These 22 Affordable Designer Bags Will Give You So Much Bang for Your Buck
Promise you won't have to sell your firstborn child to own one of these.
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You never forget your first designer bag. Mine was a black leather tote from Marc Jacobs (not to be confused with the fake Marc Jacobs that I rocked as a 12 year old...a faux Jacobs, if you will) and I protected her with my life. But there's no denying that designer bags are expensive! A lot of the really popular purses will set you back at least $1000—and that's if you're lucky. But there's no need for luck when you know how to score brag-worthy brands without breaking the bank.
If you're looking for more affordable designer bags, it's helpful to know which names have a lots of cachet without having high prices. JW Pei is a celeb-loved brand (Selena, Hailey, Gigi, etc.) that offers trendy silhouettes for under $100. AAPI-owned Charles & Keith is another great option with bags in the $50-$100 range, which is a total steal. If you're willing to spend a bit, brands like Staud, Coach, Freja, and Vivienne Westwood have bags in the couple hundred dollars range. And for some splurgier options, keep in mind Cult Gaia (known for their sculptural details) and Strathberry (a favorite of the royals!). They'll take a second to save for, but you won't have to sell an organ or cancel your next vacation.
Our top picks for affordable designer bags of 2025
You can also head to a secondhand marketplace or a site like Saks Off Fifth or Nordstrom Rack to find your favorite designer items at markdowns anywhere from 15 to 50+ percent. But the best (and cutest) tip of all is to look for mini bags, wristlets, and wallets, which are often the least expensive option made by any designer. Despite their size, they usually fit more than you'd expect and really pull an outfit together.
On board? Take a quick scroll below for some very chic, very affordable designer bags. We've broken it down into categories: Purses under $150, under $250, under $350, and under $500.
Under $150
This celeb-favorite brand makes tons of chic bags that have been spotted on the arms of everyone from Selena Gomez to Hailey Bieber. Oh, and the prices are super affordable.
Nothing has been there for me during dark times like my mom's Longchamp Le Pliage that she passed down to me (okay, I stole it from her closet). It's sturdy, it's lightweight, and it's soooo easy to toss in your suitcase.
Okay, flex! No, but for real, a sleek card case like this might actually inspire you to clean out your wallet and cut down on the number of cards you're toting around.
For all your '90s-inspired 'fits, please consider this bag from Charles & Keith. They've got you covered with shoulder in every color under the sun, but we're partial to this wine red style in a familiar luxe silhouette.
Under $250
French designer Jacquemus was one of the first to make the mini bag cool, so naturally one landed right here, on this list.
Available in six different colors, this soft, puffy bag boasts a trendy padded design and two gorgeous statement straps (including a long, detachable shoulder strap).
I know you'd recognize that spaceship logo anywhere! Vivienne Westwood has a really great assortment of bags in the $200-$300 range, including this statement purse.
Under $350
Emily Ratajkowski recently became the face of the Dual Bag, a newer style that Marc Jacobs first debuted back in Fall 2023. Did you know that it comes in the cutest smaller size for under $300? Well, now you do.
The pillow version of this bag went viral on TikTok, but if you're in the mood for something a little more elevated, this option with gold hardware and quilting is a fabulous pick.
You'll get tons of use out of a black shoulder bag—that's just a fact. This purse takes it a step further with a big silver "B" on the front to add a little designer flare.
Staud made a big splash when they dropped their Tommy Bag, a rectangular bag with whimsical designs (like flowers and sardines) beaded across the exterior. This tomato bag is a personal favorite.
The ultimate evening/wedding guest bag that's on the arms of every cool girl in NYC could be yours for less than $300!
Tory Burch is classic, and you can't get more timeless than a brown patent leather top handle bag. This piece will be a wardrobe staple for years to come.
Raul Lopez does a special kind of cool—like, a minimalistic-handbags-and-Beyoncé-shows-up-to-your-NYFW-show kind of cool. This statement bag (for under $300, mind you) will earn you some major street cred.
Get your hands on the hottest tote in town, except this time, in a chic puffer style and in a rich, neutral brown that'll pair nicely with just about anything.
A little red purse that you can wear on the shoulder or on the crook of your elbow that has enough room for your phone and other essentials? Say less.
A black shoulder bag, but make it even better. The water droplet rhinestones, asymmetrical silhouette, and braided handle take things to the next level—oh, and if that wasn't enough, Lucy Liu wore this bag. Purchasing immediately.
Hannah is the Shopping Editor at Cosmopolitan, covering all things from chic home decor to trendy fashion finds, TikTok products that are actually worth your $$$, and the perfect gift to buy for your boyfriend's mom. She previously wrote for Seventeen and CR Fashion Book. Follow her on Instagram for hot takes on red carpet fashion and pictures of her office outfits that nobody asked for.
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