5 Designer Bags I'd Actually Spend My Money on—and Why (2024)

If I’m being honest,the last thing I need to be spending money on is a bag. As it stands, I own enough to last me for years, if not decades. However, let’s be real. We hardly ever buy purses (or any fashion items for that matter) because we need them. No matter what we tell ourselves—"I don’t have a nighttime bag,” "I need something for work,” or I don’t have anything to go with that outfit”—it’s usually not that we actually require another piece. We just want it.

Of course, such is the case with the handbags you’re about to see below, but beyond my personal preference, they just happen to be some of the coolest status symbols of the moment anyway—as evidenced by some of our favorite Instagram and street style stars. So, if space, budget, and my husband’s sanity were no issue, the below five would already be in my closet. Perhaps one already is… Just keep reading to find out.

Paco Rabanne 1969 Chainmail

Okay, this one I actuallydid spend my money on. I just couldn't help it—especially after my über-picky mom gave it her stamp of approval! The way I see it is that if Paco Rabanne has been making chainmail cool since the 1960s, why would that change anytime soon? I know this bag feels particularly trendy right now, but I think its owners will enjoy it just as much for years to come.

Shop the bag:

Prada Hobo

That's right, Prada's iconic nylon hobo bag is back (for less than $1000, I might add), however, it's not the easiest to get your hands on. At the moment, it's technically onlysold in Prada boutiques, but if you can't make it to oneor they're sold out of the color you want, personal shopping services likeThreadscan help you out.Of course, you can always opt for one of the many pre-ownedor ultra-similar vintage iterations from sites like The RealReal and Vestiaire Collective. Icame very close to buying onemyself when visiting a Prada store a few weeks ago, but I loved so many of the colors I just couldn't choose. This love story isn't over yet though.

Shop the bag:

Bottega Veneta Shoulder Pouch

Remember back in May when I proclaimed that Bottega Veneta's pouch was the next It bag? Even though I was unequivocally correct, I stopped myself from buying it countless times since then because I simply didn't need another clutch in my life. The updated shoulder pouch, however, I may or may not have already pre-ordered. I simply couldn't help myself this time, and I think from the photos above it's pretty clear why.

Shop the bag:

Wandler Georgia

Wandler's Georgia bag is another style I've already talked about at great length, but in case you're short on time, let me summarize why I think it's so great: It's a classic shape, goes over your shoulder for easyholding but also comes with a longer strap for even easier wearing. It's small and compact but not mini, structured and polished, comes in a range of colors and materials, and considering its relatively classic nature, the price range of$765 to $1060 for the various styles is also not completely offensive as long as it's in your budget. Lastly, it's just nice to look at, which usually is all I really need to convince me.

Shop the bag:

Loewe Postal

I bought my firstLoewe bag a little over four years ago (more details on that here), and seeing as I love it as much now as I did when I first got it, I have a lot of faith in the brand's ability to create investment-worthy accessories that you won't get sick of.Aside from the rational reasons, however, I just have a thing for little black purses, and the Postal bag is everything I look for and more. It'sunique but doesn't feel like a statement piece that you can't use a lot, structured so it works for day or night, and seems like a magnet for complements.

Shop the bag:

Up next: Every winter trend and basic you need, all under $100.