If you're a woman with a heart that beats for fashion, then it's likely you have a not-so-guilty preference for one particular type of fashion item. Some girls can't resist a new pair of earrings, others find the allure of a freshjumper all too tempting to avoid. I'd say I'm a "shoe person” and have little to no control when I stumble upon a pair of heels that talk to my innermost desires.
Conversely, being a shoe person has made me really good at buying bags (let me explain).Since I'll fall for almost any fancy piece of footwear that looks at me the right way, I’m far more discerning when it comes to handbags.
(Image credit: Michaela Efford)
Carrying a new bag brand calledMandel at London Fashion Week
This means I'm fussy in many ways. My bags have to be versatile, well-made,current and yet with the potential to last season after season. I don't love them unconditionally just because they're new or pretty; they have to earn a place in my wardrobe. As such, I've become well acquainted with some of the best handbags in the business.
Fromaffordable options that genuinely look more expensive (and won't fall apart after a few wears) to thedesigner names that are actually worth spending your paycheque on, these are my recommendations for every handbag category…
The Best Luxury Handbag Brands:
(Image credit: @hannahalmassi)
This is my favourite little black bag. It'sby Prada and goes with every work outfit.
First things first: If you're going to spend big bucks, please do so on something that will last. I'm not into putting down a wad of cash on something that will only look current for a season—my clothes, bags and shoes all have to work hard for the money.
With that in mind, I think there are certain luxury brands that are renowned for their top-quality leather goods as well as being able to tap into the fashion zeitgeist and produce something that feels at once current and timeless. Clever.
This designer handbag list could go on forever because it's such a competitive market and there are so many options available, but I have narrowed it down to a mere six to help in your search.
1. Prada
Prada
Small Saffiano Leather Double Prada Bag
Prada does trend-smashing options as well as it does classics. I'm a big fan of the brand's hardwearing Saffiano leather (that's like a textured high-shine finish) when it comes to choosing a quality day bag you want to carry non-stop.
2. Bottega Veneta
Bottega Veneta
Sardine Metal-Handle Intrecciato-Leather Bag
Another Italian luxury fashion house revered for its high standards and impeccable finish, Bottega is best known for its signature woven bags, and I particularly love this style with the sculptural metal handle.
3.Demellier
DeMellier
The Midi New York
The New York tote is undeniably a coveted staple from the brand, but the silhouette's smaller sister, the Midi New York, is also a great option worth investing in.
4. Loewe
Loewe
Small Puzzle Bag in Soft Grained Calfskin
This Spanish brand is known for its incredible leathers, and it's something that creative director Jonathan Anderson has amped up to the max, creating many It bags since he started at the brand in 2013. The puzzle bag has been particularly popular again over the past year or so and I can see why—it's so laid back and easy to use.
5. Saint Laurent
Saint Laurent
Le 5 À 7 in Padded Lambskin
We can't talk handbags without mentioning Saint Laurent, their notable Le 5 À 7 is a timelesstop handle design.
6. Gucci
Gucci
Jackie 1961 Small Shoulder Bag
Show me a fashion editor who doesn't have a Gucci bag. Almost every industry person I know has a bit of the GG action in their lives, and for good reason. This brand knows exactly how to created buzzed-about items, but it also knows how to produce a really solid, everyday kind of crossbody mini bag—a holy grail for those of us on the go.
7. Fendi
Fendi
Fendi First Small Bag
We all know Fendi's Baguette bag is a thing of beauty and will forever be cool, but the Italian fashion house creates other great handbag styles too. Right now, I'minto thisFirst clutchbag.
8. Chloé
Chloé
Woody Medium Leather-Trimmed Cotton-Canvas Tote
Chloé has had more It bags in its time than I've had really hot dinners, and many of those styles from the past still stand up today as a worthwhile investment.Many of the Chloé bags feature quite distinct hardware details and I have to admit, I prefer the plainer options. So this canvas Woody tote is the kind of bag I'd happily carryyear-round forever more.
9. Mulberry
Mulberry
Clovelly Tote
British brand Mulberry is still respected for its top-quality manufacturing and hardworking handbags, but the product offering these days is so much more varied and exciting than it was a decade ago.A steady stream of sensible, covetable handbags all have nods to trends and current details, but every single style—new or old—feels relevant and long-lasting.
10. Hermès
Hermès
Constance Exotic Leathers Handbag
Hermès bags are amongst some of the most expensive in the world due to the incredible craftsmanship behind each and every piece. The French brand's leather goods also tend to retain their value (so long as you don't completely destroy one) and could be considered a very wise investment if you have, oh, you know, £10,000 or more to spare.
11. Celine
Celine
Classique Triomphe Bag
French fashion house Celine is well know for its beautiful handbags, from the iconic luggage tote to modern day classics like the crossbody Triomphe. The perfect black bag, it's equal parts practical and stylish. Well worth the investment, we feel.
12. The Row
The Row
Sofia 10 Large Nubuck Shoulder Bag
While The Row's Margaux bag has been claimed by experts as the modern-day Birkin, there are so many pieces to love that will hold their value just as well as the Birkin does.
The Best Contemporary Handbag Brands:
(Image credit: @hannahalmassi)
Elleme's raffia Baozi bag
This is the part of the handbag industry that's been hotting up for years. Hitting around the £300 to £600 mark, new designer brands you can perhaps afford have been cropping up every season. With more to come for the rest of this year, it's clear that both retailers and shoppers are responding with some real zeal.
Once upon a time, this corner of the market was pretty empty (you could maybe get something around this price point from Marc Jacobs or See by Chloé), but now, it's hard to filter my favourites down into something digestible for you and your wardrobe. I've given it my best shot by grouping together the best contemporary bags I've invested in as well as the favourites amongst my fellow editors.
13.Aspinal of London
Aspinal of London
Small Florence Frame Bag
If something classic is your jam, thenAspinal of London is the answer. The British brand has seen great success withitssmart top handle bags, toted by some of the most famous celebrities, from Kate Middleton to Jennifer Lopez.
14.Oroton
Oroton
Fable Small Day Bag
Australian label Oroton has only recently come to the UK butthe brand isover 80 years old and a real favourite in its homeland.It's all about pared back shapes in neutral colours, aka the kind of simple-yet-effective handbags that go with everything.
15. Wandler
Wandler
Penelope Micro Leather Shoulder Bag
Wandler is perhaps the most popular handbag brand in our office (four people own one). New styles are now filtering in and all of us would be more than happy adding to our collection. I've carried my mini Wandler (in white, might I add) so many times that you'd expect it to be battered, but it still looks perfect.
16. Toteme
Toteme
Scooped Sling Bglack
Toteme is a go-to brand for minimalist Scandi styles with a contemporary twist, and their bags perfectly nail the aesthetic. Sleek, understated and beautifully made, these are perfect for those who love The Row's minimalism but don't want to pay thousands.
17. Elleme
Elleme
Raisin Leather Handbag
Elleme is a French brand that I've been in love with for a few years now. I own a couple ofits styles — a Baozi and one of these Raisin totes (above) — and get plenty of wear out of both. They're unusual but still plain enough to keep using on repeat, plus they're beautifully manufactured.
18. Dragon Diffusion
Dragon Diffusion
Diagonal Triple Jump Woven-Leather Tote Bag
Dragon Diffusion's bags are handmade and purposefully created to feel artisanal and unique with slightly wonky silhouettes and an aged patina finish. They're the perfect chuck-everything-in-and-go kind of bags, and French girls are particularly keen.
19. By Far
By Far
Black Miranda Bag
When it comes to trendsetting bags,BY FAR is always at thestart of the curve.Its '90s inspired shoulder bags have spawned many a copycat, and now they're experimenting more with iterations like pocket styles andfun colours.
20. Marni Market
Marni Market
Brown Marni Market Sunday Mini Basket Bag
I'm a huge fan of Marni's mainline leathergoods (andits Trunk bag isa classic style I'm really keen to save up for one day), but there's a little diffusion artisanal line called Marni Market, which is full of joyful shoppers and totes in woven, knitted and crocheted fabrics atmore affordable prices.
Best Affordable Handbag Brands:
(Image credit: @hannahalmassi)
My cat, Folly, and a cute beaded bag from Topshop.
Buying expensive-looking handbags on the high street is still—even in 2024—really difficult. I think it's best to go one of two ways: Either opt for something really minimal (and ideally made of suede or leather) or choose to indulge the wilder trends and cuter styles on a budget. Sometimes it's tricky to tell whether a beaded bag cost you £500 or £25, for example.
21. COS
COS
Swing Leather Crossbody Bag
COS's bag offering has really improved over the last few seasons, with super-minimal leather and fabric styles that you could easily trick someone into thinking they're from The Row. No joke!
22.Mango
Mango
Leather-Effect Shoulder Bag
If you're into designer styles but don't have the budget to spare, thenMango will be a surefire hit. The brand specialises inaffordable, but expensive-looking designsthat feel elevated and incredibly modern.
23. Charles & Keith
Charles & Keith
Asymmetrical Shoulder Bag
Charles & Keith's vegan leather bags are more exciting than your average, and the brand will try quite daring trends. You can also find bags that strike a note somewhere in the middle, like thissleek minimalist style.
24. H&M
H&M
Shoulder Bag
Regular readers will know that we really rate H&M for affordable classics you'll have in your wardrobe for years. The brand's bag selection is one of the best on the high street, with plenty of staple styles as well as cute evening options and practical totes, too.
25. Baggu
Baggu
Medium Nylon Crescent Bag
Baggu's reusable nylon bags are just so handy!
26. Arket
Arket
Leather Crossbody Bag
Arket's bags are of a similar ilk to COS: Minimal in style, nicely made and guaranteed to last.Itscross-body bucked styles have been particularly favoured recently.
27. Zara
ZARA
Flat Leather Shopper Bag
Zara is always going to be more trend-driven than classic, but grab-and-go styles like this tote will be handy for many years to come.
28. Massimo Dutti
Massimo Dutti
Woven Nappa Leather Bucket Bag
Zara's sister brand Massimo Dutti has been serving up expensive-looking handbags for years, but this season's offering feels particularly special.
29. Topshop
Topshop
Stella Scoop Shoulder Bag
Let's be honest, we were all gutted when Topshop closed its doors back in 2021. But, we weren't without the high-street giant for long, as the brand was then taken over by ASOS. Now, fashion lovers can shop Topshop products online, including their vast collection of very chic—and very reasonably priced—handbags. This shoulder bag looks far beyond it's £28 price tag, don't you think?
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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