Every woman needs a bag to make an entrance for her. Something that does the talking so she can use her words for the boardroom. We’ve looked into high-end purse brands that feel and smell like luxury and not all need to have a major price tag attached.
Right now, Gen Z has decided that 90s baguette bags are back, so those brands are a must, along with classic bag brands from your favorite designers, like Kate Spade, Coach, and Hammit.
Regardless if you prefer a belt bag, tote, or clutch, there’s an It-bag for you.
See below for the best of the best in the world of bags, along with some options that will become your favorite stylish addition to your wardrobe.
We think money can buy you happiness; it lies with all the brands below. These splurge-worthy best purse brands will bring you joy if you let them. Invest before they sell out.
Pros:
- Classic style and novelty throwbacks
- Excellent quality that lasts from season to season
Cons:
- Pricepoint can be a little high
A household name in the handbag space, every woman needs a Kate Spade bag. They’re top quality but are accessibly priced considering their craftsmanship, and they often have amazing sales running to make their cost even lower. The classic collection is timeless, but keep an eye out for seasonal drops and adorable novelty bags, too.
Whether you’re into the Serena Satchel, large enough for essentials and an adjustable crossbody strap, or the Bleecker Medium Crossbody Tote because of its Saffiano leather and versatility, Kate Spade has a classic look for you. Keep in mind for Valentine’s Day that polka dots are having a moment, so it might be a worthy gift to buy her this Deco Chain Shoulder Bag with luxe finishing touches. Looking for other mini bags? Check out our best tiny bag roundup and crossbody looks to get us through the day.
Pros:
- Great customer service
- Inventory is often restocked with only the highest-quality items
Cons:
- Bags fly off the shelf, so you need to be quick and keep a keen eye on new shipments
What Goes Around Comes Around is a not-so-hidden jewel of New York City. It’s where I purchased the most beautiful Chanel of all time, in mint condition and over 25 years old with real gold plating. The sales assistants are very knowledgeable (shoutout to Sydney, who assisted me in SoHo) and can walk you through value, style, and what it will resell for if you are looking for an investment piece. Find everything from YSL to Hermès. What Goes Around Comes Around selects only the finest goods that are in excellent condition.
We also created a designer bag roundup worth the investment to buy and sell your fashion finds when you want to switch it up.
Pros:
- Lifetime guarantee
- Design is built for function and beauty
- U.S. based designer
Cons:
- Eventually, the hardware wears out, but if you purchase it directly from Hammitt, the brand will replace it for you
When it comes to expensive purse brands, we’ve found a reasonably priced yet well-made purse. Hammitt is a California-based brand that places a high value on functionality without compromising style.
Each bag is hand-numbered and made to last a lifetime, with a guaranteed warranty.
This Allen Lrg is part of a limited-time Pacific Collection inspired by Hammitt’s coastal roots. Crafted with deep blue Italian leather, this tote has an adjustable crossbody strap that can be removed. Who needs Italian purse brands when you can get top-quality Italian leather right here in the U.S.?
Most Popular: COACH
Pros:
- With proper care, these bags can last a long time
- Coach will repair your bag or accessory item
- Created with uncompromising high-quality craftsmanship
- Items made with high-quality, durable leather
Cons:
- Price point can be a little high
- Designs are generally more classic than ultra modern, which may not suit all tastes
This brand is iconic, and having a Coach handbag is an important milestone in any collector’s closet, especially for those seeking one of the most popular purse brands around. For longtime fans of this best luxury brand, the classic “C”-printed bags in browns and tan colors are a hallmark, so that’s why it’s no surprise that the newer Gen Z generation has come to obsess over the baguette bags with the same pattern. If you aren’t lucky enough to find a vintage bag while thrifting, don’t worry, as COACH still carries the iconic pattern and more.
Made of pebbled leather and featuring multifunctional pockets, the Wavy Baguette Bag In Pebbled Coachtopia Leather is great for dates and other occasions that only require the basics.
Our Senior Manager of Commerce SEO, Meaghan Roche swears by her COACH bag. “COACH is obviously iconic, but the brand has come a long way from the “C” bags that were everywhere in the 2000s and 2010s. The classic structures and neutral tones are timeless and appeal to the masses, making the brand a very smart investment for an everyday purse.”
Roche finds they offer a “fun range” and “trendy styles” that make interesting statement pieces in all shapes and sizes. She adds, “COACH purses are always high-quality and durable, yet at relatively attainable price points, especially when shopping the outlet. As someone who’s not quite a bag lady, but not quite a just phone, keys and lipgloss girlie, the Teri Hobo Bag is perfect for me to grab and go. It’s simple and fits everything I need without the bulk and weight of a highly structured big bag.”
Pros:
- High-quality materials
- A classic celebrity bag that pushes past trends
Cons:
- The suede material may need to be spot-cleaned
Stella McCartney, daughter of the esteemed rock star Paul McCartney, makes the hottest It-bag amongst celebrities and civilians alike. Her most popular bag is the Falabella Shaggy Deer Faux Leather Foldover Tote, seen hanging off the shoulders of Kim Kardashian, Kate Hudson, and Anne Hathaway.
McCartney bags are a necessary step to effortless, quiet luxury. They will never go out of style, but her limited-time colors fly off the shelves, so if you have your eye on one, don’t hesitate. It might sell out! If the large tote is too big, consider her smaller mini-me totes that have the same look and feel but smaller.
New York Post Review: “It’s made of soft, durable suede that holds up really well with a gorgeous chain that feels like jewelry. I own the shimmer-struck tote trimmed with gold, currently available in black and grey.I love this bag because it fits my laptop for work. I know it might sound a bit ridiculous to use a designer bag for such heavy lifting, but honestly, I get more use out of this one than my Chanel. With fewer special occasions than 9-5 workdays, my in-office work routine has me reaching for this bag way more often. And I feel like a million bucks each time I do.” – Emma Sutton-Williams, commerce reporter
Pros:
- Functional design with pockets, made for people on the go, all day long
- One of the best affordable purse brands, with options as low as $15
- Easy to care for
Cons:
- Not a great choice for the resale market
For the woman (or man) on the go, Dagne Dover provides functional, stylish options for carrying your entire life around. Designed with your laptop, accessories, keys, and phone in mind, each style is equipped to get you through the day. From the reusable grocery tote for all your eco-conscious needs to an adorable circular shoulder bag, there is a style for you. Ideal for those seeking the best sustainable purse brand, I’m sure you’ll find something you like.
Sophie Cannon our manager of commerce strategy and development said, “Dagne Dover is the queen of neoprene. I wore their Ace Fanny Pack to the Governor’s Ball music festival in New York this summer and it provided the perfect amount of pockets plus purple style, matching my festival look. I also loved the back zipper pocket, which is a great place for valuables like credit cards and keys, as the pocket lays flush against your body and can prevent tricky pickpockets. The purse brand itself is super durable and I would also recommend their duffles for an airport personal item or a weekend road trip.”
Pros:
- Classic, versatile styles
- Very durable and well-made
Cons:
- Price point can be a little high
- If you enjoy quiet luxury, this logo-centric brand may not be for you
This is another super-recognizable brand, and not just because of the iconic logo on the front of many of its bags. Tory Burch purses are timeless, and even the new seasonal collections can really be worn any time of the year (and for years after their launch), making them worth the investment. Luckily, even the new styles are sold online at Saks Fifth Avenue, so you can get your hands on a handbag without leaving your home.
Consider the Ella Logo Tote Bag for a front and center logo, available in black and taupe, or the Small Eleanor Rectangular Bag, which is made with quilted leather, completed with gold hardware and the Tory Burch logo.
Pros:
- A luxury brand that can retain value if kept up in good condition
Cons:
- Price point is on the higher side
Ever the trendsetter, Marc Jacobs can always be trusted to bring us innovative designs with a modern edge. A must-consider for those who love a statement piece, the bags from the designer are made to stand out. Whether it be a mini bag with a removable strap or a tote for fabulous weekend trips, you’re sure to find something to make your outfit pop! Items can be found as low as $250.
Best for Hobo Bags: The Sak
Pros:
- Unique and well-made designs
- Moderately priced
- A certified B Corp brand
- It has a French purse brand feel with the slouchy care-free style over the shoulder
Cons:
- Not a great choice for the resale market
Doesn’t the name say it all? For handbags of any kind, especially for those seeking the best hobo brand purses, head over to The Sak and you’ll find the right one. For a more classic look, the bestsellers page is full of great choices in many colors and styles, including the 120 Hobo Sak ($169). The homepage makes it easy to select the exact proportions and features that you’re looking for to find “the one.”
Pros:
- Trendy with cheek
- Ideal for those seeking a statement purse
Cons:
- Not great for an all-year-round style type bag
If it’s a trend you’re looking for, hold up. We found the perfect holiday bag for trick or treat with this chic all-black clutch. Or, go for something cheeky with something like this Dancing Queen purse ($76.70, was $118). Regardless of what you choose, Betsy Johnson is serving fun looks to lean into the spooky season, complete with glitz and glamour, rhinestones included. And don’t forget Galentines with this hot disco heart-shaped bag.
Best Leather Bags: HOBO
Pros:
- High-quality leather designs that weather well with time
- Moderately priced
Cons:
- Only sells leather designs
If you’re looking for a durable and stylish bag to take you through the day-to-day, we highly recommend the purse brand Hobo. From its infamous Lauren Clutch-Wallet to convertibles, it has an assortment of looks to carry you from day to night, each with an artisanal flare. Free shipping is available for orders of $175 or more, and there’s even a sale under $100 section with lots of cute options.
Can’t choose? Say hello to the Sheila Medium Satchel, which offers plenty of room for basics, plus extra! It has a removable strap for when you prefer to carry it by hand, comes in more than five colors, and offers an abundance of pockets for your keys, phone, and wallet.
What is the best brand of purse to buy?
When it comes to fashion, the best of anything is often relative to one’s personal taste. However, if you’re interested in high-end purse brands Kate Spade and Coach remain popular amongst shoppers.
Along with being recognizable names in the fashion industry, each designer never fails to bring a fresh perspective to their classic style house, which seems to resonate with shoppers.
Many women love Kate Spade’s Knott Medium Satchel ($209) for its easy to carry design, as well as for the storage it offers. We love it for all the color options it comes in, as well as its exterior, which is made from a combo of Italian and pebbled leather.
The Lana 23 ($395) is a bestseller at Coach and has a sophisticated look with its delicately slouchy sides and spacious interior. We like carrying it as a handbag, but it also has a strap to wear it crossbody style.
What brand of handbags are trending?
Handbags and designer purse brands are a great way to follow trends without completely redoing your wardrobe. They can also dress up a basic outfit, making one look effortlessly polished and of the now.
Currently, a lot of fashionable folks are searching Furla Handbags, which start around $238. One of the most admired Italian purse brands, it’s been around since 1927, and has been a trusted name when it comes to designer purses and accessories.
If you love designer handbags but are watching your coins, consider shopping places like Fashionphile and FarFetch for certified, pre-owned designer finds. You’ll be shocked by what you find, as well as the excellent condition of this fashion collectibles.
Another great place to find trending designer purses is Amazon, which is our go-to place for high-quality but cheap purse brands. The online retailer The Shop by shopbop has a huge section of pre-loved handbags, such as The Small Tote ($395) from Marc Jacob and the Tory Burch Women’s Eleanor Satchel ($798).
What are the best luxury purse brands?
If you’re searching for name brand purses, there are a handful of designers that continue to be well regarded in the fashion industry. While many of the pieces are investments, lots of ladies find it almost a right of passage to have at least one “big girl bag” from one of them.
Some of these brands include:
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