Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn a commission from our partners’ links. This content is created independently from TIME’s editorial staff. Learn more about it.
A good designer handbag does more than just make a stylish fashion statement designed to withstand the test of time. It’s also a functional and well-constructed carryall that’s designed to get your daily must-haves from point A to point B. However, as with anything “designer,” the price tag can be high—from the hundreds to the several thousands—and sometimes, you don’t know whether you are paying for quality or just a name. We spoke to several fashion experts to help us create a list of top designer handbags that are worth the investment (and are functional as well). No matter whether you’re looking for a sizable day tote or a petite clutch to carry at night, our curated selection can help you find the best fit for whatever your day brings.
Not all designer bags are created equal. As evident based on the above, some are best for evening gatherings, others are ideal for the office or commuting, and additional options are useful for weekend activities or travel. Consider your day-to-day needs and lifestyle before purchasing a bag to ensure you will reach for it frequently and not simply leave it hanging in your closet.
Everyone’s budget varies. It is important to take into account your personal budgetary concerns when shopping for a designer bag. In doing so, you should also determine whether you wish to invest in one bag that you will reach for on a near-daily basis or if you would like to build a larger collection of bags that come in at lower price points.
Ask yourself: Are you looking to invest in a piece that will appreciate in value over time, or do you prefer to purchase bags without worrying about eventual resale possibilities? These are all important decisions to weigh as you prepare to spend hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on a designer bag.
It is, of course, imperative to take your personal style preferences into account when shopping for a designer handbag. Are you drawn to logos, or does their presence bother you? Are you looking for a bag that will be instantly recognizable, or would you prefer something a bit more off the beaten path? Do you mainly dress in neutrals, or are you looking for a brightly colored bag to complement your bold outfits? These factors and more should all be considered as you embark on the shopping process.
Coming in at under $300, the Kate Spade Bleecker Large Tote is an affordable yet stylish pick. “It's a classic leather tote bag, which can carry a lot,” says fashion and lifestyle blogger Titilola Sogunro of Titi’s Passion. “I like that you can easily add an organizer insert to increase its functionality.”
It is available in six colors that range from black to rose; the tote bag is large enough to house a 13-inch laptop and also includes a small interior zip pouch, making it one of the best work bags for women.
Best affordable designer handbag
buy on macys
Chanel’s Classic Flap Bag has somewhat of a cult following among fashionistas, many of whom opt for the traditional black color with an accompanying gold chain link strap. “This is a timeless style that will never go out of style,” says fashion and travel blogger Kat Jamieson. Thirteen years ago, Jamieson purchased her own Classic Flap Bag. “Not only has it significantly increased in value, but it still looks brand new,” she comments. “If you love it, buy it now!”
She recommends that those eyeing this purse opt for a vintage make, given that Chanel recently switched to gold-plated hardware in lieu of solid gold.
Best black designer handbag
buy on my gemma
Incredibly spacious and easily packable, the Goyard Saint Louis is a fantastic designer handbag option for moms, says stylist and fashion consultant Deborah Watson. “It comes in lots of beautiful colors, it’s seasonless, and you can clean it easily with just a simple baby wipe!”
We love that the St. Louis style is available in three sizes: The smaller PM, larger GM, and the ultra sizable XXL.
Best designer handbag for moms
buy on vestiaire collective
Priced at $225, Brahmin’s Esme bags come in a wide range of vibrant colorways and are a go-to statement piece, says lifestyle influencer Greivy. “I have been wearing and collecting these bags for a few years now and I’m obsessed with the quality and colors that are released season after season,” she adds.
Best designer shoulder bag
buy on Brahmin
buy on amazon
Jess Keys, life and style blogger at JessKeys.com, considers Clare V’s Grande Fanny bag to be one of her most worn items. “I love that the Grande Fanny comes in so many color options and that you can mix and match with dozens of strap options,” she shares. Better yet, Keys appreciates that the fanny pack is larger than most but lays flat against the body. “Day or night, it's stylish, on-trend, versatile, and comfortable at the same time.”
Blogger Katie Sturino, founder of Megababe, author of Body Talk, and body acceptance advocate, is also a proponent of the Grande Fanny bag. “There aren’t a lot of fanny pack straps that fit my body, so I’m glad I found this one,” she says. “The cream coloring is such a staple: It’s neutral and goes with everything, allowing me to mix and match with my straps based on the outfit and occasion.”
Best casual designer handbag
buy on clarev
Those who wish to carry a logo-free designer handbag will appreciate Cuyana’s System Tote, which is my personal favorite option to carry while running errands, attending work meetings, or exploring the city. (It also made our list of the best travel totes for women.) Stylish and sleek, the bag is elevated yet comes at a manageable, under $350 price point. Those looking to customize the bag further can choose to add a strap, organization pouch, and other accessories, available directly from Cuyana.
Best minimalist designer handbag
buy on Cuyana
Fashion stylish Hallie Abrams of The Wardrobe Consultant notes that Loewe’s Small Hammock bag, which is available in seven chic, neutral colors, “has a unique shape and can be both compact and large depending on the wearer’s desire.” It can be worn as a crossbody or shoulder bag or simply carried by its handles. The brand has made major waves in recent years and is part of what Abrams refers to as the “‘It Girl’ zeitgeist.”
Best designer crossbody bag
buy on Loewe
The Dior Book Tote isn’t your average tote bag—known for its logo design and sturdy structure, it’s a favorite of lifestyle influencer Katelyn Sailor. “I've made the mistake before of purchasing smaller, trendy designer bags that I stop using after a year,” Sailor reflects. “I’ve had my book tote for four years now and it continues to be my most used bag whenever I need something to easily throw things in for travel or errands.”
Best designer tote bag
buy on Dior
Alison Bruhn loved her first Saint Laurent Baby Sac De Jour so much that she ended up purchasing another colorway of the bag a few years later. “It is deceptive in its size,” says the national style and image consultant behind The Style That Binds Us. “Even though it is relatively small, I can fit everything I need inside of it—including a small umbrella!”
Bruhn also appreciates that this bag is lightweight, can stand up on its own due to its flat bottom with small feet, and its versatility: It features handles as well as a crossbody strap. “During the day I can be hands-free, and in the evening I carry the bag using the top handles for an elegant, dressier look,” says Bruhn, who also loves that this bag appeals to her minimalist, understated aesthetic.
Best designer everyday bag
buy on farfetch
Natalie Simkins, stylist and founder of Style by Simkins, uses the Senreve Maestra bag for work and appreciates both its structure and versatility—the bag can be worn as either a backpack or on the shoulder. “It has a laptop compartment and multiple pockets to help keep everything super organized,” Simkins says. “Most importantly, it's gorgeous and timeless.” Its versatility makes it one of the best travel backpacks for women who want a bag that can truly go from work conferences to brunch to cocktails.
Best designer work bag
SENREVE
$895.00
Chanel’s Black Quilted Caviar Classic Wallet on Chain can be worn as both a crossbody and a clutch and is “the best designer starter bag, in my opinion,” says Amy Littleson McNitt, founder of the fashion and lifestyle blog, Amy Littleson.
The bag features the luxury brand’s signature “CC” logo and is designed to serve as a wallet, with interior pouches for credit cards, while still being able to house other essentials, including a phone and keychain. “It’s a forever classic and, in most cases, is on the lower end of the dollar scale when it comes to Chanel’s current prices,” McNitt adds. “Black is also an all-year-round worn color in NYC, so I’ll have no problem getting plenty of use out of it!”
Best designer clutch
StockX Holdings LLC
$3,666.00
One of Camille Carter’s most used bags is the Grace Mini Bag from the French label A.P.C. “It’s the perfect mix between casual and polished; you can wear it during the day with jeans and a t-shirt just as easily as you can at night to a nice dinner or event,” says the lifestyle blogger behind Charmed by Camille.
Carter appreciates the bag’s leather construction as well as its timeless look. “Right now, the quiet luxury vibe is in, but because this bag has a classic shape, clean gold closure, and tiny logo, it’s something that will last beyond just this trend,” she states.
Best designer mini bag
buy on A.P.C.
To select the best designer handbags, we spoke with a range of experts who work within the world of fashion, including bloggers, content creators, personal stylists, and more. These individuals openly shared their favorite designer handbags and provided detailed explanations of these bags’ benefits.
There comes a time in every fashionista’s life when you’re ready to make the vision board a reality. After years of saving different styles to Pinterest and screenshotting outfits from your favorite style gurus, you’ve decided to take the leap. It’s time to buy your first designer handbag! The process can be overwhelming for first-timers, but the biggest question asked is “Which designer bag should I choose?!”
This is exactly what happened to me when I started the process a few years ago. After hitting $100K in my first year as a full-time blogger, I wanted to treat myself to a luxury item. Ultimately, I chose the Christian Dior Saddle Bag and the Saint Laurent Small LouLou (more on the why later). And I’m very happy with my decision! It can be a bit confusing if you’re not familiar with what to look out for. But if you’re on the hunt for your first designer handbag to add to your closet, use this as your guide.
Choose Your Aesthetic
We’re talking style vibes, people. Colors. Moods. Needs. Because let’s be real, shall we? These bags are not cheap. So it’s important to invest in a designer bag that fits your current lifestyle. Why purchase it if you won’t actually use it?! So, can you use this dream bag every day? Are you looking for a handbag that will elevate your 9 to 5 style? Do you want to invest in a quality tote bag for travel or weekend trips? Or are you envisioning an item that makes those date night looks and brunch vibes, POP?
Whatever your reason, the bag you choose should reflect it. If it’s everyday use, then try gravitating towards more neutral colors and a style that can fit all of your necessities. Your designer work bag can include a classic silhouette that’s perfect for the office and holds your iPad. The last thing you want is to not be able to use your first luxury purchase because it doesn’t meet your needs!
Now that you know what type of bag you’re looking for, let’s chat moo-lah. I remember being SHOCKED at handbag prices when I initially started my search a couple of years ago. Mostly because I saw these teenagers carrying around Gucci bags like they were nothing?! I remember asking my parents for a small Coach bag in high school and they actually cackled at me. But I digress. Of course, you’re able to find pieces that might be under $1000, but the smaller sizes didn’t fit my needs. I was interested in an everyday bag with a classic style from a high-end luxury brand- which meant I needed to step up my saving habits.
If you’re putting it on your credit card or using another buy now, pay later system, it’s most likely too much. Luxury items should be spent with disposable income because they’re nowhere close to being necessities. For real. It’s *not* that deep. Instead, set a percentage aside each month and save up for your style of choice once you have a set budget in mind! I know. That’s not as fun. BUT I promise it’ll be worth it! Generally speaking, a healthy budget for high-end handbags is anywhere from $2K-$6K. But it can definitely be more or less than that. (I absolutely LOVE my Marc Jacobs tote for travel and it’s under $400!) It’s all about what you’re comfortable with!
Although walking into a high-end retailer on Fifth Avenue can make you feel like an A-lister, in actuality, the experience might not be worth it. Wherever you choose to purchase your items, just make sure to do your research.
Perhaps the most obvious perk? You can guarantee that your bag is an authentic, luxury good when you purchase it directly from the retailer. And if you’re lucky enough to live by a flagship store, you can have the ~fancy experience~ in person. You can speak with a dedicated brand advisor about your choices and oftentimes you’ll be gifted with a glass of champagne after your purchase. Buying your designer bag new will also be able to provide better options down the road if you choose to resell.
Money. It’s that simple. Resale sites are known to have up to 20%-70% off the original price of 1000s of styles. And the bags are still in pristine condition. Why pay the premium when it’s unnecessary? Just to say you bought it new? Pride goeth before the fall, chile.
There are quite a few pros for buying vintage luxury items, but perhaps none as convincing as saving money. I saved $800 on my Dior Saddle by purchasing it on Fashionphile in Excellent condition. AND it still came with a box and dust bag! You can also use pre-loved sites if you’re looking for discontinued or hard-to-find items instead of praying they’ll come back in stock one day. They might be more expensive, but at least they’re available! And finally, buying your bag pre-loved is the greener option of the 2. With the constant overconsumption and production in the fashion industry, it’s nice to think your purchase can be sustainable sometimes. Buying secondhand helps reduce waste and is better for the environment overall. Sounds like a win-win-win in my book!
With the rise of “thrifting” culture, there are times when items are purchased for the sole purpose of resale. Trendy pieces that could be hundreds of dollars on a retail site can be sold out and overpriced on exchange sites past their value. For example, Telfar bags are known for their low costs and constantly fly off the shelves. Resellers can use sites like StockX and attempt to sell them for double the price, despite the items eventually coming back in stock (albeit way later).
Hence, why it’s important to research the true price of the item you’re interested in before purchasing. Additionally, buyers can also feel hesitant about choosing secondhand pieces because of the authenticity question. This, along with the lack of dust bags, can obviously affect the value of their bag down the line. However, if you’re buying from reputable resellers, you shouldn’t have an issue with authentication or finding items with their original dust bags/boxes to prevent damage!
Now that I’ve gone through the process myself, I feel like I’ll always buy pre-loved! Not only was it easy, but saving a few extra coins didn’t hurt! It honestly just makes the most sense to me financially. Plus, I love feeling a bit more at ease using my “new” bag out and about if it’s pre-loved.
If you decide to go with a vintage designer bag, you still need to be cautious. Use a reputable company over online marketplaces like eBay or Facebook groups to avoid scams. How long have they been in business? Take a look at their reviews and social media accounts to see how their clients interact with their content and share their experiences. Secondly, an authenticity guarantee is non-negotiable. Do they have a team familiar with counterfeit luxury items? If not, how do they assure customers are getting what they pay for? And finally, make sure you’re familiar with their return policy. You might finally get your hands on the bag of your dreams and realize it’s not exactly what you’re looking for (or the condition you were promised). A hassle-free return is always best when dealing with a pricey purchase.
I ended up going with Fashionphile because I loved being able to see photos of the actual item I would purchase. They took photos from every angle so I could see any visible scratches or scuff before clicking add to cart. I also loved their price alert feature where I could follow a few pieces I had my eye on and see when they’d drop in price or go on sale before purchasing. All of this in addition to the green flags from ‘what to look out for’ made the decision to go with Fashionphile super easy. While I’ve only personally dealt with Fashionphile, I’ve heard great things from all of the sites below. Great customer service, authentication practices, and lots of styles to choose from!
Many fashion bloggers will share that designer handbags can be a great investment- which they can be! According to WhoWhatWear, between 2003 and 2021, a Chanel Mini Classic Flap price increased by 500%, whereas gold increased by 400%. But that’s not the case for every brand or bag. The Holy Trinity (Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermès) are the best examples of strong resale value and financial returns. However, each brand below will still get you a lot of interest in the resale market if your items are taken care of!
If you’re looking for a designer handbag as a financial investment, look no further than the infamous Birkin bag. With an annual return of 14.2%, it consistently outpaces both the S&P 500 and the price of gold. Shockingly, the average person isn’t able to purchase $12,000 on a purse or get their hands on the iconic celebrity favorite. Sites like Fashionphile offer up the Birkin along with their other classic styles like the Kelly.
Turn on your JavaScript to view contentWith one of the most recognizable brand logos in the world, Louis Vuitton is a titan in the fashion industry. Their best-selling items include the Neverfull, a tote seen on every upper-class woman in the suburbs (almost as a rite of passage). Nevertheless (slight pun intended) consumers always vouch for the durability of the bag. If you’re browsing LV for your next designer purchase, keep in mind their 3 most famous prints: Monogram Canvas, Damier Ebene Canvas, and Damier Azur Canvas.
Turn on your JavaScript to view contentTo finish off the holy trinity of brands for designer handbags, we have the always elegant, Chanel. With price increases on a regular basis, it’s no wonder why the almost 100-year company remains on top for best designer bag investment pieces. The signature C’s can be found on their most popular options (and the best bang for your buck) the classic flap and the boy bag.
Turn on your JavaScript to view contentGucci
Turn on your JavaScript to view content Turn on your JavaScript to view contentFendi
Turn on your JavaScript to view content Turn on your JavaScript to view contentPrada
Turn on your JavaScript to view contentWhy I Chose The YSL Small LouLou and Dior Saddle as My First Designer Handbag Purchase
Ultimately, I chose the Saint Laurent LouLou as my first high-end designer bag because I’m a sucker for a crossbody. I was previously gifted the Tory Burch Fleming in black and figured it’d be a great addition. I knew the LouLou would be another item I could get use out of for everyday wear and the dark beige can work with a variety of looks. After researching the best brands and then styles by YSL, I knew it was the one for me. Note: I also briefly considered the YSL College and Envelope!
In addition to the Small LouLou, I also purchased the Christian Dior Saddle Bag in black. It’s a classic “body style” by the brand so I knew it would have great resale value over time! Plus, I loved how unique the style was as I rarely indulge in shoulder bags. I figured this was the perfect opportunity to take the plunge- and so glad I did! It stands out with the gold hardware and I’m already eyeing a few additional straps for more versatility.
I hope this was helpful as you start your search! If you end up purchasing a bag I recommended, please let me know! What was your first designer bag purchase? Share in the comments below!
LET’S KEEP IN TOUCH!
Facebook | Twitter | TikTok | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube
You Might Also Like… THE LUXURY SPA THAT’S CHARLOTTE’S BEST SECRET and HOW I MAKE MONEY AS AN INFLUENCER
For more label with print embossed logo custom, 3d printed rubber label china, the advantages of pvc patches leadinginformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.