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 Demellier 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.
The hardware makes this look extra elevated.
You can always count on & Other Stories for expensive-looking, budget-friendly options.
So damn chic.
You’d be forgiven for thinking this bag was a designer style.
The perfect evening bag.
The buttery-soft leather is everything I want in a shoulder bag.
Looking for a carryall that’s chic first? I can’t stop recommending Arket’s leather tote to anyone who will listen.
A suede tote feels so luxe.
Croc-effect leather always catches my eye.
Get the braided look without the Bottega Veneta price tag.
Jigsaw is so good this season and not just for clothes, as this beautiful bag proves.
Perfect for work.
This crossbody bag has sold out so many times we’ve lost count.
Style with white jeans for an ultra chic look.
Another Arket winner, this time with the handy crossbody strap as well as the top handle.
The elegance of the ladylike bag with a handy crossbody strap.
Practical and chic. What more could you want?
The bag all our editors own and love…
Did I mention my love of croc-effect leather?
Up Next: I’m a Fashion Editor, and These Are My All-Time Favourite Handbag Brands
This piece was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.