Ask any fashion-loving person what they have on their dream shopping wish list, and they’ll likely mention at least one handbag. What can we say? We’re suckers for beautiful accessories. A few years ago, you could probably guarantee that the bags at the top of our lists would come from one of the biggest designers—something like Loewe, Gucci or Chloé. And, sure, those super-high-end bags still hold a place on our vision boards for special occasions and major milestones. But recently, with designer bag prices rising higher and higher, there is now a space for premium-looking styles that sit at the more affordable end of the scale, and they’ve been wooing us in just the same way.
Marisa Martins carries the COS crossbody bag.
The next level down includes some really exciting contemporary accessory brands, from Wandler and Staud to Neous and A.P.C.—all sitting in the £200-to-£700 price range and perfect for a payday treat to yourself or a big birthday gift. But what’s really got us bag-loving folks excited over the past couple of seasons are the seriously expensive-looking styles coming out of the high street.
Alexis Foreman wears a COS tote bag.
We’re talking supple, buttery leather styles and chic baskets that get our hearts racing almost as much as a brand-new Prada. COS, Arket, & Other Stories, Jigsaw and Mango have all stepped up their bag games recently to include minimalist takes on classic shapes that elevate any outfit just like luxury designer styles do, except these come in at around a tenth of the price.
So if you’ve been feeling like your wardrobe is missing a gorgeous bag of late, keep scrolling to see and shop the most expensive-looking styles on the high street right now.
This minimalist dream of a handbag looks (and feels) so premium.
I love the deep curved base of this summer-ready shoulder bag.
You can always count on & Other Stories for expensive-looking, budget-friendly options. This one can be worn as a shoulder or crossbody.
So damn chic.
You’d be forgiven for thinking this bag was a designer style.
The perfect evening bag.
The buttery-soft leather in the colour du jour makes it a 2023 must-have. It may be on the small side, but what it lacks in space it’ll make up for in wow factor.
Looking for a carryall that’s chic first? I can’t stop recommending Arket’s leather tote to anyone who will listen.
But if you’re after a beach-friendly iteration, the brand has that covered too.
I love this practical canvas style that promises to hold all your essentials.
This H&M style is a great price and the perfect bag for a commute.
Jigsaw is so good this season and not just for clothes, as this beautiful bag proves.
Just gorgeous.
The perfect carry-everything size for dashing around town. And it also comes in black.
This crossbody bag has sold out so many times we’ve lost count.
A canvas crossbody will add instant polish to any summer outfit. I’ll be wearing mine with a linen two piece for the ultimate warm-weather ‘fit.
Another Arket winner, this time with the handy crossbody strap.
Raffia, for summer? Groundbreaking.
Practical and chic. What more could you want?
The bag all our editors own and love…
This stunning leather bag looks so good you’ll fool everyone into believing it’s designer. It’s the perfect choice if you’re not ready to commit to a designer white bag.
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