#BuyBetter – Best affordable designer handbags

As we start in AW23-24, that familiar urge to refresh our wardrobes with new collection pieces kicks in. And what’s at the top of our list? Designer handbags, naturally. We’ve all coveted that new Prada model strutting its stuff during fashion week street style showcases. But let’s be real – splurging thousands of Euros on a handbag isn’t always in the cards. That’s why we’ve curated a list of the best, yet affordable, designer handbags currently dazzling the market.

Our search criteria? Bags that embody this season’s hottest trends. Think red bags, top handles and chains, clutches and moon shapes. We didn’t stop at designs; we also considered your material preferences, from classic leather and practical nylon to vegan and sustainable leather options. Our selection cuts through the overwhelming array of choices, directing you straight to your ideal, budget-friendly designer handbag.

1- Isabel Marant

Effortlessly cool, Isabel Marant captures that quintessential French, bohemian, and carefree elegance. A mix of rock-n-roll vibes, masculine touches, and bohemian flair crafts the label’s signature French girl je-ne-sais-quoi. Our pick? The Baguette shoulder bag.

2- Jacquemus

Jacquemus is a French fashion brand founded by designer Simon Porte Jacquemus.
Simon, who hails from the sunny region of Provence in France, started his label at a very young age. He gained early recognition for his unique and minimalist designs, often inspired by his personal experiences and memories. One of his breakthrough moments was the creation of the “Le Chiquito” bag, which became a sensation in the fashion world due to its tiny size and bold statement. Our choice is its other bag sensation Le Bambino in red, because a red bag is a must this season.

3- A.P.C.

The epitome of French chic, A.P.C., founded in 1987 by Jean Touitou, is all about functionality, quality, and understated style. It’s the brand to choose for timeless, essential designs that exude French elegance. The Grace mini bag is one of their most copied design. But we have chosen Le Pocket bag for this season, with its boho meets moon design.

4- JW Anderson

A British luxury brand adored by celebrities (remember Harry Styles’ viral crochet cardigan?), JW Anderson, part of the LVMH family, is renowned for its bold chain details. The label’s creativity extends to Loewe, under Anderson’s direction since 2013. Our choice – The grey leather bag with silver chain (chains are a trend), just ultra-chic.

5- Tory Burch

Mixing European luxury quality with American cost-efficiency, Tory Burch‘s handbags, are a great option. The Lee Radziwill (Jackie Onassis’ sister) collection is a success. And if you are a Quiet Luxury adept, good to know that the TB logo appears in a subtle way.

6- Polo Ralph Lauren

Emblematic of luxe American fashion with a European aristocratic twist, Ralph Lauren blends femininity, sport-chic, and tradition. Our choice – Top handle Polo ID in crocodile leather style. And top-handle bags were seen in almost every runway AW23-24, should we call it a trend?

7- Ganni

A social media darling, Ganni, founded in 2000 by Copenhagen’s Frans Truelsen, blends androgynous, bohemian, and vibrant experimental styles. Its accessory line features recycled materials and cotton crochet, staying true to its quirky, exuberant ethos.

8- Nanushka

Hailing from Budapest, Nanushka, led by Sandra Sandor of London College of Fashion fame, is all about minimalist cool and effortless femininity. Its fan base includes style icons like Camile Charriere and Gigi Hadid.

9- Neous

London-based with a sustainable ethos, NEOUS, founded by Australian-born Vanissa Antonious in 2017, balances high quality with architectural designs, boasting a creative journey from London’s design rooms to Italian craftsmanship.

10- COS

Rounding off our list is COS. Known for its chic, minimalist style, this H&M sister brand made its NYFW debut in 2022 and in 2023 introduced its COS Atelier Collection. The brand reinvents classics, providing wardrobe essentials that won’t break the bank. We’ve chosen this embroidered western clutch because you need to have a big clutch this year!

And Finally

These 10 affordable designer bags are the real deal when it comes to the must-have trends for AW23-24. We’re talking game-changing chains, killer clutches, ravishing reds, standout top handles, essential tote bags, and that boho-chic moon shape. Scoop up any of these, and you’re looking at a wardrobe that’s not just versatile, but a whole lot more playful and fun.

Title photo – courtesy of Tory Burch AW23-24 collection