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15 best affordable designer bags all under £700 – there’s a trending style to suit every budget
You don’t have to spend a fortune to find a high-quality, designer bag
Let’s face it: not all of us have a few grand to drop on a designer bag. But if you’re in the market for something a little more mid-range (i.e. not ultra-luxury, but a step up from the high street), there’s a whole category of affordable designer bags worth your attention.
If you’re going to invest, you want a bag that works as hard as possible. So whether you're shopping for a party piece or a practical everyday tote, we’ve rounded up the best styles to buy now from some of the most in-demand designer brands – all for under £700. Whatever your budget or aesthetic, there’s likely a style here for you.
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It's common knowledge that a bag truly makes an outfit. It can elevate the most simple jeans and T-shirt combo, add a splash of colour to a neutral midi dress, and be your trusty confidante on a daily office commute. But choosing the right one can be tricky... with so much choice, where do you begin?
Sure, we’ve based this selection on the biggest summer trends we're seeing in 2026 — hello raffia, studs, pastels and woven styles — but we’d also always suggest choosing a bag that will last longer than one season, especially if you’re investing triple figures. No, it may not be as spenny as some luxury labels, but it’s still a decent chunk of money, so you want to put it to good use.
Parisian brands like Polené and Elleme are dominating the quiet luxury space with its sleek, timeless styles, while brands like Jacquemus and Simone Rocha will always deliver a function-meets-fashion bag where you’re bound to find something you’ll genuinely love (and that matches well with with your existing wardrobe).
Most importantly, when it comes to buying a mid-range designer bag, it’s more about the love and cost-per-wear you’ll get out of it rather than the long-term value you’d think about with a luxury label – and whether it actually fits your iPhone.
Best affordable designer bags to shop in 2026
Elleme Trousse Suede Light Blue
Elleme Trousse Suede Light Blue
If you haven't already discovered Elleme, consider this your sign. The Parisian label has built a loyal following, including Beyoncé and Hailey Bieber, thanks to its chic aesthetic, exceptional craftsmanship and accessible price point.
While the brand is based in Paris, each handbag is expertly made in Italy, combining minimalist French shapes with Italian leatherwork. In particular, we love the boxy design of the Trousse – it’s roomy enough to store your essentials but petite enough to tuck under your arm with ease.
If there’s one bag cementing itself as the it piece of 2026, it’s the Coach Tabby 26. Step outside and you’ll spot it everywhere (as well as on the shoulders of fashion editors and celebrities alike, including Bella Hadid and Charli XCX.)
Its appeal is easy to understand: a structured silhouette that feels timeless, a surprisingly spacious interior and quality craftsmanship that makes it a true wardrobe investment. But what really pushes it into cult status is its versatility. While the Tabby 26 is defined by its classic design, it’s also endlessly customisable, especially when styled with Coach’s playful charms, allowing you to make it feel entirely your own.
Dragon Diffusion Rosanna bag
Dragon Diffusion Rosanna bag
Dragon Diffusion has become the go-to label for beautifully woven leather bags that look far more expensive than they are. While the brand offers an impressive range of colours, we’re making the case for this rich cherry hue, which is emerging as one of the season’s standout shades. Slightly deeper and more sophisticated than classic crimson, it’s the perfect way to introduce a pop of colour while remaining endlessly wearable.
DeMellier has become synonymous with affordable luxury, and it's easy to see why. The clean silhouettes, gold hardware and subtle branding mean the bags look like they come with a much higher price tag than they actually do. The New York style is a personal fave, particularly in this burgundy shade.
OSOI Brocle shoulder bag
OSOI Brocle shoulder bag
Seoul-based brand Osoi are definitely one to know if you don't already. This baguette style bag looks so much more expensive than it is, and the key charms are a super cool touch.
GANNI Bou top-handle bag
GANNI Bou top-handle bag
Scandi brand GANNI knows a thing or two about creating viral pieces – from its graphics tees to this best-selling Bou bag. The petite sculptural shape makes it a brilliant companion to bring on day trips or summer parties (and it’s still large enough to hold your phone). Plus it comes with a detachable strap so you can wear it as a crossbody if you’d prefer to go hands free.
Longchamp Le Pliage Xtra M Shoulder bag
Longchamp Le Pliage Xtra M Shoulder bag
We all know the Longchamp Le Pliage is one of fashion's most iconic bags, boasting an impressive A-list fan club that includes Kendall Jenner and Kate Moss. But there's a new, slimmer silhouette on the scene – and it has all the credentials of the must-have bag of 2026.
While the original Le Pliage remains the ultimate tote for workdays and weekend city breaks, this sleek new style feels made for everything from evenings out to festivals.
Polène Numéro Neuf Mini
Polène Numéro Neuf Mini
You don't have to look far to spot a Polène bag in the wild these days. The Parisian label has quickly become one of the biggest names in the mid-luxury handbag space, thanks to its premium craftsmanship and affordable price tags. While every style is covetable, the Numéro Neuf Mini remains one of the brand’s standout designs. With its distinctive curved shape and versatile top handle, it can be worn either crossbody or carried by hand.
Loewe x Paula's Ibiza Drawstring Pocket Raffia Cross-Body Bag
Loewe x Paula's Ibiza Drawstring Pocket Raffia Cross-Body Bag
A raffia Loewe bag is practically made for holidays, and this drawstring iteration is the perfect style for your next Euro-summer trip to the beach.
The slouchy silhouette has plenty of space for all your essentials – from sunscreen to water bottles – while the string fastening at the top will keep your belongings tucked away. You can also wear it as a crossbody or slung over your shoulder.
Simone Rocha Beaded Classic Bow Crossbody Bag
Simone Rocha Beaded Classic Bow Crossbody Bag
Find a more practical yet fashionable bag than this Simone Rocha crossbody — we’ll wait. The faux-pearl-embellished strap and giant bows make it instantly recognisable for those in the know, while the two exterior pockets and main compartment make it ultra-roomy for those amongst us who love to overpack.
Pucci Silk Scarf Shoulder Bag
Pucci is having a moment as are silk scarves — so when the two are combined, this bag couldn't be more on trend. Surprisingly spacious and secure thanks to the leather top flap, this bag will live in your wardrobe for years to come.
Coach Brooklyn 39 Shoulder Bag
Coach's Brooklyn bag continues to reign in popularity, thanks to Bella Hadid frequently wearing the style. This mushroom colour is a fresh alternative to a regular black or brown, and it's big enough to fit in all your daily essentials while still looking chic.
Jacquemus The Bisou Perle
Metallics are never not in style, but it's been a particularly big year for silver. This pouch-sized shoulder bag from Jacquemus manages to look both fun and grown-up — not an easy feat. Wear with floral dresses and statement earrings.
Strathberry Kite Hobo Maxi
Strathberry Kite Hobo Maxi
Scotland based brand Strathberry has established itself as major celeb arm candy, spotted on everyone from Pamela Anderson to Jodie Comer. The Kite bag is one of its signature shapes, and chocolate suede is not going anywhere in 2026 — it looks good enough to eat.
Margesherwood Soft Baguette Shoulder Bag
Margesherwood Soft Baguette Shoulder Bag
South Korean brand Margesherwood (named after the character from The Talented Mr Ripley) is another IYKYK label. With UK stockists now including End, Selfridges and Goodhood, expect to see a lot more of their long top-handle designs on a street near you.
Are affordable designer bags worth buying?
The term “affordable” is, of course, entirely subjective. But for the purposes of this article, we’re defining the affordable designer bag category as anything under £1,000, with a particular focus on styles around the £500 mark. While these pieces are significantly more accessible than the traditional luxury market, they sit well above high-street alternatives – meaning they’re typically crafted from higher-quality materials and designed to last. So if investing in a timeless bag that will earn its place in your wardrobe for years to come is a priority, these styles are certainly worth considering.
Do affordable designer bags hold their value?
Some bags are bought and sold as investment pieces, with price tags that can even appreciate over time. Unfortunately, mid-range designer bags tend to hold less value than ultra-luxury investment purchases – but that doesn’t mean they don’t retain a portion of their resale price. As long as you look after your bag, you can usually expect to sell it on for a decent percentage of its original cost. That said, when investing in an affordable designer bag, think less about resale value and more about cost-per-wear (a.k.a. girl math) and how you’ll actually enjoy using it.
Which affordable designer bag brands are trending in 2026?
The good news is that investing in a designer bag doesn’t always mean spending eye-watering amounts. While we’re still firmly in the triple-digit category, many luxury labels offer more accessible entry points than the £1,000-plus price tags often associated with the designer market. For sleek, timeless styles, look to Parisian brands Elleme and Polène. Dragon Diffusion is known for its beautifully woven totes, while Loewe delivers the ultimate holiday-ready bags. And, of course, we can’t ignore the return of Coach. It seems everyone is carrying one right now – whether it's the iconic Tabby or a cool vintage find.
Rebecca Jane Hill is the Senior Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan UK. She has previously contributed to publications including Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, Refinery29, The Face, Glamour and Stylist. She started her own magazine, Sister, in 2012 whilst at university. Focused around feminism, fashion and culture, it went on to produce 12 globally stocked print issues, as well as countless events and partnerships. She closed the magazine in 2023.
Rebecca has been an associate lecturer at London College of Fashion since 2018, where she teaches on the Fashion Journalism course. She is a passionate second-hand shopper and is constantly on the lookout for new design talent.
Clare Stephenson is the Senior Fashion and Beauty E-commerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar. She has been an e-commerce writer since 2022, creating matter-of-fact reviews and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need – whether that’s a glow-giving foundation, a high-tech LED face mask or the perfect wear-with-everything blazer.
Alongside writing, Clare loves to be in front of the camera creating shopping content, putting viral products to the test to see which ones are truly worth the hype. Through her work, she has interviewed leading dermatologists, makeup artists and industry experts to bring readers trusted advice and product recommendations.
Clare has contributed to titles across the Hearst UK portfolio, including Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Red and Prima. Prior to joining Hearst, she earned a BA in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on magazines and editorial. She later worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events including Fashion Week and interviewing notable brand founders.
Outside of work? You can find Clare strolling through London’s Columbia Road Market, pouring her fourth coffee of the day or heading to a Pilates class.
Follow Clare on Instagram @clarefrancesstephenson.
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