This Under-£400 Tote Is the Best Designer Bag I've Ever Bought
As a shopping editor, one question I'm asked more than any other is which designer bags are actually worth the investment? Of course, it is a question with many avenues, and the answer will vary massively according to your budget, wardrobe requirements and taste. However, if you're a natural bargain hunter as I am, you'll appreciate pieces that offer the most bang for your buck, which is why this season, JW Anderson's felt tote has shot straight to the top of my lust list.
I've always loved JW Anderson's experimental spin on womenswear design, but as is the case with many cult fashion brands, the bags on offer come at a premium. But then along came this sub-£400 gem. Of course, I should acknowledge that the term "affordable" is relative, but in the world of designer bags, £375 is definitely on the lower end of the spectrum. (Also, for transparency, I bought this bag with help from a voucher.)
Big enough to fit a laptop, water bottle, notepad and snacks (priorities, right?), this really is the ultimate meeting of style and substance. While I'm not always the biggest fan of OTT logos, I quite like the homespun appeal of the embroidered JW insignia on the front, which offers a satisfying textural contrast to the leather handles. It's also the small details that sealed the deal for me: from the bow-tie fastening and buckled hardware to the large interior pocket and hard-wearing leather strips that line the bottom of the bag. Honestly, this is not #spon. I just have so much love for this tote bag, which I'll use for both work and play this year and for many years to come.
This exact style is no longer available, but you can shop a very similar one below. Scroll down to see the bag, and shop other colourways.
Shop the Bag
Shop Other JW Anderson Tote Bags
Up Next: Spring/Summer 2022 Trends: The Only 17 Looks You Need to Know About
-
My Word of 2025 Is "Sophisticated," and These 34 Pieces Are the Definition
Think structured bags, hourglass shapes, and classic tailoring.
By Caitlin Burnett
-
Treating Yourself? What to Buy From the New Designer Collections Before They Sell Out
I'm kind of a pro at this.
By Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour
-
I'm Sorry, But I Think This It Girl–Approved Bag Color Trend Is Even Better Than Burgundy
Mikey Madison seems to agree.
By Allyson Payer
-
Louis Vuitton's New Tote Bag Is Cool—Period
It silhouette.
By Bobby Schuessler
-
I'm Refining My Wardrobe—36 Staples I'm Eyeing for 2025
Polished is the word.
By Caitlin Burnett
-
Suddenly, All the Chicest People I Know Are Upgrading Their Outfits With This Winter Accessory Trend
Inspired by the early 1900s.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
Reese Witherspoon Just Wore 2025's Next Designer Bag Infatuation
Thank you, Hedi Slimane.
By Drew Elovitz
-
Emma! Suki! Jodie! I Just Test-Drove the Bag Chic Celebs Are Fighting Over
Read my review.
By Eliza Huber