affordable designer handbag brands

Stay Classy, Not Cashless: A Guide to Affordable Designer Handbag Brands

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It’s almost every fashion lover’s dream to fill their closet with designer bags. One row with Louis Vuitton Neverfull tote bags and the next row with Bottega Veneta bags – how amazing would that be? Unfortunately, many of us can’t afford to fill our closets with designer handbags. Don’t be mistaken: there are still many affordable designer handbag brands to help you live out your fashion fantasy. Allow us to show you affordable designer handbag brands below $500. From Marc Jacobs, Cult Gaia, Kate Spade, and more, here are the 12 best designer handbags that will not break the bank.

1. Tory Burch

Tory Burch is the perfect brand to get a luxury thrill without depleting all your money.

Popular bag styles: T monogram tote, Perry Triple-Compartment Tote Bag, Ella Patent Tote Bag
Price range: $150 – 1,500
Founded: 2004

Perry Triple-Compartment Tote Bag (Tory Burch)

This Perry tote bag has you covered for all your style and practical needs. It’s made of Italian pebbled leather to give the bag a high-end feel.

The bag also has protective feet and a chic removable charm. Plus, the Perry tote bag has many pockets for storing essentials (including a center zip to fit your laptop). The bag also has long shoulder straps that give a comfortable fit.

The price tag is $398, so if you have a handbag budget of $500, this leather bag is a great pick.

T Monogram Zip Tote (Tory Burch)

Say, “hello,” to your new designer bag. All details of the bag were made with special attention. The classic black tote bag boasts an effortlessly chic monogram pattern.

Plus, it is crafted from exquisite woven jacquard, trimmed with leather. Additionally, it features a zip-top closure.

What makes the bag extra luxurious is the removable zipper pouch to organize your essentials.

Ella Patent Tote Bag (Tory Burch)

Everything about this patent tote bag oozes luxury and for the price point? It is pretty affordable for a luxury bag. This best-selling bag is made of recycled solid nylon and is adorned with a patent trim for a high-end feel.

What makes this luxury handbag great is the spacious interior. You can store everything from your laptop or tablet. Plus, it’s a great evening bag for date nights.

2. Rebecca Minkoff

Rebecca Minkoff is a good option if you are searching for designer handbags below $500. The brand has bags in many vibrant colors and shapes for every fashion taste.

Popular bag styles: Megan tote, Edie Quilted Leather Bag, Darren Signature Leather Carryall Bag
Price range: $98 – $448
Founded: 2005

Edie Quilted Leather Tote (Nordstrom)

Just because you can’t afford Chanel quilted bags doesn’t mean you can’t find affordable alternatives. The chevron quilting on this tote bag is irresistibly chic.

And the two-tone hardware gives the bag some refinement and elegance. What’s more to love about the shoulder bag is the divided interior pockets for organization.

Darren Signature Leather Carryall Bag (Nordstrom)

This grainy leather bag has a classic style, adding the perfect finishing touch to all your outfits. It has long leather straps to fit comfortably around your shoulders.

Additionally, the leather handbag boasts studs down the side, a signature look for Rebecca Minkoff bags.

Megan Tote (Nordstrom)

This is a great designer bag to elevate your handbag collection. It is made of polished leather and has a structured silhouette for a luxurious look. The classic leather bag is completed with a lobster clasp.

3. Kate Spade Handbags

Kate Spade New York has one of the best affordable designer handbags. The price range for Kate Spade bags is between $125 and $500, which is excellent for anyone looking for designer brands with attainable prices.

Popular bag styles: Knott Large Zip-top Satchel, Katy Medium Top-handle Bag, Sam Icon Ksnyl Medium Tote
Price range: $125 – $550
Founded: 1993

Knott Color Block Leather Handbag (Kate Spade)

Calling all minimalist enthusiasts: This Knott handbag is a great designer handbag to add to your collection. The neutral colorways of the color block design give the bag a fashionable look.

Everything about this bag is modern and sophisticated. It is made of pebbled leather and has ample space to store your essentials.

Katy Medium Top-handle Bag (Kate Spade)

The classic shape, textured leather, and polished top handle make this bag a must-have for your closet.

Additionally, it comes with an optional crossbody strap that is adjustable. The bag is also available in different chic colors: deep cherry, green, allspice cake, and emerald green.

There are different ways you can style this bag. Use it to upgrade your everyday looks or accessorize your evening outfits.

And if you are short on outfit ideas, get our free style hack eBook by signing up here!

Sam Icon Ksnyl Medium Tote (Kate Spade)

Kate Spade always makes the best designer tote bags at attainable prices. For instance, this Sam Icon tote! The bag will be a real staple in your closet.

It debuted in the first Kate Spade collection in 1993 and has since been a favorite in the fashion world. The Sam Icon tote is made of smooth and durable polyamide, features a woven logo, and has a triple compartment.

It is spacious enough to store a 13″ laptop, A4 binder, and iPad – it’s truly the perfect tote for work.

4. Michael Kors bags

It is a well-known fact that this American brand has the best affordable designer bags. They’re classic and refined.

Popular bag styles: Jacquelyn Medium Pebbled Leather Tote Bag, Eliza Extra-Large Metallic Pebbled Leather Reversible Tote Bag
Price range: $100 – $2,000
Founded: 1981

Jacquelyn Medium Pebbled Leather Tote Bag (Michael Kors)

Jacquelyn-Medium-Pebbled-Leather-Tote-Bag
Affordable designer handbag brands | Source: Michael Kors

This tote bag will be your new best friend. It’s a great everyday bag that will take you from work to the weekend. The classic bag is pebbled leather and features a fancy chain-link top handle. Plus, the leather bag has a top zip for storing your essentials safely.

Eliza Extra-Large Metallic Pebbled Leather Reversible Tote Bag (Michael Kors)

Eliza Extra-Large Metallic Pebbled Leather Reversible Tote Bag (
Affordable designer handbag brands | Source: Michael Kors

This Eliza tote bag is truly an excellent wardrobe investment, as it will always stay in style.

From the pebbled leather and spacious interior with a detachable pouch, to the long comfortable straps, everything about the bag exudes an effortless and elevated feel.

5. Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs is next on the list of affordable designer handbag brands.

Popular handbag styles: The Tote Bag and the Snapshot bag
Price range: $175 – $695
Founded: 1984

The Jacquard Large Tote Bag (Nordstrom)

What’s not to love about this classic tote bag? The jacquard material gives the bag a luxurious look and feel. It also has a structured silhouette and bold branding for a statement finish.

On top of that, the bag is spacious so that you can stash a lot inside. Plus, the tote is available in other neutral colors like camel and black.

The Snapshot Bag (Nordstrom)

Do you need a luxurious and affordable bag in a small size? The snapshot bag is the best option for you. It has a statement hardware logo and a bold strap that boasts the Marc Jacobs logo.

There are several ways you can style the bag; You can carry it as a clutch or as a crossbody bag.

6. Longchamp

Nothing is more popular in French style than Longchamp bags. This French leather goods brand has a wide range of classic bags to give your collection a luxurious update.

Popular handbag styles: LE PLIAGE Tote Bag
Price range: $125 – $598
Founded: 1948

Le Pliage Marinière Recycled Nylon Canvas Travel Bag (Nordstrom)

This beautiful bag will add a chic touch to your travel outfits. It is made of recycled materials and has a flexible interior, making it the best vacation bag to store your travel must-haves.

Style the bag with a Breton top or an oversized linen shirt for a timeless look.

Small Le Pliage Top Handle Bag (Nordstrom)

We love this small Le Pliage bag, which will become a treasured accessory in your closet. It is made of smooth and sleek Nylon and is embossed with leather for an elegant look.

7. Coach

It is easy to see why Coach bags are becoming popular again. They’re a wardrobe staple that will stand the test of time.

Popular handbag styles: Willow 24 Leather Tote, Tabby 18 Pillow Shoulder Bag
Price range: $125 – $598
Founded: 1941

Willow 24 Leather Tote (Macy’s)

The willow tote is a versatile classic. It is made of genuine leather for a high-end feel. Plus, the bag features practical features for everyday use; This includes a turn-lock clasp, double compartments with credit card slots, a zip divider, and protective metal feet.

Tabby 18 Pillow Leather Shoulder Bag (Nordstrom)

The Tabby leather shoulder bag has won the hearts of fashion lovers worldwide. What makes it chic is the ’70s archival silhouette, which has been reimagined with a modern take.

Plus, the bag is made of soft leather for a luxurious look. It is completed with the coach logo, which matches the color of the bag for a seamless look.

8. Cult Gaia

Cult Gaia bags are an absolute fashion favorite in the fashion world, particularly the Ark bag. You know – the caged wooden bag all the fashion influencers carry on vacation!

Popular handbag styles: Gaia’s Ark Small Top Handle Bag, Hera Nano Rhinestone Shoulder Bag
Price range: $108 – $528
Founded: 2012

Gaia’s Ark Small Top Handle Bag (Nordstrom)

The ark bag has become a signature staple for the young brand. It has a caged silhouette and top handles that make it functional, classic, and stylish. The durable bag would be the perfect accessory to give your outfits a chic, tropical touch.

Hera Nano Rhinestone Shoulder Bag (Nordstrom)

Another affordable designer bag to try is the rhinestone shoulder bag. It’s a great statement bag that will give your evening outfits a glamorous flair.

The bag is covered in crystals and features a top zip closure and a shoulder strap. It’s the perfect size for an evening out with friends or for a date night.

9. Cuyana

Cuyana is one of the best affordable designer handbag brands for modern women. They have a good range of bags with clean lines and neutral colors at affordable prices.

Popular handbag styles: Classic Structured Leather Tote, Oversized Double Loop Bag
Price range: $198 to $498
Founded: 2011

Classic Structured Leather Tote (Cuyana)

Quiet luxury lovers, here is a worthy bag to complete your handbag collection. It is made of Italian leather and boasts an architectural silhouette. The classic bag is simple and versatile, so it can work with any outfit.

Oversized Double Loop Bag (Cuyana)

Every woman needs this loop bag. It is a surefire way to take your outfit from ordinary to fashionable in seconds. The bag is the perfect combination of modern and unique. It features exterior side pockets and a shoulder strap drop.

10. Staud

Staud was founded by Sarah Staudinger in 2015. Since its launch, the brand has been the go-to place to shop for fun and unique bags.

Popular handbag styles: Staud moon bag, Staud beaded bag, Staud Tommy bag
Price range: $195 – $498
Founded: 2015

Goodnight Moon Bag (Shopbop)

When it comes to unique and classic bags that will stay in style, you can go right with the Staud moon bag. It is made of cowhide and has a suede lining that looks polished and refined.

Plus, it has an eye-catching structured silhouette that is guaranteed to give your outfits a high-fashion look.

Tommy Beaded Bag (Shopbop)

How gorgeous is this bag? It is hand-beaded and boasts vegan leather pipping for a sustainable and luxurious look. Additionally, the statement bag features a magnetic closure, an inner zip pouch to stash your essentials, and a satin lining.

11. Hobo Bags

The Hobo brand is an American designer brand that crafts timeless handmade leather bags. And the best part about this brand? It has versatile designs at accessible prices.

Popular handbag styles: Arla Shoulder Bag, Alba Crossbody, Fern Messenger Crossbody
Price range: $138 – $358
Founded: 1975

Arla Shoulder Bag (Nordstrom)

The Arla bag is an excellent pick if you are a woman on the move. It is described as being perfect for “grab-and-go moments.”

The polished leather bag has a timeless structured shape with plenty of space to store your belongings. The Arla bag is available in other colors like fuchsia, tranquil blue, and truffle.

Fern Messenger Crossbody (Hobo)

This best-seller bag is excellent if you’re looking for an affordable designer crossbody bag. It is made of leather, features a front zip closure, and has several zip pockets on the interior and exterior that can fit your phone and notebook.

Alba Crossbody (Hobo)

This bag is the perfect blend of modern and vintage. It is 100% polished leather, and features brushed antique brass hardware. There are 3 interior credit card slots and a zip pocket to store your essentials.

12. Ted Baker

This London-based luxury fashion house has a great selection of affordable designer bags.

Popular handbag styles: Ted Baker Tote bag,
Price range: $69 – $415
Founded: 1988

Edala Suede & Leather Equestrian Tote (Nordstrom)

You can always rely on Ted Baker tote bags to add class to your wardrobe. For example, the Edala suede leather bag! The design is inspired by an equestrian tote to give the bag an opulent look. It features brushed hardware and a structured silhouette.

Beanne Bow Detail Leather Shopper Bag (Nordstrom)

This cute and sophisticated shopper bag features the signature Ted Baker bow. It also boasts the logo for a high-end look. Plus, the charming bag has practical features to store and organize essentials, like an interior zip pocket and a top zip closure.

Add Glam to Your Outfit with These Affordable Designer Handbag Brands

When it comes to designer bags, it’s easy to assume that they all cost $3,000 and upwards. Thankfully, plentiful and affordable designer handbag brands are on the market to help you live your fashion fantasy.

From Marc Jacobs, Cult Gaia, and Kate Spade, these affordable designer brands will give you a high-end bag without breaking the bank.

Need more affordable fashion inspiration? Check out this next post: 15 Designer Handbag Dupes That Look High-End (but Keep Money in Your Wallet)

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Hi! My name is Temwa and I have an obsession with all things lifestyle. Whether it's home decor, classy fashion, beauty products, or gift ideas -- you will find me writing about those topics. When I'm not sitting at my laptop, you will find me making press-on nails over the weekend!