Gone are the days when you must shell out thousands of dollars for a solid handbag. The perfect cherry on top of your best outfits can be easily acquired for under $500, thanks to a slew of designers and retailers that know exactly what they're doing. Since I'm all about dishing out the most helpful advice for fashion people (and fashion hopefuls), this curated selection of gorgeous under-$500 handbags is quite impressive if I do say so myself. I've done the digging, dear reader, and I'm sure you'll be pleased.
Now, it's time to get into the nitty-gritty. You can expect pieces from some tried-and-true fashion favorites like Coach, Demellier, Staud, and others. That said, there are some amazing handbag finds from Paloma Wool, Margesherwood, and even Adidas. Yes, you heard that correctly. On top of that, there's a handbag design aesthetic that'll fit just about every stylistic sensibility. From edgy on-trend pieces to more classic timeless styles, I've got you covered. Let the shopping commence.
COACH
Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39
The Brooklyn bag is the queen of large, slouchy yet chic bags. The brown suede has such a classic look.
COACH
Tabby Shoulder Bag 26 in Loved Leather
The Tabby is a WWW top-selling item and for good reason. This worn leather look is so cool, but there are other stunning colorways.
I'm partial to gorgeous metal hardware. If you are a sucker for a ton of studs, this cool-girl bag is for you.
Anthropologie
Faux-Suede Woven Shoulder Bag
The mixed textures does it for me.
Anthropologie
Studded Vegan-Leather North-South Tote Bag
The larger studs on the strap add the perfect touch of fun detail.
Poppy Lissiman
Snapper Spike
I own this one, and I get so many compliments on it every time I pull it out. Try pairing it with a more elegant outfit for a fun juxtaposition.
Adidas recently launched a collaboration with Miaou, and this sporty-chic bag, along with a few other items, was the result.
Freja New York
Mini Chrystie Bag Oat
Freja has stolen the hearts of many fashion people.
Freja New York
Mercer Bag Black Lizard
This makes a frequent appearance among NYC's most stylish people.
Gimaguas
Beige Mini Franca Bag
From the texture to the use of hardware, this fun piece will liven up your favorite looks.
Free People
We the Free Baby Emerson Tote Bag
Due to the popularity of the regular-sized Emerson tote, Free People launched this baby version. Both bags have a Balenciaga City Bag feel to them for less.
MARGESHERWOOD
Brown Halter Bag
Paloma Wool
Yellow Gilda Shopper Bag
Paloma Wool is popular for stunning clothing, but don't sleep on its accessories.
This Staud bag looks luxurious.
Gimaguas
Brown Blanca Sateen Bag
MARGESHERWOOD
Brown Soft Boston Ew Bag
The Boston is a popular silhouette for Margesherwood because it's so versatile.
puppets and puppets
Leather Smashed Handle Hobo
MARGESHERWOOD
Hobo Shoulder Bag
Strathberry
Charlotte Drawstring - Cinq a Sept Black Fringe
mansurgavriel
Upcycled Woven Leather Gaia Bag
I'm adding this to my cart.
Tory Burch
Small Ella Natuura Drawstring Tote
Okay, Tory Burch, pop off.
demellier
The New York Shoulder
Demellier is the perfect brand to tap into when you want to feel elevated and rich without the price tag.
COS
Mini Studio Bowling Bag
A great dramatically less expensive alternative to the Row Margaux.
Brahmin
Small Kathleen Genuine Calf Hair & Leather Shoulder Bag
A little dash of leopard print never hurt anyone. The genuine calf hair is a nice touch, too.
Poelle Atelier
Britni Bag in Marsala
The triple belts are so interesting.
Stand Oil
More Faux Leather Baguette Bag
Madewell
The Drawstring Shoulder Bag
The grommets are a nice detail.
Dolce Vita
Boracay Handbag
These florals are so gorgeous.
Shopbop
Cult Gaia Azariah Nano Suede Handbag
Fun sculpture-esque details.
Cult Gaia
Florence Clutch
The most unique clutch you've probably ever seen.
Large slouchy bags are so on-trend.
I'm loving this interpretation of florals and fashion.
Simonmiller
Faux Leather Lopsy Bag
Animal print is in. You'll be seeing more zebra print in the coming months.
COS
Folded Oversized Crinkled Clutch Bag
It's like if a grocery bag was suddenly a very cool accessory.