I'm a Handbag Buyer, and These Popular Designer Bags Are Worth It
Shopping for a designer bag is equal parts exciting and stressful. It's an accessory that can be worn again and again (hello, cost per wear!), but there's no denying it can be a punch in the gut when the credit card charge hits your account. If you wish you had a handbag fairy godmother to help decide what styles are worth it, you're in luck. We enlisted Victoria Slane, designer and luxury handbag buyer at Nordstrom to share some insight. Who's better to help guide you than someone who literally buys bags for a living?
"When I'm selecting an assortment, I like to ask myself, Who is the customer for this? Where are they wearing it? Will they want to pull it out every day or season after season?" Slane tells Who What Wear. (Yeah, a lot of decisions go into merchandising that gorgeous handbag section.) But she says one thing is nonnegotiable: "Spending money on any item should be about what it means to you," says Slane. "Whether it's a tried-and-true bag that's been around for years or a brand-new designer bag on the arm of every influencer, if it makes you happy and you will wear it and enjoy it, it's a good investment."
If you're still unsure where to start, Slane is sharing 20 styles that have a special place in her heart, from current It bags to all-time classics. "Bags that balance iconic elements such as silhouette, hardware, or branding details with emotional elements such as a bold color or interesting fabrication are the perfect balance to me," she says. Keep scrolling for some of her under-$300 picks, too. "As what constitutes 'investment' varies from one person to the next, the most important factors are that the bag functions for your life and that it makes you happy when you carry it," she explains. "This is more important than if a bag is popular or not."
Valentino Garavani Medium Roman Stud Leather Shoulder Bag
When asked whether she could only buy one bag in 2021, Slane couldn't quite narrow it down. "Asking a handbag buyer to pick one bag is like asking a mother to pick a favorite child!" says Slane. "If we're speaking to more classic items, I have my eye on the Valentino Roman Stud bag in a gorgeous flamingo pink. This is the kind of bag you pull out for running errands, and it also works for special occasions or a night out."
Nicky Hilton carrying the Valentino Garavani Medium Roman Stud Leather Shoulder Bag.
Benedetta Bruzziches Casper Crystal Mesh Clutch
Alexander McQueen Skull Croc-Embossed Shoulder Bag
Chloé Mini Marcie Crossbody Bag
Christian Louboutin Mini Cabata Tote
Givenchy Small 4G Leather Crossbody
Loewe Mini Puzzle Leather Bag
Saint Laurent Lou Camera Bag
Amina Muaddi Gilda Top Handle Bag
Balenciaga Neo Classic Crossbody
Bottega Veneta Mini Pouch
Coperni Micro Snake Embossed Leather Top Handle Bag
Valentino Rockstud Shoulder Bag
Versace Mini Virtus Studded Crossbody
Gu_de Small Lisa Shoulder Bag
Ganni Tech Fabric Saddle Shoulder Bag
Fjällräven Art Backpack
Isabel Marant Yenky Logo Tote
Streamline Luggage Editor Mini Crossbody
Staud Shirley Calfskin Leather Handbag
Up next: The 17 Designer Bags Celebs Are Wearing This Year
Lindy Segal is a freelance writer, editor, and content strategist based in New York City. She's been in editorial for over eight years as a social media manager and writer covering beauty, fashion, and lifestyle at Glamour and People. These days, in addition to Who What Wear, you can see her byline at places like Harper's Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, Ipsy, and WeWork. Both a skincare obsessive and a minimalist, she keeps her routine short, sweet, and effective—and she doesn't go a day without sunscreen. She's also deeply passionate about sustainability, and she strives to recommend products she truly believes are worth the investment.
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