11 best designer bags under $500

The dream: a designer bag for less than a month’s rent. Splurging on a high-end piece is not always feasible when leather goods by the main luxury brands—from Prada to Jil Sander—sit well into the thousands. Luckily for you, we’re here to make your dream a reality. We scoured Stylight’s catalogue and found eleven designer bags in all styles—clutches, work totes, hobo bags… you name it!—for under $500. The key? Opting for independent luxury brands that marry quality and affordability or second-hand pieces with many years left in them.

From A.P.C. to Louis Vuitton, here are our picks for the eleven best designer bags for under $500.

Looking for something chicer and sturdier than your Trader Joe’s tote bag? Consider A.P.C.’s Axel tote, crafted in durable Japanese denim canvas and smooth cowhide leather. The reinforced leather base adds an air of refinement while the interior pocket keeps your keys safe, transforming the Axel into a proper big girl bag.

Kate Spade is one of our favourite “underrated” luxury brands, and the convertible Grace shoulder bag is one of the reasons why. This chic and timeless purse is crafted in smooth leather, can be converted from shoulder to crossbody, and is surprisingly spacious, featuring both interior and exterior slip pockets for all your essentials.

A piece of Chloé heritage, the brand’s younger distribution line, See by Chloé, is set to be discontinued over the next year, so this might be your last chance to snap up one of their pieces. We love the Joan crossbody bag in both the Mini and Small sizes—even though, in some cases, the latter sits just slightly over our $500 budget. No matter the size, the quintessential Chloé boho vibe is there.

The independent label AESTHER EKME adopts a product-centred design philosophy that focuses on the customer’s experience with the pieces. This results in “high-quality, unique shapes, meant to fit and follow the body seamlessly”. The Demi Lune bag in cotton canvas is a perfect example of the brand’s ethos: the asymmetrical shape of this mini bucket bag allows it to fit seamlessly under the shoulder for maximum wearability.

Founded in 2013, MANSUR GAVRIEL started out by launching just two models: a tote and a bucket bag. Over a decade later, their Mini Bucket in Saffiano leather is still one of the best picks for affordable luxury bags. Despite the name, this crossbody bucket bag is surprisingly roomy, and the wide range of colours available makes it perfect for anyone’s wardrobe.

The Milanese brand THEMOIRè is all about responsible growth and sustainable materials. Their Tia clutches are crafted in an array of eco-friendly fabrics, from vegan PU leather to Piñatex, a fabric made out of pineapple leaves.

Hobo bags are back in fashion! We’re loving the sleek and minimal Parisian style of Loulou Studio’s Alegrina hobo bag. Crafted in LENZING™ ECOVERO™-certified satin with LWG-certified leather trim, this hobo bag is as effortless as it is elegant. Loulou Studio aims to offer an inclusive shopping experience and is committed to sustainable practices and materials.

This classic bag just got an update! Longchamp’s Le Pliage bag is a timeless accessory known for its preppy appeal. The brand’s new sportswear-chic line, Le Pliage Energy, adapts to a modern and dynamic way of life. The Le Pliage Energy Belt Bag is the perfect designer bum bag for anyone looking for practicality and elegance all in one.

TELFAR is undoubtedly one of the coolest brands of the last few years: the creators of the shopping bag now known as “The Bushwick Birkin” incorporate unisex designs with the principles of comfortable sportswear and “simplexity”. TELFAR’s collaboration with the laid-back brand Eastpak is a testimony to their motto “Not for you, for everyone”. The Eastpak x TELFAR Cylinder Duffle Bag is as practical as it is cool and will add an edge to your weekends away.

The best way to make a statement? Incorporate vintage and less-common pieces into your looks! For instance, a vintage designer bag will not only be a fraction of the price compared to a new one, but it will also be undoubtedly more unique and special. A pre-loved Louis Vuitton Saint Jacques is our pick for the best luxury statement purse under $500: it’s striking yet understated, and available in an array of bright colours to spice up your looks.

A chic, sleek leather tote for the office is a must-have for many of us, but good-quality leather and timeless designs that don’t require you to break the bank are hard to come by. Tory Burch’s Perry Triple Compartment is the perfect leather work bag for just under $500: it features a centre laptop compartment that zips closed, three slip pockets to keep essentials organised and is crafted in premium pebbled leather. What’s not to love?