All products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors. However, we may earn affiliate revenue on this article and commission when you buy something.
Designer items, both investment and entry-level finds alike, now come with a higher price tag than ever before. Searching for under-$500 treasures that are both timely and trend-proof is a challenge, but worry not, as we have done the legwork—the infinite scroll and fashion math—to help you to experience the quality and craftsmanship that the most esteemed fashion houses have to offer.
Entry-price designer items are the ultimate investments as you will maximize the cost per wear with, say, a sleek cardholder, a fragrance that doubles as art, a leather bag charm, or even a gorgeous silk scarf over larger ticket items. These purchases will make you feel like the smartest of shoppers!
The Under-$500 Designer Shopping List
- The Cozy Beanie: Loewe wool beanie, $490
- The Giftable Gloves: Gucci wool cashmere gloves, $480
- The Timeless Scarf: Burberry narrow check cashmere scarf, $450
- The Sleek Cardholder: Valentino Garavani VLogo card holder, $320
- The Everyday Belt: Khaite Bambi leather skinny belt, $390
- The Statement Shades: Chanel oval sunglasses, $455
- The Playful Charm: Alaïa Le Cœur Cloche keychain, $450
- The Fashion Cuff: Rabanne XL link gold-tone bracelet, $450
- The Cult-Loved Top: Chloé lingerie tulle camisole, $490
- The Designer Beauty Line: Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal Eyeliner Set, $176
From covetable designer beauty lines such as Prada’s, which launched in August 2023, to statement fashion jewelry like Rabanne’s gold-tone link bracelet, and ready-to-wear must-haves such as Chloé’s rose-colored ruffled camisole (from Chemena Kamali’s debut fall collection for the French house), we have curated a selection of under-$500 classics and future classics that will ensure no buyer’s remorse. Discover these little luxuries, below.
Soft Goods
Hats, hair accessories, gloves, and scarves—both silk and knitted—are practical wardrobe components where one is most spoilt for choice. If you are in the market for a silk scarf, Bottega Veneta’s take on a classic red and white gingham is both timeless and of-the-moment, as it is representative of Matthieu Blazy’s artful and playful Bottega Veneta. If a knit version is what you are after, the Burberry check in cashmere is timeless and will pair well with most outerwear.
Miu Miu’s hair accessories will never fail to dress up any look—its satin scrunchies are stylish and practical. A hat is a statement piece, and when choosing what your headpiece wants to convey, we suggest you go one of two ways: classic or playful. You can’t go wrong with Loewe’s knit beanies in fun colors and patterns, they will keep your head covered in style for this and future winters to come. When it comes to caps, unless you are looking to support your favorite sports team, stick to a classic color. The one from Loro Piana is a no-brainer if you are looking for luxury, style, and practicality—it is also rain resistant.
Credit Card Keepers
When it comes to leather goods, wallet and card holders are far less often replaced or swapped out, ensuring you the greatest the cost-per-wear on your small investment. We have rounded up classic styles in neutral colors that include a slender card case in black pebbled leather from Valentino, a Gucci canvas monogram card wallet with a red leather interior, and a caramel-colored card wallet from Saint Laurent.
Classic Cinchers
A designer belt can instantly elevate any outfit! It is the easiest styling trick to polish and punctuate the most ordinary of ensembles such as a T-shirt and jeans. Belts styles do not change drastically season to season which makes them sound purchases. Opt for leathers in neutral colors and minimal hardware to ensure that they will remain timeless and in constant rotation. You can always count on brands such as Saint Laurent, Prada, and Khaite to produce the most enduring belt styles you will want to slip through your belt loops time and again.
Stylish Sunglasses
Eyewear, specifically sunglasses, serve as a means of self-expression. There seems to be infinite options of designer pairs to choose from and with an entry-level price point, it makes shopping for them all the more fun. They are the cherry on the sundae—that last finishing element that completes an outfit. We have rounded up frames that include a black angular cat-eye from Bottega Veneta, a chic modern take on an aviator from Fendi, and a rectangular pair in oxblood from Khaite’s collaboration with Oliver Peoples. Lean into more playful or statement styles as eyewear is so personal, it will not go out of style!
Sleek Keychains and Cheery Bag Charms
Practical keychains and decorative charms are small but mighty accessories that add a little something special to your looks and bags. Thanks to Jane Birkin’s influence, adorning your handbag with tchotchkes and trinkets is a stylish way to personalize it. Loewe’s pea pod charm or Miu Miu’s leather trick add a playful touch to any bag’s handle as do metal keychains from Givenchy and Rick Owens. One standout keychain is the mini version of Alaïa’s iconic heart with a keyring suspended from a long leather strap—not only can hold your keys, it can also adorn your bags and be worn as a pendant necklace, giving you three for the cost of one entry-level-price luxury item.
Statement Jewelry
The fact that fashion jewelry is not made with real pearls, gemstones or precious metals does not make it less special, particularly when it is created by storied luxury brands. There are unique and impactful pieces such as Rabanne’s extra large gold link bracelet, which should be a staple in every woman’s jewelry wardrobe, and Dior’s Tribales New Look graphic hoops that may become future classics. Embrace the fact that even for a fraction of the price of fine jewelry, these plated and/or synthetic made creations may have enduring appeal and relevance because of the brands’ name behind them.
Winning Wardrobe Pieces
The breadth of designer ready-to-wear options under $500 is far less than those of accessories. However, there are gems that no one should sleep on, such as a Dries Van Noten grey asymmetric gathered jersey skirt, a pair of Sacai’s utilitarian twill green shorts, Courrèges’s form-fitting ivory ribbed short-sleeve sweater, and Jean Paul Gaultier’s butterfly print lace-up mesh top. All of the previously mentioned pieces have one thing in common: they are exemplary of the brands who made them. You may as well purchase pieces that imbue the designer’s codes, as iterations of those styles will continue to be made, so your additions will withstand the test of time!
Beauty and Fragrance
Designer cosmetics and fragrance are one of the easiest ways to experience what luxury brands have to offer. Some of our favorites include Bottega Veneta’s new fragrance that is just as much art as it is a perfume bottle—the cost is worth it to have this stunning piece sitting in your home— Prada’s eyeshadow palettes (encased in sleek silver and gold packaging) inspired by the house’s iconic prints, and the beloved Victoria Beckham satin Kajal eyeliners set.