When indulging in a luxury piece, one must remember to look for substance, not just a label. In this guide, I’m sharing some of my top picks for affordable luxury items, from iconic brands to hidden gems that you may not have heard of (but should).
I’ve woven in insights from fashion bloggers, Reddit reviewers, and real shoppers who are actually living with these pieces—because nothing beats the wisdom of people who’ve experienced them firsthand.
Ready to treat yourself? Let’s dive in.
Affordable Luxury Items Under $300
Let’s begin with five beautiful and budget-friendly designer items. Below, find quality pieces from familiar designers and lesser-known ones.
Prada Tortoiseshell Sunglasses
Prada’s eyewear collection is crafted with a level of detail that makes each piece feel timeless. These tortoiseshell sunglasses, in particular, showcase the brand’s signature blend of sophistication and everyday elegance.
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Price: $260
Why It’s Quality: Prada Eyewear is known for high quality and careful production, The brand’s dedication to detail results in eyewear that feels timeless and luxurious, with frames and lenses designed to withstand daily wear.
I’ve had a pair of cat eye Prada reading glasses going on three years now and they still look as polished as the day I bought them.
Emanuele Bicocchi Crest Brooch
For those who would never wear a boring outfit, reconsider the brooch. This 24K gold-plated one is not your grandmother’s. Brooches are severely underrated, but slowly, the fashion-forward are recognizing their versatility and charm.
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Price: $241
Why It’s Quality: Each piece from Emanuele Bicocchi is handmade in Italy, using only 925 sterling silver of the highest standard. Wearers on Trustpilot praise the reasonable pricing and exceptional customer service as reasons they keep coming back.
Gift shopping? This is easily one of my favorite affordable luxury gifts for the fashion forward.
Carolina Amato Leather Gloves
Nothing quite says luxurious elegance like buttery lambskin leather gloves. The interior doesn’t skimp either, with a lining crafted from a blend of cashmere and wool.
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Price: $175
Why It’s Quality: Carolina Amato has been crafting chic gloves since 1979 and, consequently, the brand is lauded for impeccable craftsmanship, offering exceptional warmth and style. One fashion consultant highlighted the simple yet ingenious zipper design that allows wearers unparalleled ease in donning and removing the gloves.
Loeffler Randall Stefania Bag
With supple vachetta leather, slim tonal handles, and a stunning push lock closure, this bag is an understated accessory that will complement many outfits.
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Price: $295
Why It’s Quality: Loeffler Randall is a female-founded brand committed to top-quality craftsmanship and originality. I can’t help but consider this 100% leather bag a perfect gift for a special woman in your life.
Like this bag? You’ll love these quiet luxury handbags I curated for easy shopping.
Shaun Leane Quill Ring
Known for redefining the standard of British jewelry design, Shaun Leane knows how to break tradition. Don’t just take my word for it; he’s won the UK Jewellery Designer of the Year award four times.
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Price: $262
Why It’s Quality: Shaun Leane is a “jewelers jeweler”, excelling under the most discerning standards. Whether you’re treating yourself or you’re a gift-giving maven, this multi-award-winning designer will provide you with fine, unconventional jewelry.
Unwilling to cross the $500 mark? Here’s a list of Mid-Luxury Brands sorted by price point.
Affordable Designer Items Under $500
This next sampling of affordable designer pieces features a mix of functional pieces and elegant finishing touches.
Coach Tabby Shoulder Bag
The Coach Tabby Shoulder Bag comes in a sleek, structured design inspired by 1970s silhouettes.
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Price: $450
Why it’s Quality: The Tabby has garnered rave reviews for the durability of its leather. Wearers frequently mention its ability to hold up through daily wear without showing signs of damage.
One Reddit fan mentioned the impeccable quality, sharing she used it “almost daily for the last 6 months and I’m obsessed.”
Acne Studios Scarf
Made in Italy, this cozy and comforting unisex scarf is offered in various colorways to speak to your style while remaining true to the minimalist heart of the Acne Studios brand.
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Price: $340
Why It’s Quality: This fringed piece is a wool and alpaca blend, keeping you warm and chic. Like many stylish women, Sydney-based blogger Vee, had this scarf on her wishlist for ages before she invested in the piece. Once purchased, wearers like Vee gush over the scarf’s excellent warmth, versatile design, and timeless style.
Ferragamo Gancini Compact Wallet
Ferragamo wallets and card holders are famously long-lasting, earning them a coveted spot on our list. Features include a simple signature logo hardware and grained calfskin material.
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Price: $495
Why It’s Quality: Ferragamo wallets have an unassuming yet steady cult following thanks to extremely durable craftsmanship and the quiet luxury status of the brand.
One member of the Purse Forum shared that she and her spouse have used their Ferragamo wallets for between 2 and 5 years and experienced very minimal wear and tear.
Want more quiet luxury recommendations? Explore legacy and new quiet luxury fashion houses here
Frye Pull On Boot
Signature leathers, intricate stitching detail, and a cushioned footbed for comfort. This boot is ready for year-round wear.
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Price: $348
Why It’s Quality: Frye boots are certainly having a moment in 2024, but I promise it’s well deserved. In the case of Frye craftsmanship, ‘long lasting’ is an understatement.
One pragmatic shopper has worn the same pair of Frye boots for fifteen years and promises he is “taking these puppies to the grave.”
David Yurman Modern Cable Bracelet
The Modern Cable Bracelet by David Yurman comes with several gemstone options from topaz to pearl to onyx. The cable collection is his signature design, beloved by many.
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Price: $450
Why It’s Quality: This bracelet is made from sterling silver and 14kt yellow gold, materials that see very little tarnish, especially with proper care. The recognizable design of the cable collection adds tremendous elegance to your look.
Affordable Luxury Items Under $1000
You all adored my list of designer bags under $1000 so it’s only fair I branch out with more luxe items in this budget range. Let’s delve in.
Strathberry Mosaic Leather Handbag
Strathberry bags are made with attention to detail and an eye for beauty and functionality, all while meeting us at an accessible price point.
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Price: $605
Why It’s Quality: The bags are handcrafted in Spain from the highest quality leather, and feature elegant and structured designs without gauche branding. One Reddit user mentions that her Nano bag garners compliments while withstanding daily use with minimal wear and tear.
BY FAR Stevie Tall Boots
The Stevie Tall Boots from BY FAR are pointed-toe, knee-high buffed leather slip-on boots for fans of timeless style and comfortable wear.
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Price: $660
Why It’s Quality: BY FAR was established in 2016 by Bulgarian besties whose commitment to comfort, quality, and style has never wavered. Each item is made by hand in a family-run factory and the reviews are endlessly positive.
To give you an idea of the inimitable comfort level, boot enthusiast TikToker, Sam Todd has arthritis in her foot and has purchased the Stevie boot in three colors!
Maria Black Grace Diamond Necklace
The Grace necklace features three connecting lab-grown diamonds on a 14-karat yellow gold chain, while a fourth diamond dangles from the center.
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Price: $981
Why It’s Quality: Maria Black recognizes the importance of sustainability, as a brand committed to treating both people and the planet with respect.
As a trained goldsmith, Maria Black ensures each piece is meticulously crafted using the finest, most durable, and high-quality materials.
Proenza Schouler Tote Bag
A brand defined by fine, luxury materials, consistently infused with a marked sense of effortlessness and ease- what’s not to love?
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Price: $850
Why It’s Quality: This canvas tote bag is composed of only the finest materials: 40% calfskin, 30% cotton, 30% linen. Wearers are happy with the quality and craftsmanship of Proenza Schouler bags as well as the understated nature of the bag.
Anine Bing Quinn Coat
The Anine Bing Quinn Coat is the ultimate investment piece for your outerwear collection. Crafted from a luxe blend, this coat offers exceptional warmth, durability, and sophistication.
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Price: $900
Why It’s Quality: Don’t waste a cent on designer coats made of polyester! The high quality of Anine Bing means you’re not paying solely for a brand name, but for clothing that will stand the test of time. Mohair, wool, cashmere, and polyamide fabrics are the only materials comprising this stunning outerwear.
Where to Get Luxury Items at a Discount
Contrary to popular belief, luxury doesn’t always have to cost an arm and a leg. Here are some ways you can find designer pieces at a reduced price.
Browse Resell Sites
Falling in love with a vintage designer piece is a rite of passage for any shopping aficionado.
Get your happy-ever-after by using sites like TheRealReal and Vestiaire to gain access to a vast collection of pre-loved luxury and designer fashion.
Check Outlet Stores
Outlet stores like The Outnet, from the NET-A-PORTER group, and Saks OFF 5th offer savvy shoppers the opportunity to snag past-season collections and overstock items at reduced prices.
Shop Sample Sales
Honestly, I have an unhealthy obsession with sample sales. I have been gatekeeping my favorite sites but for you, dear reader, I will acquiesce.
Enjoy the exclusive sales of 260 Sample Sale. I do recommend signing up for text reminders because things can sell out quickly! Gilt also boasts an array of designer brands.
Affordable Luxury Items FAQs
Your warm welcome into the world of affordable luxury shopping would not be complete without dedicating time for any lingering questions.
For an accessible entry into luxury, Coach and Ganni stand out. Coach offers beautifully crafted leather bags and timeless accessories at a more reasonable price, typically ranging from $200 to $500. Their attention to detail and quality materials make them a solid luxury investment without the steep price tag.
Ganni, with its fun, contemporary twist on luxury, also offers affordable options that combine luxury materials with playful designs, typically ranging from $300 to $600
If you’re looking for something more fashion-forward, The Frankie Shop provides chic, minimalist designs with a luxury feel, all while staying under $500. Known for its elevated basics and tailored outerwear, it’s a great choice for those who want stylish, high-end pieces without splurging.
Designer items worth the money are those that combine superior craftsmanship with timeless design. Pieces like shoes, coats, and bags made of quality materials ensure that your purchase will stand the test of time and maintain its value.
Designer brands and items that meet this criteria include the majority of brands on this list.
Check out this article for more sustainably-made luxury bags and for those looking beyond handbags here are 16 investment pieces every woman should own.
Mid-luxury brands offer quality at a more accessible price point, while luxury brands emphasize exclusivity, superior craftsmanship, and elevated customer experiences.
Mid-Luxury Brands:
These sit neatly between mass-market brands and high-end labels. They offer quality clothing and accessories without the exorbitant price tags of exclusive designer names.
Luxury Brands:
Luxury brands maintain high craftsmanship standards, but their prices reflect the exclusivity and elite status of their brand. They also enhance the shopping experience, offering personalized services, unique experiences, and even bespoke options.
If the pragmatist in you is inclined to delve into mid-luxury, I’ve created a list of beloved and emerging mid-luxury brands for you to explore.
