We’re living in a golden age up contemporary bags. It wasn’t that long ago that wanting to stay in the three figures meant slim pickings unless you wanted something casual, slouchy and adorned in studs, fringe, zippers or something else to distract from the bag’s drab design. Things have gotten steadily better since Mansur Gavriel took off, though; retailers seemingly realized that there’s a huge market for sleek, modern bags that don’t cost four figures, and plenty of upstarts and existing brands alike have rushed to fill the market.
Traditionally, the price for a contemporary brand’s highest-profile day bags usually falls right under $600, so that’s the cutoff we use when evaluating each season’s best new arrivals. Below, we’ve accumulated two dozen bags from brands both new and familiar, all of which are very good bets for their prices.
Alexander Wang Roxy Hobo
$595 via Shopbop
AllSaints Mast Crossbody Bag
$298 via Nordstrom
APC Diane Tassel Bag
$530 via Net-a-Porter
Building Block Suede Bag
$460 via Net-a-Porter
Clare V Alistair Circle Bag
$355 via Net-a-Porter
Coach Duffel Bag
$550 via Coach
Creatures of Comfort Equestrian Bag
$410 via Nordstrom
Elizabeth and James Market Tote
$545 via Nordstrom
Furla Like Top Handle Bag
$378 via Shopbop
Kate Spade Stewart Street Samira Bag
$398 via Nordstrom
Loeffler Randall Dome Satchel
$550 via Nordstrom
Madewell Passenger Convertible Tote
$198 via Nordstrom
Mansur Gavriel Mini Mini Sun Tote
$545 via Net-a-Porter
Nico Giani Tunilla Bag
$505 via Shopbop
Oliveve Jasper Shoulder Bag
$350 via Shopbop
Pop and Suki Carryall Tote
$455 via Nordstrom
Rag and Bone Walker Sling Hobo
$475 via Nordstrom
Skagen Katryn Satchel
$325 via Nordstrom
Steven Alan Rhys Bucket Bag
$295 via Shopbop
Theory Perry Bag
$295 via Net-a-Porter
Tory Burch Gemini Tote
$598 via Nordstrom
Treasure and Bond Accordion Tote
$249 via Nordstrom
Vasic Collection Carries Tote
$485 via Shopbop
ZAC Zac Posen Belay Crossbody Bag
$295 via Nordstrom
