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6 best designer handbags
A handbag is an essential item for any woman, and there are so many factors to consider when choosing one. While the style and look is important, it’s far from the only decision to make: material, functionality and wearability are also important aspects.
We’ve found the very best designer handbags at affordable prices, and tested each of them to made sure they didn’t just look good, but were easy and functional, too.
We included a range of products, including vegan designs, handmade bags and those from both well-known and up-and-coming designers. There are bags for a wide range of prices, so whether you’re looking to nab a great designer discount or want to splash out on something special, you’ll find it here.
We also made sure to include a variety of on-trend styles, so no matter whether you’re looking for a new bucket bag, a bumbag, a faux fur pouch or a travel-friendly companion, we’ve got you covered.
If you like a structured handbag, you’ll love the Edie box from small boutique brand Carloe London. Handmade by a team of four at a workshop in east London, each bag is made with Italian leather, and the quality is tangible from the moment you first open the box.
It’s not just the gorgeously thick leather you’ll love, though, but the interchangeable straps, with either a crossbody brass chain or a navy and red canvas strap to change up the look as you go from day to night. We loved the chic details, from the red internal pocket to the hand-cut finish, and you can even monogram your initials for free.
We’ve long been fans of London-based brand Prettysac’s handy drawstring pouches, which are wonderfully wearable for both day and night. The brand might be best-known for its signature African prints, but has a varied collection of all colours and materials to pick from, including a fringed collection, bridal bags and velvet pouches perfect for winter.
Our top pick would be the faux fur and wool bag, which feels incredibly soft and comes in an array of wintery colours, such as charcoal, olive and navy. You can wear it around your wrist as a clutch for a smart evening look, or use the detachable black crossbody chain for low-maintenance daywear.
You can always trust American designer Michael Kors to make a beautiful but functional handbag, and this mini Whitney messenger bag is no exception.
The teeny bag is the perfect choice when you want to make a statement with your bag, but also just want to carry the bare essentials: it’s big enough to store your wallet, keys and phone, but not to give you the dreaded shoulder-ache from lugging all your possessions around all day.
As well as the size, we loved the soft leather, long crossbody handle and fun velvet inserts in a variety of pink and purple tones, perfect for a chic wintery look.
Bumbags may have been something to hide in the back of your cupboard once upon a time, but not any more. The oft-mocked style is the coolest bag of the moment, worn by a stream of celebrities, and if you’re going to try it out, this belted bag from designer brand Stee is a good place to start.
Made of high-quality calf leather and suede, the bag is just big enough to carry the bare essentials such as a phone and keys without weighing you down, and even with the small size, there’s a card holder and front pocket to keep your items separate and handy.
We loved all the ways you can wear it: as a bumbag-style belted bag, over the shoulder or across the body with the long strap, or held like a handbag with its top handle.
Another great vegan option, Story 81 is all about creating stylish, guilt-free bags for customers made with PETA-approved, eco-friendly materials.
The brand’s Milan shoulder bag is made of vegan PU that feels just like real leather, and there are plenty of fashion-forward details to admire, from the shiny top handle to the secret pockets.
We liked the adjustable strap, which makes it versatile to wear across the body or on the shoulder, and the leather and suede-look materials, which feel luxurious while still being animal-friendly.
There’s nothing like a satchel to evoke vintage vibes, and this bright green leather satchel from Zatchels brings a modern twist to a classic style.
Each bag is handmade in England and comes with a lifetime guarantee, making the £55 price tag, reduced from £110, excellent value.
There are four sizes to choose from depending on what you need to cart around, but we found even the smaller sizes roomy enough to fit plenty of essentials including a tablet or Kindle.
We especially liked the extra-long handle, making it a comfortable crossbody or over-the-shoulder companion, and the smart cable stitching.
