Fashion People Can't Stop Carrying These Designer-Looking High-Street Bags

This mini suede Massimo Dutti bag proved to be a sellout hit this summer. 

In an unprecedented turn of events, fashion people have recently been forgoing their well-known designer handbags for styles from the high street. Yes, you heard me correctly. In fact, it's one particular high-street brand that has been producing handbags so expensive-looking that influencers and editors across the industry are leaving their Loewes at home in favour of these glossy yet affordable accessories.

Massimo Dutti is the brand in question, and whilst it's not the cheapest high-street label out there, we're still talking under £200 for its most premium styles, compared to the soaring four-figure sums you can find from most designer labels these days. 

Emily Wells wears a beautiful leather Massimo Dutti bag from last autumn. 

Myself and my fellow Who What Wear UK editors have been fans of Massimo Dutti (the more mature, elevated and higher-quality sister brand to Zara) for a while now, and over the years, I've seen influencers dip in and out of its timeless offering. But over the last year—especially with the explosion of quiet luxury—I've seen more and more people in the industry wearing (and raving about) the brand's classic buys. 

The minimalist, designer-looking leather handbags have unsurprisingly proven to be a particular hit, and there's been a number of times recently where I've stopped my scrolling on Instagram to check which designer an influencer's chic bag is from, only to discover that it's Massimo Dutti. 

Marianne Smyth has the sold-out suede Massimo Dutti handbag in yellow. 

The quality far exceeds the high-street price tag. 

The brand has actually just released its autumn/winter drop of bags, and they really don't disappoint. Rich, tonal colours in buttery leathers and unique designs really make them really stand out from the rest of the high street's offering. If you've been looking for a classic, crossbody, '90s-inspired shoulder bag or a fits-everything leather tote that will last you for many seasons to come, you're going to want to see these.

I love that they all come in multiple classic colourways too—usually including black, brown and a lighter cream. My personal favourites have to be the Croissant Bag and the padded flap bags (one in each size, please) that I just want to take home and squeeze. All are bound to sell out as autumn gets underway, so keep scrolling to pick your favourite now. 

You can see how easy it is to mistake these bags for designer styles. 

Shop Massimo Dutti Handbags:

Next Up: 11 Quiet-Luxury Bags That Are Low-Key, Anti-Trend and Peak Cool