Want to score the ultimate frugal coup in the designer handbag stakes? How’s this for a high/low approach: By reconsidering all of those small accessories by your favourite labels, you could just snag yourself a new piece of covetable arm candy that won’t leave you bankrupt. As prices for handbags by high-end brands increasingly fetch four figures, it goes without saying that they’re positioned out of the reach of many. Which is where compact pochettes and washbags come in.
In an alternative, fabulous life, we’d be the sort of woman who stashes her mascara and bronzer in a £200 Prada cosmetics case. But as it is, we’ll appropriate said buy as a micro-mini wristlet to house just our essentials: keys, lipstick, phone and credit card. Same applies to Dolce & Gabbana’s boldly printed canvas washbags: Simply tuck under your arm and hear the compliments come rolling in.
The beauty of these petite buys is that you’ll get change from £300, and you can use them daily: Throw one in your work tote from Monday to Friday and your dinky designer friend will be all you need for a trip to a meeting room or evening out. Shop our edit of the most cost-effective designer clutch bags in the gallery below.
Ou dreams of owning a Dolce bag were just answered.
How fun is this top-handle case?
A sunny clutch companion courtesy of Balenciaga.
Issey Miyake's iconic Prism bag, for a fraction of the price.
A practical piece with a vintage nod.
Related: These 12 Handbags Are Trending—But Which One Do You Love the Most?
No one will ever guess that this was intended for a mascara and a few brushes.
Just the right size for your essentials.
Far too fabulous to be stashed in the bottom of a tote bag.
Sshh… Don't tell anyone this was designed as a pencil case.
Hardy's geometric patterns are hard to beat.
Bound to put a smile on the face of everyone around you in the process. Next up, the must-see street style outfits to bookmark (and copy) now.Opening Image: Getty Images
