Ask any handbag lover, and chances are they’ll have one thing in common: knowing when to invest and when to save when shopping for a new bag.
Sure, there are those who will happily drop thousands on a shiny new investment piece from Toteme or The Row, but for some of us, well, we’re simply not in that tax bracket.
The Best Affordable Handbag Brands, According To marie claire:
That doesn’t mean chic, elevated handbags are out of reach, though. Oh no, not at all. Thankfully, we’re more spoilt for choice than ever, with brands offering beautifully designed bags across affordable and mid-range price points.
Take heritage names like Coach and Longchamp, for example. Both have decades of experience behind them, with a strong reputation for quality craftsmanship and premium leather. And while some of the collections certainly venture into the pricier end of the spectrum, you can still find plenty of stylish options for less than $500.
So, if you identify as a handbag lover but don’t quite have the luxury of spending five figures on a new arm candy, this one’s for you. Below, we’ve rounded up the handbag brands we always turn to for affordable pieces that still look impeccably stylish.
Read: The Trending Coach Bags That Double As Perfect Capsule Wardrobe Foundations
Coach
Coach is the place to go if you’re looking for a designer accessory without the price tag. The heritage brand has been making bags for over 80 years, and owns the sweet spot between classic craftsmanship and cool, trending pieces. Expect high quality leather, recognisable silhouettes, and modern twists on an everyday handbag.
Handbags start from: $225
COACH
Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 28
COACH
Chelsea Shoulder Bag 30
COACH
Soft Tabby Shoulder Bag 20
COACH
Waverly Bag
SABEN
New Zealand label SABEN is all about making handbags work as hard as you do, without sacrificing style. The brand pairs textured leathers with clean, modern shapes and clever functionality, from adjustable straps to smart internal organisation. The result are bags that feel polished enough for work, but seamlessly transition to everyday life.
Handbags start from: $319
SABEN
Tilly’s Big Sis Crossbody
SABEN
Isla Shoulder Bag
SABEN
June Shoulder Bag
SABEN
Ellis Shoulder Bag
Reh Studios
If you’re a minimalist handbag lover, chances are you’re already familiar with Reh Studios. The collection is built around refined leather bags and clean silhouettes with an effortlessly polished feel, from structured top-handle styles to softer totes and everyday shoulder bags. These handbags are easy to wear and style, so will be the kind you’ll reach for every single day.
Handbags start from: $299
REH STUDIOS
Valentina Bag
REH STUDIOS
Marlow Tote
REH STUDIOS
Austenne Bag
REH STUDIOS
Camille Bag
Longchamp
Longchamp likely needs no introduction. The French maison has been honing its leather expertise since 1948, with its bags balancing timeless design, versatility and a healthy dose of Parisian polish. And while its leather styles can venture well into investment territory, the iconic Le Pliage remains one of the easiest entry points into the brand.
Handbags start from: $185
LONGCHAMP
Le Pliage Original L Tote Bag
LONGCHAMP
Le Pliage Xtra S Shoulder Bag
LONGCHAMP
Le Roseau M Shoulder Bag
LONGCHAMP
Épure XS Tote Bag
Charles And Keith
If you’re after something fashion-forward without the designer price tag, Charles & Keith is a very good place to look. The Singaporean label is well-versed in sleek, modern silhouettes, from structured totes to minimalist shoulder and crossbody styles. There’s plenty of trend appeal, but the styles are versatile enough to slot neatly into your everyday wardrobe.
Handbags start from: $63
CHARLES AND KEITH
Vega Faux Suede Hobo Bag
CHARLES AND KEITH
Aislin Hobo Bag
CHARLES AND KEITH
Adalyn Hobo Bag
CHARLES AND KEITH
Beryl Belted Bucket Bag
Deadly Ponies
Deadly Ponies is another New Zealand brand, with a collection that spans structured totes, slouchy silhouettes, crossbody bags and shoulder styles, often made from premium leather or suede. The overall aesthetic is refined without feeling too precious, making these the sort of bags that can move from the office to the weekend and still look right at home.
Handbags start from: $399
DEADLY PONIES
D Rex Clutch
DEADLY PONIES
Siamese Bag
DEADLY PONIES
Bandit Baguette
DEADLY PONIES
Vault Clutch
Staud
If there’s one brand that knows how to make a handbag fun, it’s STAUD. The Los Angeles label is behind the now-iconic Tommy Bag, a playful beaded style that has become something of a fashion-world viral sensation thanks to its quirky motifs. It’s proof that an affordable handbag doesn’t have to be serious—sometimes the best accessory is the one that gets people talking.
Handbags start from: $281
STAUD
Eve Clutch
STAUD
Timmy Sequin-Embellished Shoulder Bag
STAUD
Tommy Beaded Bag
STAUD
Ollie Bag
Vestirsi
Vestirsi makes a convincing case for investing in good leather without venturing into luxury-designer territory. The Australian label combines Italian leather craftsmanship with a more relaxed Australian vibe, creating versatile shapes designed to make getting dressed—and carrying everything you need—a little easier.
Handbags start from: $249
VESTIRSI
Gia Croc Suede Shoulder Bag
VESTIRSI
Vera Baguette Bag
VESTIRSI
Sloane Large Leather Top Handle Crossbody
VESTIRSI
Rita Mini Crossbody Bag
The Horse
Sydney-based The Horse has mastered the art of the everyday leather handbag. Its designs are pared-back and vintage-inspired, with minimal detailing and soft Italian leather giving even its simplest silhouettes an elevated feel. From slouchy hobos and crescent bags to classic totes and crossbodies, these are bags designed to be used, loved and—importantly—get better with age.
Handbags start from: $159.95
THE HORSE
Friday Bag
THE HORSE
Rumi Tote
THE HORSE
Mini Lottie
THE HORSE
Fin Shoulder Bag
For classic, everyday handbags, brands like Coach, SABEN and Reh Studios are well worth a look. Whether you’re after a roomy shoulder bag that fits all your essentials or a polished tote with enough space for your work laptop (and everything else you carry), these brands have plenty of stylish, practical options.
When it comes to a classic leather handbag, heritage brands like Coach and Longchamp are hard to go past, thanks to their decades of experience in leather craftsmanship. For something with a more laidback Australian feel, newer labels like The Horse and Vestirsi offer beautifully made leather styles that feel polished without being overly formal.
For handbags with a little more fashion-forward appeal, look to brands like Charles & Keith and Staud, which are particularly good at tapping into current trends and playful design. If you prefer something a little more timeless, brands like Coach and Deadly Ponies offer classic silhouettes in fun colours and seasonal finishes—a happy middle ground between trend-led and forever pieces.
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