A handbag isn’t just a handbag when it’s the right handbag—finding the proper one for you and your personal style—especially during the fall and winter when accessories and outerwear reign supreme—is one of the most significant and effortless ways to appear put together. However, finding an affordable handbag, one that checks all the vital boxes (your ideal size, silhouette, material, and color) isn’t always the easiest task.
We have our Chanel wishes, Hermès dreams, and collectible The Row iterations that sit on top of the shelf, or eternally remain in our virtual carts. But thanks to new high-street heroes and contemporary brands we’ve come to know and adore—like Mango, St. Agni, and Hereu—a new handbag doesn’t have to break the bank. For those looking to add to their existing rotation, or inspire a new wave of seasonal dressing sensibilities, take note of the designers offering affordable handbags for under $350, and even under $250. (See Massimo Dutti’s suede carry-all, Little Liffner’s contrast crossbody bag, and Freja’s structural shoulder bag for proof.) For work and play, Bembien’s bestselling woven leather tote can take you from the office to a late-night dinner date. If you prefer something micro for a night out on the town, look to Staud, Porto Studio, or Cos—their affordable minis are just big enough to house lipgloss, house keys, and essential cards.
Vogue’s Affordable Bag Edit:
Whether you gravitate toward structured top-handle bags in a chocolatey hue, patent leather totes, or soft and slouchy suede shoulder bags (in a trending color way), our sampling has something affordable and supremely chic to suit every need. Choose your new everyday companion, below.
Under $250
Prepare to be in disbelief—there are an entire crop of affordable handbags below $250. From St. Agni’s ‘90s-inspired shoulder bag (cast in black leather), to Mango’s creamy bowling bag and Madewell’s suede tote, the options here suit every style.
Under $350
This section has range, and an affordable find for every aesthetic preference. In need of an everyday tote bag? Look to Cos and Banana Republic for roomy, go-to styles. Prefer a playfully modern silhouette? Marge Sherwood has you covered with its crinkled leather shoulder bag. For work days and beyond, look to Nothing Written’s chocolate brown golf bag.
Under $500
For those looking to spend just a tad more, Amomento, Demellier, and Hereu have you covered in the under-$500 department. There are classic silhouettes from By Far and Mansur Gavriel, and modern shapes from Brandon Blackwood and Themoire that are chic and spacious enough for everyday wear.