Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn a commission from our partnersโ links. This content is created by TIME Stamped, under TIMEโs direction and produced in accordance with TIMEโs editorial guidelines and overseen by TIMEโs editorial staff. Learn more about it.
A good designer handbag does more than just make a stylish fashion statement designed to withstand the test of time. Itโs also a functional and well-constructed carryall thatโs designed to get your daily must-haves from point A to point B. However, as with anything โdesigner,โ the price tag can be highโfrom the hundreds to the several thousandsโand sometimes, you donโt know whether you are paying for quality or just a name. We spoke to several fashion experts to help us create a list of top designer handbags that are worth the investment (and are functional as well). No matter whether youโre looking for a sizable day tote or a petite clutch to carry at night, our curated selection can help you find the best fit for whatever your day brings.
Coming in at under $300, the Kate Spade Bleecker Large Tote is an affordable yet stylish pick. โIt's a classic leather tote bag, which can carry a lot,โ says fashion and lifestyle blogger Titilola Sogunro of Titiโs Passion. โI like that you can easily add an organizer insert to increase its functionality.โ
It is available in six colors that range from black to rose; the tote bag is large enough to house a 13-inch laptop and also includes a small interior zip pouch, making it one of the best work bags for women.
Chanelโs Classic Flap Bag has somewhat of a cult following among fashionistas, many of whom opt for the traditional black color with an accompanying gold chain link strap. โThis is a timeless style that will never go out of style,โ says fashion and travel blogger Kat Jamieson. Thirteen years ago, Jamieson purchased her own Classic Flap Bag. โNot only has it significantly increased in value, but it still looks brand new,โ she comments. โIf you love it, buy it now!โ
She recommends that those eyeing this purse opt for a vintage make, given that Chanel recently switched to gold-plated hardware in lieu of solid gold.
Incredibly spacious and easily packable, the Goyard Saint Louis is a fantastic designer handbag option for moms, says stylist and fashion consultant Deborah Watson. โIt comes in lots of beautiful colors, itโs seasonless, and you can clean it easily with just a simple baby wipe!โ
We love that the St. Louis style is available in three sizes: The smaller PM, larger GM, and the ultra sizable XXL.
Priced at $225, Brahminโs Esme bags come in a wide range of vibrant colorways and are a go-to statement piece, says lifestyle influencer Greivy. โI have been wearing and collecting these bags for a few years now and Iโm obsessed with the quality and colors that are released season after season,โ she adds.
Jess Keys, life and style blogger at JessKeys.com, considers Clare Vโs Grande Fanny bag to be one of her most worn items. โI love that the Grande Fanny comes in so many color options and that you can mix and match with dozens of strap options,โ she shares. Better yet, Keys appreciates that the fanny pack is larger than most but lays flat against the body. โDay or night, it's stylish, on-trend, versatile, and comfortable at the same time.โ
Blogger Katie Sturino, founder of Megababe, author of Body Talk, and body acceptance advocate, is also a proponent of the Grande Fanny bag. โThere arenโt a lot of fanny pack straps that fit my body, so Iโm glad I found this one,โ she says. โThe cream coloring is such a staple: Itโs neutral and goes with everything, allowing me to mix and match with my straps based on the outfit and occasion.โ
Those who wish to carry a logo-free designer handbag will appreciate Cuyanaโs System Tote, which is my personal favorite option to carry while running errands, attending work meetings, or exploring the city. (It also made our list of the best travel totes for women.) Stylish and sleek, the bag is elevated yet comes at a manageable, under $350 price point. Those looking to customize the bag further can choose to add a strap, organization pouch, and other accessories, available directly from Cuyana.
Fashion stylish Hallie Abrams of The Wardrobe Consultant notes that Loeweโs Small Hammock bag, which is available in seven chic, neutral colors, โhas a unique shape and can be both compact and large depending on the wearerโs desire.โ It can be worn as a crossbody or shoulder bag or simply carried by its handles. The brand has made major waves in recent years and is part of what Abrams refers to as the โโIt Girlโ zeitgeist.โ
The Dior Book Tote isnโt your average tote bagโknown for its logo design and sturdy structure, itโs a favorite of lifestyle influencer Katelyn Sailor. โI've made the mistake before of purchasing smaller, trendy designer bags that I stop using after a year,โ Sailor reflects. โIโve had my book tote for four years now and it continues to be my most used bag whenever I need something to easily throw things in for travel or errands.โ
Alison Bruhn loved her first Saint Laurent Baby Sac De Jour so much that she ended up purchasing another colorway of the bag a few years later. โIt is deceptive in its size,โ says the national style and image consultant behind The Style That Binds Us. โEven though it is relatively small, I can fit everything I need inside of itโincluding a small umbrella!โ
Bruhn also appreciates that this bag is lightweight, can stand up on its own due to its flat bottom with small feet, and its versatility: It features handles as well as a crossbody strap. โDuring the day I can be hands-free, and in the evening I carry the bag using the top handles for an elegant, dressier look,โ says Bruhn, who also loves that this bag appeals to her minimalist, understated aesthetic.
Natalie Simkins, stylist and founder of Style by Simkins, uses the Senreve Maestra bag for work and appreciates both its structure and versatilityโthe bag can be worn as either a backpack or on the shoulder. โIt has a laptop compartment and multiple pockets to help keep everything super organized,โ Simkins says. โMost importantly, it's gorgeous and timeless.โ Its versatility makes it one of the best travel backpacks for women who want a bag that can truly go from work conferences to brunch to cocktails.
Chanelโs Black Quilted Caviar Classic Wallet on Chain can be worn as both a crossbody and a clutch and is โthe best designer starter bag, in my opinion,โ says Amy Littleson McNitt, founder of the fashion and lifestyle blog, Amy Littleson.
The bag features the luxury brandโs signature โCCโ logo and is designed to serve as a wallet, with interior pouches for credit cards, while still being able to house other essentials, including a phone and keychain. โItโs a forever classic and, in most cases, is on the lower end of the dollar scale when it comes to Chanelโs current prices,โ McNitt adds. โBlack is also an all-year-round worn color in NYC, so Iโll have no problem getting plenty of use out of it!โ
One of Camille Carterโs most used bags is the Grace Mini Bag from the French label A.P.C. โItโs the perfect mix between casual and polished; you can wear it during the day with jeans and a t-shirt just as easily as you can at night to a nice dinner or event,โ says the lifestyle blogger behind Charmed by Camille.
Carter appreciates the bagโs leather construction as well as its timeless look. โRight now, the quiet luxury vibe is in, but because this bag has a classic shape, clean gold closure, and tiny logo, itโs something that will last beyond just this trend,โ she states.
Not all designer bags are created equal. As evident based on the above, some are best for evening gatherings, others are ideal for the office or commuting, and additional options are useful for weekend activities or travel. Consider your day-to-day needs and lifestyle before purchasing a bag to ensure you will reach for it frequently and not simply leave it hanging in your closet.
Everyoneโs budget varies. It is important to take into account your personal budgetary concerns when shopping for a designer bag. In doing so, you should also determine whether you wish to invest in one bag that you will reach for on a near-daily basis or if you would like to build a larger collection of bags that come in at lower price points.
Ask yourself: Are you looking to invest in a piece that will appreciate in value over time, or do you prefer to purchase bags without worrying about eventual resale possibilities? These are all important decisions to weigh as you prepare to spend hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on a designer bag.
It is, of course, imperative to take your personal style preferences into account when shopping for a designer handbag. Are you drawn to logos, or does their presence bother you? Are you looking for a bag that will be instantly recognizable, or would you prefer something a bit more off the beaten path? Do you mainly dress in neutrals, or are you looking for a brightly colored bag to complement your bold outfits? These factors and more should all be considered as you embark on the shopping process.
To select the best designer handbags, we spoke with a range of experts who work within the world of fashion, including bloggers, content creators, personal stylists, and more. These individuals openly shared their favorite designer handbags and provided detailed explanations of these bagsโ benefits.
The information presented here is created by TIME Stamped and overseen by TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About Us page.