The 12 Best Affordable Handbag Brands That Ooze Luxury, According to Experts

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Without the residuals from a worldwide stadium tour or a TV deal, how often can you say you have the same bag as Taylor Swift or Kendall Jenner? We’ll tell you: Anytime you’re carrying clutches and totes from affordable bag brands like Aupen, By Far, and Mansur Gavriel. The very best ones deviate from dupe culture, which often features unoriginal designs made with lower-quality materials. Truly excellent budget-friendly brands tout styles with the same level of craftsmanship and luxe materials (like rich Italian leather and velvety suede) as designer handbags, and put forward their twist on beloved silhouettes like crossbody bags, shoulder bags, slouchy bags, and tote bags. Many times, they have the very same qualities that draw us toward labels with eye-watering prices, such as their use of sustainable materials and celebrity stamps of approval. 

Besides bragging rights, there are even more reasons to shop from one of the best affordable designer handbag brands, like the fact that our carryalls are strapped to our sides 24/7 and, as a result, take a lot of abuse, according to author and fashion stylist Heather Newberger. “While I can live with the idea that someone may accidentally spill a drink on my everyday bag, I can’t really get behind my designer bag being destroyed by something as nonchalant as nail polish being knocked over at the salon,” she adds. If your beach bag plans on touching sand, your bag for work has a sticky subway commute, or your overnight bag is subject to the inside of the overhead bin, a designer pick may not be the most practical choice. 

Then, you have to think about what affordable means to you. Is a $40 bag actually “affordable” when it inevitably breaks in a month? As NYC-based fashion stylist Audree Kate López explains, “If the bag is $200 and you wear it three times per week for a year, it’s less than a dollar per wear,” as opposed to a cheaper bag that falls apart after one wedding reception. 

Contemporary designer bag brands are everywhere, if you know where to look: New labels seemingly emerge out of thin air on a daily basis, and classic heritage brands unleash iterations of cherished styles quarterly. Suffice to say, we have plenty of affordable bag brands to choose from. To narrow down the list, we created this guide with expert tips and product picks to find the best, most high-quality affordable purse brands for anyone’s needs. 

Top Affordable Bag Brands of 2023

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Coach

When Coach launched its original saddlebag decades ago, who knew that the brand would continue to stay fresh and relevant among choosy Gen Z consumers and its more seasoned clients with some of its original silhouettes? Of course, the mid-range designer bag brand is a pro at capturing the current zeitgeist, as it releases iterations of its classic silhouettes with trend-centered additions such as metallic shades, pillowy silhouettes, and heavy hardware. Notably, we’re keeping our eye on the flashy re-brands of the enduring Tabby Bag, which have earned 2.6 million views on TikTok.

In its latest strategy to capture the heart of the eco-conscious younger generations, Coach launched Coachtopia in 2023. The subbrand upcycles leather scraps left on the cutting room floor and uses other recycled materials to re-design handbags in a range of silhouettes and styles. 

Still, everything from its dreamy Y2K-adjacent fluffy Mira shoulder bag to its timeless saddle bag maintains a high level of quality and craft that gives them life generations over, and all for as low as $150.

Ganni

Though Scandinavian brand Ganni is over two decades old, leave it to internet darlings like Emma Chamberlain and a strong social media presence, (#GanniGirls, anyone?), to keep its mainstay among the fashion community. As illustrated by the brand’s use of oversized collars and playful proportions, it will not be denied from having fun, and similar to its apparel, its handbags don’t take themselves too seriously, either.

We suddenly feel like we’re back in math class while holding Ganni’s delightful collection of hexagonal and square-shaped bags — each becomes more exciting when you delve inside to reveal leopard print lining or equally thrilling design detail. And who wouldn’t smile while swinging the extended knotted handle of the Raffia Bag from their hand? Make no mistake, despite their quirky appeal, these bags boast the same high-quality and eco-conscious materials as Ganni’s clothing. As a bonus, most of the bags are made from recycled leather.

Polène

Less than a decade old, this French family-owned brand captured the hearts and wallets of your most stylish friends, fashion influencers, and the TikTok community. Polène bags even (fittingly, we might add) played a recurring role in the series “Emily in Paris” — we’re still lusting after the Yké in Epuisé that swung off Lily Collins’ wrist in the series. You can add the royal seal of approval to this brand’s resume, too, as we clocked Kate Middleton carrying the Numèro Sept Mini Handbag during a recent press junket. 

We’re not surprised that Polène is popular among princesses and celebrities alike, considering all of the brand’s bags are made with rich Spanish and Italian leather crafted in Ubrique, Spain, a village famous for its leather goods. Additionally, each design touts curved edges, waves, and folds which lends them a touchable and artistic appeal fit for the boardroom or the ballet. 

Its designs keep functionality in mind too, as many of the shoulder bags feature adjustable straps so you can wear them under your arm or as a crossbody. Between their durability (take a look at this TikTok that literally tears one apart to show its impeccable craftsmanship), universal silhouettes, and rich neutral tones, you can count on these bags as enduring wardrobe staples.

Kate Spade

Far from mundane, (have you seen the 3D Showdog Fringed Bag?) Kate Spade’s tomato-shaped purses and taxi cab yellow micro clutches are the ray of sunshine breaking up our collection of neutral-toned work totes and practical crossbody bags. While its arsenal of eccentric designs never falls short, we’d be remiss not to pay respect to its line of classic purses, too. The now re-imagined Sam Shoulder Bag, for example, was the first silhouette ever released by the brand, earning it a loyal client base of ‘90s career women who wanted a high-quality, sharp-looking bag on an entry-level salary. 

Similar tote bag styles earned Kate Spade a couple of cameos in the original run of the “Sex and the City” series and iterations are still present on the shoulders of working women everywhere. Its celebrity fan base remains consistent today, now popular among younger stars like Millie Bobby Brown. Not to mention, the stunningly sweet Love Shack Heart Shape Crossbody garnered a waitlist and 7.2 million views on TikTok from Gen Z shoppers. 

By Far

You can feel like you’re part of the family every time you sport a handbag from this twin sister-run brand. By Far manufactures all of its bags in family-owned factories in Bulgaria and Spain, where craftsmen pay sharp attention to detail, as evidenced by the fine, nearly imperceptible stitching and elevated materials featured in every design.

And if you don’t immediately recognize the By Far name, you’ll most definitely recognize its bags. Kendall Jenner has slung the ‘90s-inspired Rachel affordable shoulder bag over her shoulder a time or two. And the Amber bag keeps good company with Hollywood elite like Kaia Gerber, Selena Gomez, and Bella Hadid. While many of its carryalls have minimalistic designs, anyone seeking an option with more pizzazz can still find vibrant shocks of pink and chain link hardware intermixed throughout its collection.

What to Look for in an Affordable Bag

Material: “Leather or faux leather is still your best friend when it comes to choosing a high-quality material for your bag,” says Newberger, who adds that nylon is another great option because it’s easy to clean and durable. López agrees and suggests opting for more unconventional materials like tweed, wicker, and straw bags to add additional personality to your carryall.

In addition to steering clear of cheap-looking materials such as polyester and polyurethane, López tells us to avoid plastic or overly shiny hardware. Instead, she suggests looking for minimal hardware and invisible stitching, adding that we should skip contrast and colorful stitching, because “this can make the bag feel juvenile, cheap, and not timeless,” she says. That doesn’t mean the fun is forbidden. As Newberger points out, design details like beading, unique handles, ruching, ties, and zippers can punch up the appearance of an affordable purse, regardless of material. “Each of these things offers the consumer something additional and helps justify the cost,” she adds.

Silhouette: In general, our experts agree that avoiding super trendy silhouettes and purchasing minimalist handbags is the best way to make an affordable handbag look more expensive than it is. Still, Lòpez says you can lean into the trends and have a multi-use, versatile piece by choosing a bag in a classic neutral color, and one made with high-quality materials, like Italian leather.

Additionally, you can’t go wrong with classic crossbody bags, or even belt bags as these are ideal for everyday wear since they allow you to go hands-free and keep the purse close by your side while you navigate through busy shopping centers and streets. 

Size: “I believe that you need at least three bags in your closet,” says López. She recommends a small clutch for special occasions, a large leather or canvas tote bag to function as your catch-all bag for work and travel, and a go-to everyday purse such as a medium-sized crossbody bag. Most importantly, your bag should be large enough to fit whatever items you need that day. Purchasing structured bags with compartments and pockets can keep the bag looking sleek and polished, even if the inside is bulging with your life’s essentials. 

Purpose: Before Newberger chooses the type of bag she’ll be carrying for the day, she considers how far she’s traveling, who she’s seeing, and even the weather.  “If I see rain in the forecast whatsoever, I’m choosing an affordable bag over a statement one,” she says. 

Above all, functionality is key, says López, who adds that you wouldn’t bring your work tote to a wedding or grab a micro-clutch before heading out for a long day with multiple pit stops. She asks herself, “Can it fit my phone, cards, keys, lipstick, and whatever I’ll need for the day? Does the work tote fit my laptop, chargers, water bottle, etc.? Does the bag have a zipper or snap closure for security and safety?” 

How We Selected the Best Affordable Bag Brands 

Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections.

When it came time to find the best affordable handbag brands, we set out to give our readers an in-depth point of view on the best styles and designers in the market. First, we researched hundreds of the most popular handbag brands, styles, and silhouettes to discover the best affordable handbag brands for 2023. Then, we narrowed it down even further to divulge our top favorites. To ensure all bags were thoroughly researched properly, we read thousands of online reviews and talked to industry experts, including López and Newberger. For other styles, we enlisted additional research help from the WWD Shop editorial team and sought inspiration from our own closets. While we all have personal favorites, our list includes the best handbag brands that are durable, on-trend, and don’t sacrifice style or quality for price. Learn more about us here.

Meet the Experts

Audree Kate López is a fashion stylist, blogger, and editor who’s worked on projects with brands like Marc Jacobs, Alice + Olivia, J. Crew, and Club Monaco. After styling clients and various celebrities in the past six years, she’s well versed in which accessories elevate an outfit, and the right handbag is chief among them. Although Lopez is partial to her Prada Saffiano Leather bag, she’s a firm believer that many affordable bag brands offer products with the same luxurious look and feel, and she often chooses ones from this very list for her everyday bags.

Heather Newberger is a wardrobe stylist, writer, and author of How to Date Your Wardrobe. She’s offered advice to publications such as NYLON, Marie Claire, InStyle, and the Wall Street Journal, including on the subject of handbags. Not only can she share which bag will look best with your outfit, but she also has an eye for understanding what types of handbags you’ll reuse over and over again.  

Meet the Author

Irene Richardson is a Brooklyn-based writer who covers fashion and beauty for brands such as InStyle, Byrdie, Brides, Travel + Leisure, and Footwear News. Her very first designer handbag was a Chloé Small Saddle Bag, which she has barely touched since moving to New York City since she finds it too fragile for long subway commutes and crowded sidewalks. She saves it for special occasions and opts for several bags from brands on this list instead. They allow her to blend in with the most fashionable residents in the city without worrying they’ll get destroyed or lose their luxe looks, and she frequently consults her coworkers, roommates, and friends about what are the best types of bags that fit their city lifestyle.

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