Chanel Quilted 2.55 Handbag (Pre-Owned)
Materials: Velvet (exterior), leather (interior), gold hardware | Launched In: 1929, updated and renamed the 2.55 in 1955| Care: Store upright in dust bag, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Fill with acid-free tissue paper and tuck the chain inside the bag.
A luxurious keep-forever bag from the famed French fashion house, the 2.55 is named after the date it was re-issued by Chanel (February, 1955). It features the brand’s signature quilted pattern and chic gold-metal clasp and shoulder chain, inspired by the straps found on soldier’s bags. I love it since it works as a stylish day and evening bag and can be carried by hand or worn on your shoulder. Keep in mind: This is an investment piece with an expensive price tag to match. It won’t hold all of your essentials, like a larger tote.
Best Affordable Designer Bag
Modern Classic In The Making
Strathberry East/West Mini
Materials: Leather (exterior), microfiber (interior), gold hardware | Launched In: 2013 | Care: Use a dry jewelry cleaning cloth to remove any tarnishing; store in a cool dry place, in its original dust bag.
Spotted on the arms of chic celebrities (including Megan Maerkle), Strathberry’s East/West Mini is quickly earning “it” status. The up-and-coming brand is known for its timeless structured bags, made with rich leather and beautiful hardware, which are similar to big-name brand bags but at more reasonable prices. The leather Mini includes the brand’s signature gold bar closure, which elegantly folds over the top of the bag to keep it securely closed. Keep in mind: The interior is made of soft microfiber, not leather.
Best Designer Crossbody Bag
Saddle Bag That Can Be Worn Three Ways
Chloé Marcie Small Leather Saddle Bag
Materials: Leather (exterior), linen (interior), brass hardware | Launched In: 2009| Care: Store upright in its felt pouch, filled with silk paper to retain its shape. To clean, wipe with a clear, non-abrasive and soft dry cloth.
Founded by French designer Gaby Agihon in 1952, Chloé was one of the first fashion houses to create ready-to-wear clothing with couture details. The house is known for its iconic handbags, which have a feminine, bohemian aesthetic. The classic Marcie bag is a versatile option you can carry crossbody, over the shoulder or by the top handle. The saddle shape, stitches and leather tassels make for a polished look. Keep in mind: This is a small bag and while your style will be on point, you’ll have to travel light.
Best Designer Tote Bag
Oversized Option That Fits Everything
Mansur Gavriel Large Tote
Materials: Vegetable-tanned leather | Launched: 2013 | Care: Store in a cool dry place, in its original dust bag.
Mansur Gavriel launched in 2013, with just two items—a bucket bag and this Large Tote. Both bags were wildly successful, cementing the young brand as a modern classic. Designed by female founders Rachel Mansur and Floriana Gavriel, the collection now includes many styles but this original structured tote is the most recognizable, with its signature red interior. It’s a roomy, practical bag made from vegetable-tanned leather that’s elegant and understated. Keep in mind: Mansur Gavriel is more of a quiet luxury than designer status symbol, if that’s what you’re seeking.
Best Designer Everyday Bag
Cult Favorite You Can Take Anywhere
Prada Small Re-Nylon Backpack
Materials: Nylon, metal hardware | Launched in: 1980s | Care: Wipe with a damp cloth to clean and air dry. Fill with tissue paper to store.
After making its debut in the ‘80s, Prada’s nylon bags have experienced a massive resurgence recently. The utilitarian backpack is the most famous design—bringing the gap between minimalism and sportiness—with a cool drawstring closure and multiple pockets for storing your essentials. Prada re-issued the bag made with sustainable nylon, created from recycled materials, and the signature triangle metal logo. Keep in mind: While you can dress it up, this bag is best for daytime looks and travel.
Best Designer Shoulder Bag
Iconic Style Carried By Jackie O.
Gucci Jackie 1961 Small Leather Shoulder Bag
Materials: Leather (exterior), suede microfiber (interior) | Launched in: 1961| Care: Clean with a soft, dry cloth; fill the bag with tissue paper to maintain its shape and absorb humidity, and store in dust bag.
Gucci’s beloved Jackie earned its name in 1961, when it became the handbag of choice for former First Lady Jackie Kennedy, forever cementing its style status. This latest iteration is an update on the original shoulder bag made from luxe Italian leather with standout features like Gucci’s signature gold-toned piston closure, making it a collectors’ item. Keep in mind: This shoulder bag fits snugly under your arm; if you carry a lot, you might need a larger style.
Best Designer Purse
Jigsaw-Inspired Design That Skyrocketed To Fame
Loewe Puzzle Small Shoulder Bag
Materials: Satin calfskin | Launched in: 2015 | Care: Store in dust bag; do not overfill to preserve the bag’s original shape.
Loewe’s Puzzle—a geometric-shaped bag that’s functional, foldable and instantly recognizable–shot to fame in 2015. Created by Loewe creative director Jonathan Anderson, it reportedly requires 75 separate pieces of leather to make, and is assembled by hand with precise cutting, sewing and painting. The quirky-cool bag’s fans include Beyoncé, Sienna Miller and too many style influencers to list. Keep in mind: The Puzzle is small and sweet; it can hold your wallet, sunglasses and phone.
Best Designer Clutch
Most Elegant Evening Clutch Ever
Saint Laurent Uptown Leather Pouch
Materials: Textured, smooth or patent leather (exterior), fabric (lining) | Launched in: 2018 | Care: Remove excess moisture by dabbing with a soft cloth, let dry at room temperature; store in dust bag.
Founded in 1961, the late French designer Yves Saint Laurent blazed a trail in fashion with his glamorously louche “Rive Gauche” look. This new-ish, cult-favorite clutch reinterprets the house’s best codes, with its classic envelope flap style, YSL gold hardware and sexy leather. Keep in mind: There are no straps here, so this is a carry you tuck this under your shoulder or slip it into a larger handbag.
Best Designer Mini Bag
Lady Diana’s Favorite Accessory
Dior Mini Lady Dior Bag
Materials: Leather (exterior), metal hardware | Launched in: 1994 | Care: Store in dust bag, away from direct sunlight and heat.
Princess Diana carried this chic mini bag, making it a well-photographed icon, and the quilting was reportedly inspired by Napoleon III chairs at Christian Dior’s 1947 fashion show. The oversized gold-finish Dior charms add a stylish touch, and it comes with a removable chain shoulder strap, so you can wear this mini as a crossbody, too. Keep in mind: It’s a petite bag so don’t expect to fit everything and the kitchen sink inside.
Best Designer Top-Handle Bag
Grab-And-Go Inspired By A Bygone Era
Louis Vuitton Speedy 25 (Pre-Owned)
Materials: Coated canvas (exterior and interior), leather trim, brass hardware | Launched in: 1930| Care: Wipe canvas with clean damp cloth, keep hands free of excess oil when carrying leather straps; store in a dust bag.
Louis Vuitton’s Speedy bag has long been a classic carry for celebrities and style influencers. The name is inspired by the “speedy” woman on the go, rushing through life with her trusty bag in hand. The monogram coated canvas is easy to clean and durable, so this bag that will last. Keep in mind: The straps are short, so this bag can only be carried top-handle style.
Best Designer Laptop Bag
High-Fashion Option For Work And Travel
Tory Burch Ever-Ready Zip Tote Bag
Materials: Coated canvas, faux leather trim, brass hardware | Launched in: 2022| Care: Clean with a soft cotton cloth dampened with water — no solvents, abrasive cleaners, creams, polishes or conditioners. To preserve its shape, stuff with tissue paper and store in the dust bag.
Made from lightweight and water-resistant coated canvas, Tory Burch’s bestselling Ever-Ready Tote is an affordable version of other pricier luxury options in the market. The tote is decorated with a basketweave print, and has a secure zipped top and matching pouch, making it practical yet chic for everyday. The slim straps are long enough to comfortably sit over your shoulder. Keep in mind: The center compartment safely holds a 13-inch laptop but is not as protective as a padded computer sleeve, of course.
What To Consider When Buying Designer Handbags
All of the designer bags on this list will not only earn you major style points; they are designed to last. If you look after a luxury designer handbag well, you can pass it down through generations or resell it on fashion marketplaces, and even make money on it. The best designer handbags are collectible works of art that appreciate in value.
Even newer bags are worth collecting. Some of the bags on my list have been reissued, reimagined or given a modern, 21st-century makeover with sustainable materials but without becoming trendy one-hit-wonders.
There are beautiful, luxurious, high-quality bags out there that won’t break the bank. (Case in point: the Strathberry East/West Mini). When considering your investment, think about what features you need most in a bag, such as compartments or the ability to carry it crossbody, and how often you intend to wear it—the cost per wear equation definitely applies to luxury designer handbags. Also, if you put your money into timeless styles (look to classic shapes and colors that never fall out of favor), I find that you almost never regret a purchase. Lastly, if you’re still on the fence, you can look up a bag’s resale value online at sites such as Fashionphile and What Goes Around Comes Around to decide if your purchase is worth it on the long run, knowing that inflation will likely drive up purchase prices over time.
My Expertise
I’ve been a fashion journalist for two decades. I served as the fashion features director for Harper’s Bazaar, and my editorial work has appeared in publications like Vogue, Grazia, The Guardian Life and Style and Forbes. Throughout my career, I’ve interviewed fashion and accessory designers, including Michael Kors, Stella McCartney and Diane von Furstenberg; and spent time behind-the-scenes with manufacturers to learn about the craftsmanship that goes into luxury goods. I’ve also reviewed hundreds of fashion collections by emerging and established designers at fashion weeks in New York, London, Milan and Paris.
