The Design Detail That Makes Cheaper Bags Look Expensive

Over the past few years, there has been a rise in affordable designer handbags. Most of the It bags that you see all over your Instagram feeds are selling the fast, and all have one thing in common: a croc-effect finish. Lisa Aiken, Net-a-Porter's former fashion director, said at her F/W 18 presentation that this trend is only going to get bigger this autumn and that the key is that it photographs well.

"Lots of contemporary brands are working this into their collections but it still feels super premium," says Aiken. "It's something you'd have and treasure for a long time." Staud's croc-effect Bissett bag always sells out very quickly, and Rejina Pyo's and Nanushka's bags are all in a luxurious soft brown croc-effect leather. A look that can be easily mimicked by more affordable brands—it's very hard to tell an expensive croc-effect from a more cost-effective one, but you'll be likely to notice the difference in terms of silhouette, hardware, and quality of finish.

Scroll to see how people are wearing their new mock-croc bags and to shop some of our favorites at every price point.

Style Notes: Lisa Aiken previews one of the best upcoming bags of the season—an oversize croc-effect tote from Nanushka.

Style Notes: We told you croc effect is photogenic. This Nanushka belt bag looks just as tempting as the pancakes. 

Style Notes: This By Far bag is all over Instagram right now—lucky Lou Lou wears her like a total expert, with a whole host of brown shades.

Opening Image: Style Stalker

This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.