When I first became interested in bags in the 2000s, $1,200 to $1,500 spent at most brands could buy you the line’s marquee piece in regular leather. The Chloé Paddington fell into that range, for example, and it was the most sought-after bag in the world at the time. Now, with totally normal bags edging ever closer to the $3,000 mark, it can feel like getting a good value is impossible. That’s where we step in to help.
Even though it’s true that bags are getting increasingly expensive, basically all brands still make day bags around that $1,500 price point—they might not be a designer’s most famous piece, but they exist. Bags in this price tier are mostly either smaller crossbody bags are totes that are a bit on the simple side, but those are the types of bags that tend to get a lot of real, actual use in a person’s wardrobe.
While researching this post, it also seems like the market is seeing a new price peg solidify at $1,300 to $1,400. We generally keep tabs on bags at various price points at least twice a year, and over time, it seems as though brands have realized that their customers want cute options that feel special at lower prices than their most famous bags. The market appears to have settled on a new entry-level price point as a result, and even brands that have done a poor job of offering solid options at that level in the past have gotten on board. (We’re looking at you, Valentino.) Check out the best options below.
Balenciaga BB Round Shoulder Bag
Bottega Veneta Messenger Bag
Burberry Rucksack Bag
Calvin Klein 205W39NYC Bonnie Bag
Chanel Gabrielle Pouch
Chloé Roy Small Bag
Dolce & Gabbana Sicily Bag
Fendi Mini Camera Case
Givenchy Stargate Tote
Gucci Ophidia Bag
Loewe Gate Bucket Bag
Louis Vuitton Alma Mini Bag
Mark Cross Josephine Shoulder Bag
Miu Miu Grace Shoulder Bag
Mulberry Wilton Tote
Prada Concept Tote
Proenza Schouler Hex Tote
Saint Laurent Loulou Bag
Stella McCartney Perforated Hobo
Tom Ford Tara T Shoulder Bag
Valentino Rockstud Shoulder Bag
If only we can turn back time to the early 2000s and buy designer bags knowing what we know now.
I would’ve stocked up on Chanel the most since their price increases are through the roof ? Probably could make more money reselling a Chanel classic flap from that era now
I love the Bottega Veneta. Gorgeous and simplistic. Solid!
I love how they always hold true to their classic weave style no matter what the trend is.
I have owned that bag and it is a workhorse. Mostly I used it as a wallet/clutch with the strap tucked inside. It holds everything you need.
The Stella perforated tote reminds me of the Stella tote I purchased in July. I’ve always been against her bags because I thought they were overpriced for something that isn’t genuine leather. I have come to love my perforated logo tote bag, not only because it’s super squishy and functional, but because it isn’t leather. If I get caught in the rain with it (which has happened twice) I don’t freak out to cover it. Just wipe and go!! I also got it at a great price ($429 from Biffi) who seemed to mark it down by accident because it was back at full price ($800 something) within days. Anyway….blah, blah…just passing on the love.
Think I’ll stock up on Sicily bags while they are still at a reasonable price point. It’s a wonderful bag and comes in TONS of options.
Has Calvin Klein sold any bags?!! I read an article on how they are trying to turn the company around since most sales are coming from underwater. I don’t see how renaming it to a street address no one can remember elevates the brand. Reminds of the old TV show “90210”. Eeeew….
I think only a NYer would easily remember that name lol.
I’m a born and raised NYer and even **I** don’t remember that address haha
wait a minute, 90210 is a Cali zip code.
You know, you’re right. Even as a Manhattaner, I’ve heard so many other “natives” give incorrect information regarding addresses and subways lol. I’ve literally run up to a tourist after hearing someone tell them “oh yeah to get to the upper west side take the J train uptown then take the Q Queens bound” and gave them the correct way lol. I think people that rely solely on their heads and not apps are a dying breed lol
Most of these are hideous and not worth the money at all. Wait til they end up on Barney’s warehouse or SaksOff. Honestly I blame the young generation (I know I’m young but I feel 60 ok leave me alone). They know that this whole Instagram “look at my Gucci bag and Gucci slides and Hermès belt” thing is opposite of class. They’re raising the prices so they become “more exclusive” aka less easily afforded by someone who sits at home behind a camera and makes the same amount of money if not more than someone that “really deserves” a Chanel bag.
“really deserves”
I’m just laughing at that. No-one “deserves” a high fashion bag.
I’m glad my use of quotation marks portrayed my sarcasm properly lol.
Then again, the argument can be made that if one works hard enough, one can be deserving of anything worked for…. or something like that…
I found it funny how all of the brands offer ACTUAL bags while Chanel is like “heres a little pouch for you broke plebeians.”
OMG – SO true. It isn’t even a full-leather pouch. It’s just polyester tweed. They know most of their purchases are from the “public,” non 1%-ers who drool over their goods.
And what exactly am I supposed to put in these pouches? They’re flat and then we don’t want to put a bulbous item in there to stretch it out. It looks like you should carry tampons in it but only paper receipts will fit.
You can’t even buy a Chanel WOC with that money. And this pouch isn’t even leather like what a joke.
This comment dying with laughter.
I might consider the loulou, because it’s fun. As I’ve gotten older, my taste has gotten more classic and prefer bags that won’t be dated by next season, especially with the amount of money being spent. Is fun worth $1500? I’m not entirely convinced, so the internal struggle over whst next bag I want to buy continues
Btw, what happened to the Next button on the home page? I’m unable to go to older posts.
I have the loulou and I love it. It’s such a cute little bag and the leather is so soft.
If brands were more price transparent I think it would be much easier to swallow. Price adjustments just seem to be shrouded in mystery.
Actually really like the CK bag.
Most of these are very close to $1500 – when I read “under $1500” I thought there’d be a bit of variation. Guess you can’t buy premium designer for any less ?
Mansur Gavriel blows all of these out of the water not only in quality and aesthetics but definitely in price! They should be on this list 🙂
I would argue that Senrevve, Polene, and Seqouia have great bags as well. But yes Masur Gavriel for the win ?
Out of all of these I think the Alma mini would be the only one to hold its value. And forget about the Chanel pouch. Like girl, it ain’t even leather ?