My Secret Skill Is Finding Expensive-Looking Bags on the High Street—These 17 Prove It

On a recent Sunday, I headed to run some errands, and within an hour I'd had three people comment on how much they liked my handbag. It's nice at any time to get a compliment of course, but it feels even better when it's a high street piece. As a handbag enthusiast, I can speak for the feeling of stepping out with a luxury piece that you've saved up for or treated yourself to, but there's an added element of joy to be found in saying 'thanks, it's H&M!'

One thing to know about me is I adore handbags. They're my favourite part of an outfit, and something I always look to first. Being such an enthusiast, I like to put my passion into finding the best bags around, be they high-designer, mid-range or more affordable. Whilst I hold a special place for a luxury bag that is a real investment and feels like a piece you'll treasure forever, and possibly pass on to the next generation, if you're not ready to invest a large amount, that doesn't preclude you from getting a refined, compliment-inducing bag whilst still staying on budget.

Take the COS Bowling Bag that I first flagged back in September, it instantly sold out and the brand has struggled to keep it in stock ever since (but they do come back so if you want it just keep refreshing that tab). Or the H&M shopper that appeared a few weeks later, boasting a refined silhouette and coming in simple black and brown suede. These are just a few of the treasures you can find below.

Thanks to the Great British high street, finding an affordable bag with designer appeal is easier than you might think. With a discerning eye, I've pulled together a concise edit of the best high-street bags that could easily be mistaken for high-end counterparts. You'll find some longstanding heroes of the high street, like the COS crossbody bag, that are part of a brand's year-round collection as they consistently prove their timeless worth. Alongside, I've hunted through the new-in sections of some of our favourite high street brands to pull out the soon-to-be bestsellers that exude polish from every angle.

Keep scrolling to explore the best high street handbags.

Shop Expensive-Looking High Street Bags