Satchels, totes, bucket bags, oh my! With a dizzying array of affordable designer bags entering the market, how do you find “the one” (or the one this season) that suits your style, needs, and budget?
With a little help from a fashion-forward friend of course. After my deep-dive into mid-luxury brands and the quiet luxury bags list you couldn’t get enough of, it was my natural next step to compile this list.
Browse affordable luxury bags ranging from $100- $1000 below.
Affordable Luxury Bags Under $100
Regarding affordable luxury handbags, everyone has their take on what qualifies. These options prove you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy a luxe aesthetic.
Anthropologie The Love Knot Slouchy Bag
Price: $98
Material: Faux leather
Why It’s a Great Bag: With its unique knot detail and slouchy silhouette, this bag from Anthropologie adds a playful yet polished touch to any outfit. It’s designed to hold all your essentials, including a laptop, making it a functional addition to your bag collection.
JW PEI Harlee Shoulder Bag
Price: $89
Material: Vegan leather
Why It’s a Great Bag: This faux leather bag is an affordable way to keep things chic, perfect for a dinner date or an afternoon out. If you’re wondering, it comes in an array of beautiful shades and it fits 15 Pro Max or anything smaller.
Affordable Designer Bags Under $200
We have yet to explore some of the best affordable designer bags. The following options balance style, quality, and timeless appeal.
Longchamp Le Pliage Tote
Price: $155
Material: Recycled canvas with Russian leather trim
Why It’s a Great Bag: A classic for a reason, the Le Pliage Tote is perfect for everything from work to weekend getaways. Its foldable design makes it incredibly versatile and travel-friendly.
Coach Pouch Bag With Signature Canvas
Price: $195
Material: Crossgrain Leather
Why It’s a Great Bag: Coach is brimming with affordable luxury bags. This design, reminiscent of the 90s, is minimalist yet versatile. Paired with iconic Coach hardware, it brings an understated sophistication to your look.
Madewell Zip-Top Medium Transport Tote
Price: $188
Material: High-quality leather
Why It’s a Great Bag: This tote is a larger version of the Small Transport Tote, offering more space for everyday essentials. The durable leather and classic design make it an excellent investment.
Polène Numero Un Nano Bag
Price: $195
Material: Smooth calfskin leather
Why It’s a Great Bag: A structured mini bag from Polène, the Numero Un Nano offers a sleek silhouette with unique curves that complement both casual and formal looks. Plus, any relevant affordable luxury bags list requires a nod to this up-and-coming brand.
Affordable Luxury Bags Under $300
We’re still staying firmly in the realm of affordable designer bags, with a mix of geometrically stunning and sleek pieces to explore.
Coach Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 28
Price: $295
Material: Natural Grain Leather
Why It’s a Great Bag: The perfect compliment to any outfit, this elegant bag is classic enough for work and stylish enough for a night out.
Songmont Small Luna Bag
Price: $299
Material: Top-grain leather
Why It’s a Great Bag: This effortlessly beautiful bag was inspired by the moon. Its versatile design means it can be worn as a casual crossbody bag or carried as an elegant handheld bag.
Staud Moon Leather Tote
Price: $295 Material: Cow leather with suede lining Why It’s a Great Bag: A classic bag in a clean crescent cut, earning its moon moniker. Perfect for elevating everyday looks to achieve a refined elegance.Cuyana Mini Bow Bag
Price: $298 Material: Italian pebbled leather Why It’s a Great Bag: A favorite for its feminine bow detail and sophisticated design, this bag is perfect for special occasions or everyday wear.Harwell Leather Hobo Bag
Price: $295 Material: Responsible Leather (via the Leather Working Group) Why It’s a Great Bag: This bag harkens back to the early 90s thanks to its crescent shape adorned with thoughtful details: saddle stitching, a leather-wrapped buckle, and an adjustable strap.Need more details before you buy? SeeThis list of affordable designer bag brands.
Affordable Luxury Bags Under $500
These highly praised affordable luxury handbags offer refined touches that make them truly standout investments for your wardrobe.
Ralph Lauren Leather Medium Farrah Satchel
Price: $425
Material: Leather and polyester
Why It’s a Great Bag: With a refined silhouette, this timeless satchel will become a staple in any closet. Plus you get to enjoy the Ralph Lauren signature turn-lock closure.
Fossil Gilmore Leather Carryall
Price: $395
Material: Responsible Leather
Why It’s a Great Bag: Gilded with decorative belt detailing, crafted from high-quality leather, and outfitted with inner pockets, the Gilmore is a charming everyday bag.
Strathberry Lana Osette Bag
Price: $495
Material: Leather
Why It’s a Great Bag: It’s no surprise that Strathberry earns a place in our affordable designer bags roundup. The Lana Osette is a modern take on the classic bucket bag. Deceptively spacious, this bag adds polish to any look with its unique bar closure. Grab it while you can.
Senreve Mini Fortuna Bag
Price: $495
Material: Italian Leather
Why It’s a Great Bag: This versatile bag stuns as a crescent crossbody, or enjoy folding it up into a fortune-cookie-style wristlet. Sweet and adjustable, shop this ultra-chic bag here.
Mansur Gavriel Mini Crossbody Bag
Price: $395
Material: Italian leather
Why It’s a Great Bag: This mini bag features a clean, timeless design and high-quality leather, making it lightweight and ideal for everyday use.
Demellier London Vancouver
Price: $465
Material: Leather sourced from gold-rated Italian tanneries
Why It’s a Great Bag: Ethically crafted and irrefutably chic, the Vancouver bag is both stylish and socially responsible, perfect for the modern fashion enthusiast.
Cult Gaia Kazia Leather Crossbody Bag
Price: $398
Material: Smooth leather
Why It’s a Great Bag: Featuring a curved silhouette and twisted top handle, this refined bag is perfect for transitioning from day to night.
Affordable Designer Bags Under $1000
If you’re looking for an investment-worthy find, explore some of the most elegant affordable luxury bags below.
Mulberry Amberley Satchel
Price: $995
Material: Sustainable leather
Why It’s a Great Bag: This equestrian-inspired satchel offers a structured design with Mulberry’s iconic hardware reimagined to a geometrical Rider’s Lock.
Senreve Midi Maestra Leather Satchel
Price: $845
Material: Italian pebbled leather
Why It’s a Great Bag: This bag is functional yet fashionable, with multiple compartments and a convertible design that allows it to be worn as a backpack, crossbody, or tote.
DeMellier Tokyo Suede Tote
Price: $670
Material: Sustainably sourced leather
Why It’s a Great Bag: This oversized tote combines minimalist design with low-impact materials, ideal for eco-conscious shoppers looking for a bag that can carry everything you need and more.
Mansur Gavriel Mini Bucket Bag
Price: $495
Material: Italian vegetable-tanned leather
Why It’s a Great Bag: The bucket bag from Mansur Gavriel offers minimalist elegance and superior craftsmanship, perfect for everyday wear.
YSL Monogram Flap Clutch in Grained Leather
Price: $795
Material: Matelassé grain de poudre embossed leather
Why It’s a Great Bag: A classic design from a famous couture house, this clutch adds sophistication to any look and a detachable wristlet adds versatility.
Affordable Sustainably-Made Luxury Bags
Round out your sustainable wardrobe with a quality, ethically-made handbag. One of these will do the trick.
Cuyana Classic Easy Tote
Price: $268
Material: Sustainably sourced Italian leather
Why It’s a Great Bag: Cuyana’s commitment to sustainability shines in this classic tote, featuring buttery soft leather and a spacious design, perfect for the eco-conscious to bring to work or travel.
Reformation Medium Vittoria Tote
Price: $498
Material: Leather sourced from sustainable tanneries
Why It’s a Great Bag: This roomy tote is sustainably made in Bulgaria and offers a stylish, functional option for everyday use. Yes, it fits a laptop!
Demellier Tokyo Leather Shoulder Bag
Price: $465
Material: Leather sourced from sustainable tanneries
Why It’s a Great Bag: Giving back is at the heart of this brand that combines ethical production with chic designs. This bag is perfect for anyone looking to make a fashion statement and an impact.
Maison de Sabrè Small Leather Tote
Price: $319 Material: Full-grain Vegan Leather Why It’s a Great Bag: From the most sustainable leather tanning process in the world comes a compact tote hiding a playful interior. Plus enjoy its detachable shoulder strap and magnetic closure feature.Hereu Calella Suede and Leather Tote
Price: $535
Material: Sustainably sourced calf suede and leather
Why It’s a Great Bag: A striking yet classic tote created by Spanish artisans striving for a minimal impact on our planet. This is the type of tote that will elevate any outfit.
A.P.C. Grace Bag
Price: $650-$900
Material: Supple cowhide leather
Why It’s a Great Bag: This bag is perfect for those who appreciate minimalist design. Sleek design and adjustable strap, this bag is available in regular, small, mini, & baguette sizes.
Mulberry Mini Alexa Bag
Price: $1,295 Material: Calfskin leather sourced from an LWG-certified tannery. Why It’s a Great Bag: An iconic design with modern flair, the Alexa Bag is perfect for those seeking a timeless piece that showcases style and sustainability.How I Chose These Affordable Luxury Bags
Inquiring minds would like to know. Here’s how I selected the affordable designer bags on the list.
Budget
Understanding that affordability varies from person to person, I sought brands that provide luxury without excessive costs. I know some of you want to invest in a staple piece for your wardrobe while others are dipping a toe into affordable luxury for more casual use. Either way, there are bags across all price points to suit your fancy.
Quality
With recent concerns about declining luxury bag quality despite skyrocketing prices, quality was top of mind as I crafted this list. The bags featured here prioritize craftsmanship, durable materials, and timeless designs. After all, you want to invest in pieces that won’t just last for a season but for years to come. Quality over hype was my motto throughout this process.
Research
Just like my other guides, this list involved diving into fashion blogs, YouTube channels, and expert reviews, along with scouring Reddit threads for unfiltered opinions. By looking at the firsthand experiences of luxury lovers and casual shoppers alike, I aimed to keep the picks well-rounded. Each bag isn’t just stylish, but also thoughtfully curated based on real feedback from buyers and fashion pros.
FAQs on Affordable Designer Bags
When choosing a luxury bag, it’s essential to think about longevity, style, versatility, and quality. One of the best luxury bags worth buying is the Louis Vuitton Neverfull. This tote has been a timeless classic and retains its value exceptionally well, making it a great investment.
If you’re looking for a more understated luxury bag, the Cuyana Classic Easy Tote is a fantastic choice. It’s sustainably sourced and features buttery Italian leather, giving it both ethical appeal and everyday practicality. Another solid contender is the Mulberry Alexa Bag, a cult classic known for its iconic satchel shape and premium craftsmanship.
Both the Cuyana and Mulberry bags make it easy to blend style with durability, offering excellent value for your money.
Finding a designer bag under $1000 that strikes the perfect balance between luxury and affordability isn’t as difficult as it might seem. Some of the best options include:
- Mulberry Amberley Satchel – Priced at $995, this bag brings equestrian elegance with a structured silhouette and signature Rider’s Lock.
- Senreve Midi Maestra Leather Satchel – At $845, this bag is incredibly versatile with its convertible design, offering multiple compartments for ultimate functionality.
- DeMellier Tokyo Suede Tote – For $670, this tote combines minimalist design with sustainably sourced leather, making it an eco-conscious yet stylish pick.
- Mansur Gavriel Mini Bucket Bag – Coming in at $495, this bag is perfect for those who appreciate minimalist elegance and superior craftsmanship.
Some popular mid-luxury bag brands include Strathberry, Demellier London, Polène, Cuyana, and Mansur Gavriel. These brands offer the perfect blend of quality, timeless design, and more accessible pricing compared to high-end designer labels. Each of these brands focuses on craftsmanship and materials, making them great investments for building a sophisticated wardrobe.
If you’re curious to explore more, check out my detailed list of affordable luxury bag brands here, where I break down the best options at every price point.
