What branded bag is worth buying?

09 Apr.,2024

 

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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.

How to choose the best designer handbags

Purpose

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.

Budget

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.

Personal Style

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.

Our top designer handbags picks

Best affordable designer handbag: Kate Spade Bleecker Large Tote

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.

Specifications:

  • Material/s: Saffiano leather and faille lining
  • Care: Wipe gently dry with a soft cloth
  • Dimensions: 11.75 inches (height) x 13.75 inches (width) x 5.25 inches (depth)
  • Price at time of publish: $248

What we like:

  • Interior zip pocket included
  • Simple, classic design

What we don’t like:

  • Cannot fit laptops larger than 13 inches

Best affordable designer handbag

Kate Spade Bleecker Large Tote

buy on macys

Best black designer handbag: Chanel Classic Flap Bag

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.

Specifications:

  • Material/s: Leather: Since this is an authorized resale site, the exact price will depend on the model/condition available.
  • Care: Wipe clean with a soft, dry microfiber cloth
  • Dimensions: 6 inches (height) x 10 inches (width) x 2.75 inches (depth)
  • Price at time of publish: $3,000 and up—since this is an authorized resale site, the exact price will depend on the model/condition available

What we like:

  • Recognizable and classic
  • Investment piece that will appreciate with time

What we don’t like:

  • Steep price tag

Best black designer handbag

Chanel Classic Flap Bag

buy on my gemma

Best designer handbag for moms: Goyard Saint Louis

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.

Specifications:

  • Material/s: Coated canvas with leather straps and trim
  • Care: Wipe clean with a soft, dry microfiber cloth
  • Dimensions: 13.3 inches (height) x 15.75 inches (width) x 7.87 inches (depth)
  • Price at time of publish: $1,050 and up—since this is an authorized resale site, the exact price will depend on the model/condition available

What we like:

  • Wide variety of colors to choose from
  • Foldable for travel

What we don’t like:

  • No interior pockets
  • White interior is stain-prone

Best designer handbag for moms

Goyard Saint Louis

buy on vestiaire collective

Best designer shoulder bag: Brahmin Esme

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.

Specifications:

  • Material/s: Genuine croc-embossed leather
  • Care: Evenly apply leather conditioner
  • Dimensions: 8 inches (height) x 11.75 inches (width) x 3.25 inches (depth)
  • Price on publish: $245

What we like:

  • Fun, playful pattern
  • Accessible price point

What we don’t like:

  • Structured design is less packable

Best designer shoulder bag

Brahmin Esme

buy on Brahmin

buy on amazon

Best casual designer handbag: Clare V Grande Fanny

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.”

Specifications:

  • Material/s: Leather
  • Care: Have professionally cleaned
  • Dimensions: 8 inches (height) x 12 ¾ inches (width)
  • Price at time of publish: $325

What we like:

  • Strap is adjustable, detachable, and interchangeable
  • Array of eye-catching pattern choices

What we don’t like:

  • Larger size may overwhelm smaller frames

Best casual designer handbag

Clare V Grande Fanny

buy on clarev

Best minimalist designer handbag: Cuyana System Tote

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.

Specifications:

  • Material/s: Leather
  • Care: Wipe clean with damp cloth
  • Dimensions: 11 inches (height) x 19 inches (width) x 5.5 inches (depth)
  • Price at time of publish: Starts at $328

What we like:

  • Compatible with many Cuyana accessories
  • Minimalist looking

What we don’t like:

  • Heavier feel, even when not fully packed

Best minimalist designer handbag

Cuyana System Tote

buy on Cuyana

Best designer crossbody bag: Loewe Small Hammock

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.”

Specifications:

  • Material/s: Leather
  • Care: Dab with soft cloth and let dry at room temperature
  • Dimensions: 5.3” width x 9.8” height x 11.8” depth
  • Price on publish: $3,100

What we like:

  • Can be worn in multiple ways
  • Timeless neutral options

What we don’t like:

  • Steep price point without instant recognizability

Best designer crossbody bag

Loewe Small Hammock

buy on Loewe

Best designer tote bag: Dior Book Tote

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.”

Specifications:

  • Material/s: Leather
  • Care: Have professionally cleaned
  • Dimensions: 14 inches (width) x 11 inches (height) x 6.5 inches (depth)
  • Price on publish: Starts at $3,450 for medium size

What we like:

  • Vibrant patterns
  • Personalization options

What we don’t like:

  • Lacks interior pockets
  • Lacks zip top

Best designer tote bag

Dior Book Tote

buy on Dior

Best designer everyday bag: Saint Laurent Baby Sac De Jour

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.

Specifications:

  • Material/s: Leather
  • Care: Wipe clean with a damp, soft cloth, cleaning in the same direction as the grain of the leather
  • Dimensions: 10.2 inches (width) x 7.8 inches (height) x 5.1 inches (depth)
  • Price on publish: $2,950

What we like:

  • Can be worn multiple ways
  • Sleek design

What we don’t like:

  • Cannot accommodate laptop

Best designer everyday bag

Saint Laurent Baby Sac De Jour

buy on farfetch

Best designer work bag: Senreve Maestra

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.

Specifications:

  • Material/s: Leather
  • Care: Wipe dry with a damp cloth. Do not use soap.
  • Dimensions: 12.25 inches (width) x 10.25 inches (height) x 8.75 inches (depth)
  • Price on publish: $945

What we like:

  • Can be worn multiple ways
  • Hidden zipper closure

What we don’t like:

  • Must unbuckle to open

Best designer work bag

Maestra Bag | Pebbled

SENREVE

$895.00

Best designer clutch: Chanel Black Quilted Caviar Classic Wallet on Chain

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!”

Specifications:

  • Material/s: Leather
  • Care: Wipe clean with a soft, dry microfiber cloth
  • Dimensions: 7.75 inches (width) x 5 inches (height) x 1.5 inches (depth)
  • Price on publish: $3,700 and up—since this is an authorized resale site, the exact price will depend on the model/condition available

What we like:

  • Compact and ideal for travel
  • Versatile color and shape

What we don’t like:

  • Minimal storage capacity

Best designer clutch

Chanel Wallet On Chain Quilted Caviar Gold-tone Black

StockX Holdings LLC

$3,666.00

Best designer mini bag: Grace Mini Bag by A.P.C.

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.

Specifications:

  • Material/s: Leather
  • Care: Wipe with a soft, dry cloth.
  • Dimensions: 6.88 inches (width) x 5.51 inches (height) x 1.57 inches (depth)
  • Price at time of publish: $840

What we like:

  • Compact
  • Petite-friendly

What we don’t like:

  • Minimal storage capacity

Best designer mini bag

Grace Mini Bag by A.P.C.

buy on A.P.C.

How we selected the best designer handbags

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.

How to Buy Your First Designer Handbag | A Guide to Choosing a Bag Worth The Investment

Outfit Details:

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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!

Set Your Budget (And then stick to it, really)

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.

How much is too much to spend on a designer bag?

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!

Shop The Best Designer Bags Under $2000

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How to Buy Your First Designer Bag | New VS. Pre-Loved

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.

If Buying Your First Designer Bag NEW

Pros:

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.

Cons:

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.

If Buying Your First Designer Bag Pre-Loved

Pros:

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!

Cons:

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.

Watch Me Unbox My First Designer Bag from Fashionphile Below!

Where to Buy Pre-Loved Designer Bags

What to Look Out For

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.

Best Online Resale Sites

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!

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Choose Your Luxury Designer Brand | Brands Worth The Investment

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!

My Top Picks: The Birkin and The Kelly

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.

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With 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.

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To 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.

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Gucci

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Fendi

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Prada

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Why 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.  

The Best Handbags to Start Your Designer Bag collection

SHOP MY TOP PICKS:

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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!

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What branded bag is worth buying?

A Guide to Choosing a Bag Worth The Investment - GoodTomiCha

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