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Buying a designer bag can be a substantial purchase, especially if it’s your first time taking the plunge. It may be less of an event if you’re blessed with a hefty disposable income, but even fashionistas who own several bags in their designer collections carefully consider their next big splurge.
Statistics actually show that the luxury handbag market is booming, with major fashion conglomerates such as LVMH reporting a 27% increase in revenue. This may be attributed to the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Experiencing the lockdowns may have caused a psychological shift, as Christie Chung, professor of psychology at Northeastern University, explains. Faced with the reality that few things are certain, you may feel inclined to finally treat yourself and scoop up that accessory you’ve always dreamt of owning.
But how does one make a decision on which designer to choose? There are a few avenues to explore when narrowing down your options, and we want to help you navigate your path!
How Do I Choose the Right Designer Bag?
There’s no specific formula for choosing a luxury bag. There may be one you’ve lusted over for years, but if you’re unsure, we have a variety of tips that could potentially provide some clarity. The most important thing is to consider your budget. You don’t want to buy a purse that will put you in serious debt, but you also don’t need to front the full cost immediately! Tons of luxury retailers offer up buy, now, pay later services like Klarna, so you’re not spending a lump sum all at once.
Once you figure out your budget, it’s time to evaluate what you need a bag for. An everyday bag can suit many audiences. Maybe it’s a tote you need for work and travel, or a smaller bag that you can wear for a night out or while running errands. And with designer bags, we recommend sticking to classic styles you can picture yourself wearing ten years from now. Some trends never go out of style! Taking these factors into consideration, we selected some excellent designer bags that will make the perfect presents — be it for yourself or a loved one. Check them out below!
Bottega Veneta Mini Jodie Leather Hobo Bag
Chances are, you’ve seen this woven leather bag worn by celebs and fashionistas alike, and we’re just as obsessed with it. You can pick up this purse in a slew of different sizes, but the mini version is much more affordable. Although it’s more compact, it’s still surprisingly roomy! This is the perfect little purse to wear for fun nights out with friends. Investment? Absolutely, but it’s trendy and timeless at the same time!
Pros
- 19 different colors to choose from
- Bestselling style
- Cute compact size
Cons
- Limited to hand-held and on-the-arm wear
Available at: Saks Fifth Avenue
Brandon Blackwood Bamboo Leather Tote
As simple as this bag’s design is, it makes an impactful statement! The smooth black leather is framed by gold tone bamboo hardware details which give the purse some serious sparkle. The shape of the bag is made to look like a tote, but it’s definitely on the smaller side — measuring just under eight inches in length. That being said, it still has enough depth to fit any necessary essential you need for a busy day out and about.
Pros
- Unique gold details
- Timeless shape and style
- Black-owned business
Cons
- No zip closure on top
Available at: Saks Fifth Avenue
Saint Laurent Mini Lou Quilted Leather Camera Bag
If we had to choose a bag with the ideal compact-yet-roomy size, this is definitely the one! It keeps you completely hands-free and stores all of your most important items like a phone, wallet and keys. You will even have some extra room for a few makeup items. Whether you’re going for a casual look or a dressy ensemble for a night out, this bag will effortlessly fit in!
Pros
- Great compact size
- Exterior slip pocket and interior card slots
- Four different color options
Cons
- Chain strap is non-adjustable
- May not come with dust bag
Available at: Nordstrom
Balenciaga Hourglass Leather Wallet on a Chain
Balenciaga’s new bag shape has quickly became one of the most sought-after purses if you want to invest in a current designer bag. Though it’s billed as a wallet on a chain, it’s far roomier than other bags which fall into the same category. When you open it up, there are six card slots, and you’ll still have enough space for your phone, keys and lip gloss!
Pros
- Removable chain strap
- Multiple compartments on the interior
- Small but roomy at the same time
Cons
- May be too small for some shoppers
- Non-adjustable strap
Available at: Nordstrom
Alexander McQueen Mini Skull Croc Embossed Leather Bag
Maybe you want a bag that has a little bit of edge, in which case we’ve found your dream accessory! Instead of smooth or quilted leather, this bag has a croc-embossed treatment, and adding that animal element gives it a unique look. This teamed with the tiny gold skull detail on the front of the purse makes it feel rocker-chic!
Pros
- Four different color options
- Chain strap can be hidden to turn the bag into a clutch
- Structured expandable shape
- More affordable price tag
Cons
- Strap is non-adjustable
- Fewer reviews
Available at: Nordstrom
COACH Tabby Leather Shoulder Bag
The functionality of this bag, coupled with the classic design, is what makes it one of our absolute favorites! Both the longer crossbody strap and the short shoulder strap are removable, plus the long strap can adjust to your preferred length. On the inside, there are three different sections, plus slip pockets on the front and back. It can hold a large amount of items, so if you’re looking for a roomier purse, this one is a solid choice.
Pros
- Multiple compartments
- Removable and adjustable straps
- Most affordable
- Three color options
Cons
- Fewer reviews
Available at: Saks Fifth Avenue
See by Chloé Small Joan Leather Shoulder Bag
Although this bag does have a timeless quality, it’s the most boho-looking option from our handbag selection. The braided and fringe details, plus the less-structured shape, make it feel more relaxed — though it’s just as luxurious as any other bag on this list! The softer suede material makes it easier to pack more items into the bag’s main compartment — which you can wear on the shoulder or as a crossbody!
Pros
- Removable and adjustable crossbody strap
- Large zip compartment, plus flap exterior compartment
- Boho details
- Affordable price
Cons
- No reviews
- Some colors are not available
Available at: Saks Fifth Avenue
Tory Burch T Monogram Jacquard Bucket Bag
Bucket bags have such a fun shape, and this version of the style has all of the elements we love! The drawstring closure gives it a youthful quality, and provides more space than a traditional zipper situation.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Roomy shape
- Convertible top candle and crossbody design
Cons
- No reviews
- Only one color option
Available at: Saks Fifth Avenue
Marc Jacobs The Leather Mini Tote Bag
Chances are, you’ve probably seen the canvas version of this bag before, but if you want a more elevated purse, the leather option is the way to go! Though it’s technically a “mini” tote, it can still work as an everyday work or travel bag. It has a long adjustable strap and classic top candles with a zip top closure.
Pros
- Larger silhouette
- Convertible design
- Four color options
Cons
- Only one interior compartment
- Fewer reviews
Available at: Saks Fifth Avenue
Burberry Baby Title Double Handle Leather & Canvas Bag
We would argue that out of all the purses we handpicked, this may be the option to hold up the longest. There are few things more iconic than Burberry’s plaid print, and with the brown leather trimming plus the square shape, you’re getting a truly timeless bag. Inside, you’ll find three organizational compartments to keep everything you need in place, and you can choose to wear it using the top handles or convert it into a crossbody!
Pros
- Stunning classic and versatile design
- Perfect roomy shape
- Adjustable and removable crossbody strap
Cons
- Most expensive pick
- No reviews
Available at: Nordstrom
Porenza Schouler Braided Chain Shoulder Bag
This is the type of shoulder bag we can picture looking fabulous with everything. It’s super simple, but the extra voluminous braided chain detail on the front of the purse makes it feel special. Wear it over the shoulder or carry it in your hand as a clutch in both the daytime or for a night out!
Pros
- Simple, sleek design
- Three color options
- Convertible straps
Cons
- No reviews
- No slip pockets in the interior
Available at: Nordstrom
Stella McCartney Eco Mini Faux Leather Crossbody Bag
The strap on this bag makes it feel sporty and casual, though the design is incredibly elegant. We adore the combo of the two vibes and the way the logo is perforated onto the vegan leather for an understated aesthetic. We think this is the definition of an everyday bag, though you can also dress it up with the right outfit!
Pros
- Roomy interior
- Comfortable thick adjustable strap
- Sustainable manmade leather
Cons
- Slightly pricy
- Fewer customer reviews
Available at: Nordstrom
MCM Medium Liz Reversible Visetos Shopper
You’re getting a bang for your buck if you decide to go with this bag. Not only is the tote reversible, which is basically like getting two bags in one, it also comes with a smaller matching pouch which you can attach to the interior! And on top of that, this small pouch has its own thin strap, which we think you could wear as a small purse. Obsessed!
Pros
- Reversible style
- Small pouchette included
- Great roomy design
- More affordable
Cons
- Fewer reviews
- Only one main comportment
Available at: Saks Fifth Avenue
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