Designer bag prices are rising faster than the stock market in today's economy. Chanel bags have surpassed the $10K number quicker than lightning, and even the smaller bag brands are charging a premium for their products. As someone who loves investing for her future, this is both good and bad news. It's good news because it means any designer bags I've bought in the past will only continue to increase in value, but it's also bad news because of how tempting the latest designer styles can be regardless of the impact they'll have on my bank account.
This predicament has led me to make some tough choices in the bag department, and I've found myself being a lot pickier about which designer bags I think are actually worth the price point. I'm becoming friendlier with affordable styles to fill out my collection. Below, find the six bags I'm saving my money with so I have more cash flow to splurge on the six designer finds I'm obsessed with.
Splurge: Bottega Veneta Andiamo Bag
The Bottega Veneta Andiamo bag has to be the most-talked-about style at Who What Wear HQ. We all want to get our hands on it ASAP because it's the perfect update to Bottega's timeless styles. If there were only one bag worth the splurge, it would have to be this one.
Save: JW Pei Lily
I've owned this bag in brown for a few years, and it sometimes gets more use than the designer style that I love. It is slouchy and carries way more than it looks like it does.
Splurge: Gucci Horsebit
The current bag that every It girl seems to own is this Horsebit shoulder bag by Gucci. It's the new name on the block, and it makes a unique fashion statement. You'll want to be the first to make moves on this one.
Save: Staud Marike Shoulder Bag
If Westerncore is still on your radar, as it is on mine, this suede shoulder bag is certainly one that you'll want to have hanging off your arm. It's quite a roomy style and nods to the slouchy bags we're seeing everywhere right now.
Splurge: Savette Pochette
Savette feels like a fashion-insider secret, as it's a bag brand that only the coolest in-the-know types are carrying right now. The structured shape and gold detailing on this one feel ultra luxe. What I love about the brand most is the absence of logos, for that is the ultimate sign of quiet luxury.
Save: Mango Coconut-Effect Shoulder Bag
Somehow, Mango created a $60 bag that looks like it would retail for $2500 and I must have my hands on it. If you've been looking for a way to tap into the pop-of-red trend, I would give this bag a try.
Splurge: The Row Margaux Tote
If you're the kind of person who wants to carry it all, the Margaux bag from The Row is the one for you. It feels like an elevated briefcase that can carry a change of clothes, a laptop, and anything else you can think of.
Save: Reformation Chiara Bag
Reformation's Chiara bag can be worn in more ways than one. Whether you choose to style it as a top-handle bag or a shoulder bag, you'll find yourself getting many compliments with it on.
Splurge: Toteme T-Lock Shoulder Bag
I'm waiting for someone to introduce me to a bag that is better than the T-Lock. Oh wait, it's the best on the market right now. I included it in the splurge category, but it comes in at a much better price point than what I've found from other designer brands.
Save: Luar Ana Bag
If you want to get your hands on something no one else has, allow me to introduce you to Luar's Ana Croc Bag. Luar is a cool brand that often shows at New York Fashion Week. I love that its price point is so accessible.
Splurge: Loewe Squeeze Bag
Loewe's Squeeze Bag is already predicted to be a favorite among fashion insiders. It has just the right amount of scrunching to make it feel unique, while the gold detailing keeps it elevated.
Save: COS Oversized Quilted Bag
The bag that has made the most appearances on my TikTok feed just so happens to be the COS quilted bag that fits it all. At under $100, it can fit everything you need by your side for a full day out on the town.
Now, shop our favorite bags and even more colors:
The Gucci Horsebit bag looks just as good in red.
A bag I own and wear countless times.
The Andiamo bag just might be the only style that could convince me to break my shopping budget.
I still can't get over the amazing price point on this one.
The fact that this guy comes in a mini version is sending me.
Metallic is still such a vibe.
Brown is the perfect colorway for any Andiamo bag that you have your eyes set on.
You can see the Chiara here in shoulder bag form.
Gucci is all about mismatched colorways right now, so don't be afraid to buy the Horsebit bag in green.
The Staud bag is even better in black.
The perfect neutral bag does it exist.
I can only imagine how good this would look with an all-white outfit.
BRB, asking Santa for a T-Lock bag.
This color is destined to be the It buy of the New Year.
This bag really does carry it all.
-
If a French Woman Shopped the Amazon Prime Day Sale, She'd Instantly Add These 31 Chic Picks to CartEffortless and affordable? Yes, please.
-
Forget the Margaux—*This* The Row Bag Will Be Carried by Fashion People With Cool Taste in 2025And it won't cost you $5000.
-
I'm Bored With My Closet—These 33 Chic Nordstrom Pieces Have the Power to Turn Things AroundEffortless and expensive looking is the vibe.
-
Believe Me—You'll Still Want These 36 Items in 2026 (and '27 and '28)Timeless with a capital T.
-
The 5 Brands to Shop for Beach Bags That You'll Love and Keep ForeverTrust me on this one.
-
The "Dated" Bag Trend We Left in the '90s Just Showed Up at Miu Miu and on Jennifer LawrenceA comeback is imminent.
-
According to the Fashion Set, It's Officially a Sardine Summer—35 Picks They Can't Get Enough OfThe tinned-fish trend is in full effect.
-
25 Criminally Good Madewell Sale Finds That Fashion People Are Adding to Their CartsUp to 60% off? Yes, please!
