shoulder bag with enough space to fit all your daily essentials.
Material: Italian patent leather
A practical yet punchy take on the evening clutch.
Material: Canvas, leather
Are you searching for a functional handbag you can wear year-round? Look no further than this Dragon Diffusion tote. Made from woven leather, the bag is ideal for styling with a matching linen set in the summer or jeans and a T-shirt in the fall.
Material: Leather
I regularly dream about the day I'll get my hands on this Polo Ralph Lauren bag. What makes this bag so hauntingly beautiful is its elegant crescent shape, supple brown leather, and almost anonymous logo that comes in the form of an engraved gold-tone plate.
Material: Leather
Strap length: 19.75"
The key to making a designer bag worth the cost goes back to investing in a style you know you can wear for years to come, like this Mansur Gavriel Mini Everday Tote bag. Featuring an East-West design, a glossy finish, and soft calfskin leather, this is a bag you won't want to take off.
Material: Calfskin
Strap length: 20"
In case you missed it, Reformation finally made its foray into the handbag market this past month, and spoiler, it is worth spending your money on. While the collection features many cute options, the standout style is its Small Vittoria Tote. Featuring a slouchy silhouette with an ultra-pretty bow on the handle, the bag is not only on-trend but also ultra-practical and sustainable. Its interior is big enough to fit a laptop and is made from sustainably sourced bovine leather.
Material: Leather
Some bags blow up overnight and disappear the next day. This bag isn't that. Since its debut in Diesel's runway collection, the 1DR bag has continued to grow in popularity. Thanks to its fun yet functional shape, which comes in various colorways.
Material: Denim
Strap length: 7.75"
I can't tell you how often people in the fashion industry and beyond have asked me where to shop for a good tote bag. Honestly, I was dumbfounded until I stumbled upon Veronica Beard's Tote.
Material: Canvas
Strap length: 11"
Under $1000
Coveting Loewe's iconic raffia basket bag for the summer? You don't have to spend a fortune to get your hands on this bag—see above for proof.
Material: Raffia, tan leather
Strap length: 10.2"
Let's be real—everyone in the know has likely already considered how they're going to get their hands on a Khaite bag. And if their budget is limited, they've probably decided to shop secondhand. This isn't a bad thing, considering every once in a while, you can find a few gems like this tote bag.
Material: Calfskin
Strap length: 8.5"
What's not to love about this 3.1 Phillip Lim bag? Everything about this bag has the trappings to become any wardrobe's hero piece for spring and summer.
Material: Cowhide
Strap length: 6.75"
The Corner Bag has slowly cemented itself as a must-have among the fashion set. Its top-handle bag silhouette is both functional and fun.
Material: Canvas
In addition to shopping secondhand, one way you can save a bit of money when buying a designer bag is by choosing one like this Bottega Veneta Nappa Intrecciato bag. The great thing about this bag is that the classic shape and woven leather make it easy to style.
Material: Leather
Strap length: 21.75"
Givenchy understood the assignment when creating its nano bag. It's almost as if the creative team was given geometry homework and decided to make the perfect everyday bag. From the leather to the fold-over flap to the hardware, nothing about this bag is a miss. It gets an A+.
Material: Calfskin leather
Strap length: 1.5"
Pro tip: you always want to invest in a designer bag that retains value over time. One prime example of a style that continues to do just that is Loudis Vuitton's Canvas Speedy Bag. Whether you buy brand new or find one secondhand, this classic bag is worth every penny.
Strap length: 2.25"
With wedding season officially in full swing, you'll need a bag to wear to every prenuptial event. Enter the Saint Laurent Uptown Pouch. Considered one of the French fashion house's most iconic styles, the clutch comes in over 10 colorways, including a croc-effect patent leather. Plus, it is adorned with its signature 'YSL' hardware.
Material: Calfskin leather
Maybe it's the suede, the silhouette, or the gold hardware, but this Neous bag whispers luxury to me. Everything about it feels understated and utterly elegant.
Material: Calf suede
Strap length: 9.4"
Not to be dramatic, but I don't think I've ever owned a softer bag than my BOYY bag. You can tell it's high-quality just by touching it. And while all their bags are well-made, if you're looking for a style that exemplifies luxury, look no further than their signature Devon 21 Bag. Made from leather, the bag comes in various colors, features extended carry handles (so it fits over shoulders easily), and has the signature buckle detail that the brand is known for.
Material: Leather
This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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