Want to buy a designer bag? Read this first
You have dreamed about it for years, scrimped and saved every last penny, and as a result, you can finally buy yourself a designer bag. And while you may have set your sights on a Chanel 2.55 or even a Hermès Kelly, it isn’t until you walk to the check-out line that the sticker shock of such models begins to set in.
So while images of Hermès may haunt your dreams, with the average starting price of an Hermès Kelly being close to $12,000/£9,000 and a quilted Chanel 2.55 between $5,200/£4,250 and $10,800/£9,540, it may be wise to open your bag dreams up to other designers.
Here's what you should consider before buying your first designer bag
Regardless of the designer, when investing in a luxury bag, it’s wise to consider a few things before swiping your credit card.
- Timeless design and the re-wearability factor – If you want to splurge on a designer bag, stay away from trendy pieces and go for a timeless classic. Obviously what is “timeless” to you might not be for another person, so remember to ask yourself: “Is this a bag that I will want to re-wear in five, ten, or twenty years?”. If you’re looking for a truly classic design, bags like the Gucci Jackie, the Fendi Baguette, or even the Loewe Puzzle are all great picks.
- Seasonality – You want to get the most use out of your big investment—and get that Cost Per Wear down—, so it might be a good idea to consider the seasonality of your dream bag before purchasing. Can it be worn year-round or is there something about it (i.e., the material) that makes it limited to a certain season?
- Your wardrobe – Remember to think about your style and the colours you gravitate towards when choosing your designer bag. Getting distracted by pretty hues and shiny materials is easy, but you don’t want to end up a few thousands poorer with a bag that doesn’t go with anything else in your wardrobe.
- Size and style – It might seem obvious, but reflecting on your chosen bag’s size and style is fundamental. Whether you’re shopping for an everyday workhorse tote or a handbag for special occasions, make sure to check that it fits all your essentials. Don’t let yourself get distracted and go for a style that you know you’ll reach for again and again.
- Wearability – While we love novelty styles, if you’re only planning to invest in one luxury bag (for now), its wearability has to be a top priority. A maxi tote and a small clutch will never be interchangeable in their wearability and purpose, but it’s smart to invest in a bag that will look appropriate in most places, from work to the airport.
- Reasons for buying – While you don’t necessarily need a reason to treat yourself to a designer bag, sometimes it’s nice to tie the purchase to a milestone. For example, an important birthday, a promotion, or the birth of a baby are all important moments that deserve to be celebrated with a special purchase.
All these factors are pretty closely intertwined and it’s important to consider all of them before making a decision. If you’re looking for inspiration, here are some stunning designer bags for (almost) every budget.
Don't sleep on these designer bag styles
Starting at less than $500, you can bring home a beautiful luxury bag that will remain stylish year after year. Put aside your Hermès dreams (for now) and take a look at these designer bags that are available for a fraction of the Kelly price.
Designer bags under $500
Although the price points for larger big-name bags typically start north of $500, you can still grab one of their smaller models, like micro and mini versions of the most popular bags, wallets, and card holders. Alternatively, why not explore more accessible designer brands? Bags from Elleme, Staud, See by Chloé, and by FAR are oftentimes available between $300 and $500.
-30%
Staud
Mini Naomi Suede Satchel in Tan at Nordstrom Brown
$315.00
$450.00
Nordstrom
Staud
Ollie Leather Shoulder Bag
$432.00
Wanan Luxury
Staud
Tommy Beaded Shoulder Bag in Crudite at Nordstrom
$295.00
Nordstrom
-29%
Staud
Ollie Bag Leather Shoulder Bag
$306.00
$432.00
Wanan Luxury
-30%
Staud
The Dude Leather Shoulder Bag in Black at Nordstrom
$206.50
$295.00
Nordstrom
-25%
Staud
Tommy Beaded Bag Shoulder Bag With All-Over Beads
$322.00
$432.00
Wanan Luxury
Staud
Ollie Leather Shoulder Bag in Black at Nordstrom
$250.00
Nordstrom
Staud
Harlow suede shoulder bag Brown
$350.00
Mytheresa
Staud
Ollie Suede Shoulder Bag in Tan at Nordstrom Brown
$295.00
Nordstrom
-5%
by FAR
Mini Rachel tote bag - women - Calf Leather/Cotton - One Size - Brown
$180.00
$190.00
FARFETCH
Staud
Harlow Suede Shoulder Bag in Dune at Nordstrom
$325.00
Nordstrom
Staud
Owen suede shoulder bag Brown
$295.00
Mytheresa
Designer bags between $500 and $1,000
This is the price range most commonly associated with designer bags, and you’ll be able to find a wide selection of brands, materials, and sizes. Many pieces from brands like Jacquemus, Jil Sander, Coach, Isabel Marant, and even Saint Laurent and Prada sit comfortably under the $1,000 mark. If you keep your eyes peeled for any sales you might even be able to score a usually more expensive bag.
Saint Laurent
Cassandre leather crossbody bag Red
$780.00
Mytheresa
-32%
Tory Burch
Bags Blacks And Greys
$692.00
$1,017.00
Wanan Luxury
-37%
Chloé
Chloe Logo Canvas & Leather Shoulder Bag Beige
$747.00
$1,190.00
Rue La La
-20%
Balmain
B-Army leather-trimmed canvas makeup bag Beige
$956.00
$1,195.00
Mytheresa
-41%
Chloé
Chloe Carry Raffia & Leather Shoulder Bag Beige
$699.99
$1,190.00
Rue La La
Chloé
Summer Banana Top-Handle Bag in Crochet Paper and Leather Brown
$990.00
Bergdorf Goodman
-39%
Valentino
Rockstud Mini Grainy Leather Hobo Bag Black
$699.99
$1,150.00
Rue La La
-40%
Strathberry
Mosaic Leather Tote in Tan/Vanilla at Nordstrom White
$507.00
$845.00
Nordstrom
Saint Laurent
Urban Chic Cassandre wallet Brown
$509.88
TheDoubleF
Designer bags over $1,000
Money can’t buy happiness, but it can buy you a selection of stunning designer bags (which, is kind of the same thing, no?). Starting at $1,000, the luxury world really is your oyster. From the Marni Trunk bag and Chloé Tess to the highly sought-after Hermès Birkin, scroll down for major bag envy.
Ferragamo
Women Hug handbag (XS) Black
$2,400.00
Ferragamo
Burberry
Mini Highlands Bag Beige
$1,250.00
Burberry
Saint Laurent
Le 5 à 7 Mini leather shoulder bag Black
$1,900.00
Mytheresa
Ferragamo
New Line Tote Bag Black
$2,400.00
Bergdorf Goodman
-30%
Ferragamo
Women East-West tote bag (S) Black
$1,295.00
$1,850.00
Ferragamo
-41%
Valentino
Vlogo Leather Bucket Bag Red
$1,799.99
$3,050.00
Rue La La
Gucci
GG Marmont Mini crossbody bag Black
$1,800.00
Mytheresa
Bottega Veneta
Midnight blue Intrecciato Concert pouch
$1,420.00
TheDoubleF
Moncler
Moncler Very Tote Bag, Women, Brown, Size: One Size
$1,630.00
Moncler
-34%
Valentino
Nellcote Mini Suede Tote Brown
$1,299.99
$1,980.00
Rue La La
Burberry
Small Highlands Shoulder Bag Beige
$1,450.00
Burberry
-55%
Valentino
Viva Small Canvas & Leather Tote Brown
$1,199.99
$2,650.00
Rue La La
Original text and content: Kayla Kuefler and Mio Paternoss
Updated text and content: Emma Trimboli