8 Designer It Bags and Their More Affordable Counterparts

Loewe's leather-trimmed raffia tote. Bottega Veneta's intrecciato woven leather bag. By FAR's miniature chain-link pouch. Yep—you can conjure an image of this year's most-wanted designer bags and maybe you can even predict all eight of the silhouettes in this list since they really are everywhere (at least I've spotted a number of fashion girls with these It bags slung around their arms and I can't help but lust after them, too). Luckily, splurging on one of these designer bags isn't the only way to participate in the trending silhouettes of the moment.

With a little bit of shopping research and a keen eye for spotting expensive-looking details, I sourced a number of options that emulate these coveted styles but at a much, much more affordable price point. If you find yourself crushing hard on one of these '90s baguette bags, woven totes, or chain-embellished crossbodys like I am, look no further than these affordable summer handbags to get a similar look for a fraction of the cost. 

1. Loewe Leather-Trimmed Raffia Tote Bag

A woven tote like Loewe's luxurious leather-trimmed version conjures images of trips to the beach or walks through an outdoor market. In other words, it's the ideal summertime carryall to wear alongside dresses, shorts, and sandals.

2. The Row Half-Moon Shoulder Bag

Nineties-inspired bags are a huge hit right now, and The Row's Half Moon Shoulder bag captures what we love so much about the decade's pared-back aesthetic. It's simplistic and ultra-wearable. It's the kind of bag that goes with everything and adds a current feel to whatever it's styled with.

3. Bottega Veneta Jodie Mini Knotted Intrecciato Tote Bag

No conversation about designer It bags would be complete without at least one from Bottega Veneta's offering. Fashion girls all over are carrying the brand's signature intrecciato (Italian for "woven") pieces, and while nothing comes close to the original, I've found some faux leather options that look pretty good.

4. By FAR Rachel Mini Chain-Embellished Leopard-Print Shoulder Bag

When By FAR re-made its wildly popular Rachel bag in a miniature version and added a chain-link detail, we knew the fashion crowd would be all over it, but it's not hard to find the retro baguette shape and chunky chain strap elsewhere, too.

5. Marargent Pierre Ruched Top-Handle Bag

"Croissant bag" is a term we coined last year at the first sight of these ruched leather numbers, including the Pierre bag from emerging designer Marargent, which we quickly spotted in the hands of fashion insiders and celebs alike. The scrunching detail gives it such a unique look, so we're not surprised to see more brands emulating the same vibe.

6. Carolina Santo Domingo Ostra Leather Shoulder Bag

The sculptural handbags from designers like Carolina Santo Domingo and Staud are almost too beautiful to be wearable. Their imperfect, art-inspired shapes make them immediately stand out, so naturally we had to create a similarly shaped bag for our own Who What Wear line.

7. Jacquemus Le Riviera Bag

Another day, another Jacquemus bag that sends the fashion world spinning. This time, it's a simple shoulder bag with an eye-catching chunky chain-link detail on the strap. We love the designer version, but there's no denying that the affordable bags hold up here, too.

8. Paco Rabanne Iconic 1969 Shoulder Bag

Why carry a boring bag when you can party like it's 1969 in Paco Rabanne chainmail? Yeah, that's what I thought. There's no denying how fun-loving this bag is, as are the equally as pretty yet more affordable versions inspired by it. 

Next up, see how our editors are making 10 under-$50 pieces look so chic.