My Dream Designer Bag and 20 Less-Expensive Ones I'd Buy in the Meantime

When it comes to fashion items, there's basically no better investment than a designer bag. Depending on the brand, bags have proven time and again to hold their value, making them a great thing to save up for. Currently, the investment-worthy bag I can't stop thinking about is none other than the Gucci 1955 Horsebit Shoulder Bag.
Every time I've decided to save up for a designer bag, it has veered classic and timeless. Who wants to spend a lot of money on something that's going to look dated in just a matter of time? The Gucci 1955 bag is based on a decades-old style, which is certainly a good sign, and the medium-size saddle-style bag is incredibly versatile. Plus, that horsebit detail is as chic as it gets. I'm partial to the logo-printed iteration (that's been the most popular among the fashion crowd), but I'd be a proud owner of any one of the all-leather styles as well.
Although the Gucci 1955 bag is completely worth the wait, I'll be the first to admit that the waiting game is no fun. When there's something I really want, I can't stop thinking about it (I'm sure you know the feeling), so to tide myself over, I chose 20 less-expensive ones that I'd be thrilled to carry in the meantime (and beyond). Scroll to shop my dream bag (and see how some of fashion's most stylish are wearing it) and a selection of other bags that I'd be just as excited to own in the meantime.
My Dream Designer Bag
Stylish Women Who Also Love It
Model Adwoa Aboah hit the nail on the head with this perfect look.
Caroline Issa shows how cool it looks worn as a crossbody.
María Bernad's red-trimmed iteration is investment-bag gold.
That print just never gets old.
So good with a suit.
The size of the bag makes it so functional.
Jo Ellison is one of the many fans of this dream bag.
The Less-Expensive Bags I'd Buy for Now
Staud updated the classic shoulder bag shape with an angle, and I love it.
This bag is a staple you can wear season after season.
More likely than not, this will be an It bag by summer.
I'm starting to think that I should probably go ahead and get an orange bag.
Next up, These Are the Only Spring/Summer 2022 Handbag Trends You Need to Know, Period
This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater arts. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.
-
Simone Ashley Is in the Fast Lane
Since her breakout role in Bridgerton, our Spring Issue cover star has quickly risen to A-list status. Up next, she masters the rom-com leading lady.
By Liv Little
-
The Spring 2025 Shopping Guide: Where to Buy the Biggest Trends of the Season
Your short list of the season's key buys.
By Kristen Nichols
-
Madewell's Insiders Event Sale Is So Good—27 Picks Chic People Will Be Adding to Their Carts
Get 25% off just about everything.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
These $20 Old Navy Flats Are Just as Chic as the $900 Pair I Have Been Coveting Since Last Spring
These are guaranteed to sell out.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
This Just In: Plushies Are the Freakier Trend Gen Z Is Dumping Bag Charms For
Hot take: I'm obsessed.
By Ana Escalante
-
These Are the 7 Stylish Shoe Trends Fashion People Will Be Wearing With Jeans This Spring
I see chic denim outfits in your future.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
If You Have Great Taste, You Don't Want to Miss These 30 Chic J.Crew and Madewell Sale Picks
So many gems. So little time.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
Wait—Did Elsa Hosk Just Intro the New It Bag of 2025?
One word: Prada.
By Allyson Payer
-
Cameron Diaz Just Wore the Timeless Bag Trend That Makes Every Outfit Look Affluent
That's the goal, right?
By Allyson Payer
-
Okay, I Can't Stop Thinking About the New Louis Vuitton Speedy Bags
Cool. Period.
By Bobby Schuessler