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The Best Affordable Handbags To Invest In Now

Plenty of proof that a standout bag needn't come with a prohibitive price tag

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affordable bags

While there is nothing quite like unboxing a major designer investment, you don’t need to spend more than the average mortgage to get your hands on a handbag that’ll make every outfit feel that little bit more special.

Today, plenty of mid-range brands are leaning heavily into accessories, serving up affordable bags that don’t disappoint in either design or quality. The rise of the contemporary label – fuelled by the likes of Ganni, Rejina Pyo et al – has opened up the floor for cult designs that challenge the traditional blockbuster bags, offering something far cooler for a price that doesn’t feel completely out of reach.

There are hits to be found on the high street this season, too. From the viral Uniqlo crossbody bag that spawned a thousand memes to Zara’s customisable new tote collection – via Arket’s sublime leather, of course – you no longer need to venture into designer territory to get something that ticks all the boxes.

We’ve scoured the shelves to bring you the very best affordable bags to invest in right now, from mood-boosting pouches for all those summer weddings to the perfect working-week tote.

1

Arket Leather Crossbody Bag

Leather Crossbody Bag
1

Arket Leather Crossbody Bag

£169 at Arket

Here it is: that sensible black leather bag you've been threatening to buy for months now. The perfect working-week companion, Arket's practical design is big enough for a laptop and so much chicer than that ratty tote bag you've been lugging around five days a week. There's a long strap so you can focus on carrying a coffee and a secure zip pocket for your phone.

2

Jacquemus Le Ciuciu Shoulder Bag

Le Ciuciu Shoulder Bag
2

Jacquemus Le Ciuciu Shoulder Bag

Now 50% Off

The warm yellow suede of Jacquemus' Le Ciuciu bag will work with everything from pale blue denim to floral summer dresses. Spotted on The Outnet at a very generous price, we don't think this one will hang around for long.

3

Touchless Retro Pleat 3D-Printed Shoulder Bag

Retro Pleat 3D-Printed Shoulder Bag
3

Touchless Retro Pleat 3D-Printed Shoulder Bag

Now 26% Off

Bahrain-based Touchless is one of the first brands to harness 3D printing in accessory design. This genius bag is made entirely from thermoplastic with an innovative rippled body and detailed shoulder strap. Expect it to spark conversations.

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4

Mango Raffia Tote Bag

Raffia Tote Bag
4

Mango Raffia Tote Bag

Straw bags are bigger than ever this season, and Mango's scaled-up design will look just as good in the park as it will by the sea. The natural raffia body is trimmed with smooth leather, and there's a canvas zipped pouch to keep your keys and phone safe, too.

5

Zara Fabric Maxi Tote

Fabric Maxi Tote
5

Zara Fabric Maxi Tote

A brilliant detail not often seen on the high street, Zara's gigantic striped canvas tote can be personalised with your own monogram. It's big enough to see you through picnics in the park, shopping sprees in town, and even the weekend grocery restock.

6

A.P.C. Genève Medium Leather Crossbody Bag

Genève Medium Leather Crossbody Bag
6

A.P.C. Genève Medium Leather Crossbody Bag

Now 50% Off

Few bags designs carry the timelessly chic appeal of A.P.C's classic Genève cross-body. Team it with a blazer and jeans for an instant Parisian look.

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7

H&M Mugler Oversized Leather Shopper

Mugler Oversized Leather Shopper
7

H&M Mugler Oversized Leather Shopper

Back in stock (but surely not for long), this black leather shopper is the most sensible accessory purchase from the H&M X Mugler collaboration.

8

Rejina Pyo Mini Monogram Tote Bag

Mini Monogram Tote Bag
8

Rejina Pyo Mini Monogram Tote Bag

Now 30% Off

Rejina Pyo's cobalt felt tote is an easy way to work a pop of colour into everyday looks. Carry it against a fresh white T-shirt and boyfriend denim.

9

Self-Portrait The Bow Mini Leather Tote

The Bow Mini Leather Tote
9

Self-Portrait The Bow Mini Leather Tote

Now 30% Off

Acid-green leather contradicts the sweet feel of Self-Portrait's signature Bow bag. With curved top handles and a boxy interior, it's ideal for both day and night.

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10

& Other Stories Braided Leather Bucket Bag

Braided Leather Bucket Bag
10

& Other Stories Braided Leather Bucket Bag

£135

This sturdy tote from & Other Stories is made from smooth panels of woven leather. Practical without looking utilitarian, it's a great investment for the working week.

11

Ganni Leopard-print canvas tote bag

Leopard-print canvas tote bag
11

Ganni Leopard-print canvas tote bag

Now 38% Off

Ganni's now-signature leopard print is never a bad idea, especially in the form of this extra-large canvas tote. Stick everything from your laptop to your water bottle inside.

12

Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag

Round Mini Shoulder Bag
12

Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag

The official bag of festival season has arrived, and it needs little introduction.

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13

COS Swing Crossbody Bag

Swing Crossbody Bag
13

COS Swing Crossbody Bag

Every bit as practical as the Uniqlo bag of the summer, but crafted from chic, supple leather in everyone's current favourite colour. This one's more than a one-season wonder.

14

Vivienne Westwood Granny Frame Purse

Granny Frame Purse
14

Vivienne Westwood Granny Frame Purse

Now 30% Off

The late Vivienne Westwood's designs are as timeless as they are iconic, and this vintage-style bag is no exception. Available in pink or green gingham, it opens on a metal hinge to reveal plenty of space for the essentials. Save it for a summer wedding, and employ the cross-body chain once the dancefloor opens.

15

Ganni Frill-Trimmed Crochet Tote Bag

Frill-Trimmed Crochet Tote Bag
15

Ganni Frill-Trimmed Crochet Tote Bag

Now 30% Off

Ganni for less than £150? Yes please.

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16

J.W. Anderson Bad Apple Tote

Bad Apple Tote
16

J.W. Anderson Bad Apple Tote

Jonathan Anderson's supersized tote combines practicality with new-season appeal.

17

Coperni Swipe Mini Faux Leather Shoulder Bag

Swipe Mini Faux Leather Shoulder Bag
17

Coperni Swipe Mini Faux Leather Shoulder Bag

Now 30% Off

We've been obsessed with Coperni's Swipe bag for several seasons now, and this pale yellow leather iteration is sure to reinvigorate any wardrobe.

18

Marc Jacobs The Traveler Small Canvas Tote

The Traveler Small Canvas Tote
18

Marc Jacobs The Traveler Small Canvas Tote

This Marc Jacobs bag is a classic: and with a zipped internal pocket and long shoulder strap, it's a useful investment, too.

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19

MM6 Maison Margiela Japanese Medium Mesh Tote

Japanese Medium Mesh Tote
19

MM6 Maison Margiela Japanese Medium Mesh Tote

Margiela's cult-classic folded-mesh totes are ideal for busy days: they might look minimalist, but they'll hold everything but the kitchen sink.

20

De Mellier The Mini Santorini

The Mini Santorini
20

De Mellier The Mini Santorini

£195.00

This mini version of DeMellier's best-selling basket bag is hand-woven in Morocco and topped with the finest, responsibly-sourced leather. A summertime staple that will last forever.

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