12 Must Have Designer Handbags You Can Afford!

Any fashion loving girl of any age knows that a good designer handbag can take your look to another level, even if you bought your clothes at a discount store. (Which by the way, we do all the time.) But there are a few places you don’t want to skimp in life… good toilet paper, decent wine, and pretty designer bags. And since finding a good handbag that is worth the investment, but doesn’t cost more than your car can be a bit of a challenge, we are sharing our list of must have designer handbags, that you can afford! We could have included some of the high demand options like Chanel handbags, or even the Gucci brand, but we really wanted to stay on the  “I want to stay married” side of the fence. I know that I get more compliments on my Kate Spade bags than any other fashion piece I own. See if you don’t find some of these affordable designer handbags just what your wardrobe is missing!

 

12 Must Have Designer Handbags You Can Afford!

 

Must Have Affordable Designer Handbags

 

Marc Jacobs Handbags

 

The Tag Tote 21  |  Marc Jacobs

12 Must Have Designer Handbags You Can Afford

The ‘Tag Tote 21‘ from Marc Jacobs is a designer handbag that is classic enough to still be on your arm ten years from now, yet trendy enough to have women stopping you and asking you where you got it. Pebbled leather and magnetic closures. We love the added crossbody strap so you can wear it as a shoulder bag as well.

 

 

The Softshot 21 Bag  |  Marc Jacobs

12 Must Have Designer Handbags You Can Afford!

I’m a sucker for a blush designer bag, and this one does not disappoint. Also a Marc Jacobs handbag, the ‘Softshot 21‘ bag can be worn as a crossbody or the strap can be removed and used as a clutch. Pebbled cowhide leather.

 

 

Madewell Handbags

 

The Transport Crossbody Bag  |  Madewell

12 Must Have Designer Handbags You Can Afford!

The ‘Transport‘ crossbody bag from Madewell is a scaled down version of their signature bag. You can use it as a small tote or add the crossbody strap. It zips at the top for security and comes in two colors of soft leather. Timeless.

 

 

Tory Burch Handbags

 

Gemini Link Canvas Small Tote  |  Tory Burch

12 Must Have Designer Handbags You Can Afford!

We love Tory Burch designer handbags for being on trend, yet never over the top. The ‘Gemini Link ‘ canvas small tote has a fun print that is subtle enough to go out to a lunch with your SO, but fun enough for a night out wine tasting with the girls. Made of coated canvas, it zips at the top and is the perfect size to carry everything you need.

 

 

Rag & Bone Handbags

 

Passenger Crossbody Bag  |  Rag & Bone

12 Must Have Designer Handbags You Can Afford!

There probably isn’t a celebrity alive who doesn’t own at least one Rag & Bone handbag. The ‘Passenger‘ crossbody bag strikes the perfect cord between edgy and classic, and we are in love with this olive color. Not the usual neutral, but works with everything! Cowhide leather with a padded phone compartment.

 

 

Elleme Handbags

 

Houndstooth Madeleine Bag  |  Elleme

12 Must Have Designer Handbags You Can Afford!

The ‘Houndstooth Madeleine‘ bag is made in Italy, and it shows. This women’s designer handbag by Elleme has perfect style, and will make any outfit look expensive. Houndstooth may be trending now, but it will never really go out of style. Perfect long term investment for a bag!

 

 

Michal Kors Handbags

 

Eva Large Pebbled Leather Tote Bag  |  Michael Kors

12 Must Have Designer Handbags You Can Afford!

The ‘Eva Large Pebbled‘ leather tote bag is a luxury designer handbag that can be worn with any outfit, at any time. Perfectly versatile, it is made of 100% leather with a cotton lining. One of the lowest priced designer bags on our list.

 

 

Mercer Gallery Medium Leather Satchel  |   Michael Kors

12 Must Have Designer Handbags You Can Afford!

The most affordable designer handbag brand we know, Michael Kors bags are on trend, high quality and have great style. The ‘Mercer Gallery Medium‘ leather satchel is also available in the prettiest pink, and has the lowest price of any other bag on this list. If your budget is tight, you can afford this by just avoiding that Starbucks counter for a short time!

 

 

Dooney & Bourke Handbags

 

Pebble Grain Crossbody  |  Dooney & Bourke

12 Must Have Designer Handbags You Can Afford!

The ‘Pebble Grain‘ crossbody bag from Dooney & Bourke is the perfect everyday bag, and comes in tons of awesome colors. Pebble grain leather, zip top, and a front zip pocket are just a few of the reasons it’s one of the brands top sellers.

 

 

Beacon Zip Tote  | Dooney & Bourke

12 Must Have Designer Handbags You Can Afford!

The ‘Beacon Zip‘ tote is a larger option from Dooney & Bourke, with a fine grade matte leather. I am in love with the light pink and the light blue, as well as the natural! Top zip, fully lined in a pretty striped cotton.

 

 

Kate Spade Handbags

 

Louise Medium Dome Satchel  |  Kate Spade

12 Must Have Designer Handbags You Can Afford!

Kate Spade handbags are my favorite bag designer… And I own four! The ‘Louise Medium Dome‘ satchel is one of the prettiest I’ve seen yet, and it just went on my Christmas list! The pink and grey… seriously? Ahhhhh….

 

 

Romy Medium Satchel  |   Kate Spade

The ‘Romy Medium‘ satchel is a slightly less formal look for Kate Spade Bags, and I love all the colors it comes in! The pretty heart twist lock is a gorgeous way to secure the purse closed, and the feet that are iconic Kate Spade keep the bag clean and safe.

 

These 12 must have designer handbags are all affordable, classic and the perfect addition to any wardrobe. (Or Christmas list!) Treat yourself to at least one luxury handbag, you won’t regret this fashion buy! You will want to jump on over and check out our posts on 15 Easy Messy Bun Tutorials and 11 Affordable Alternatives To Lululemon Leggings!


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Kathy Bates

Kathy Bates is the founder of The Middle Girls, a platform dedicated to empowering women over 50 to embrace their potential and live fulfilling, purpose-driven lives. With a passion for encouraging self-awareness and self-love, Kathy writes about topics like confidence, personal growth, style, and building thriving businesses later in life. When she’s not writing, Kathy enjoys books, nature, and helping women discover their next chapter. Find freebies just for women over 50 at The Middle Girls.

Kathy Bates’ previous writing credits include:

Former home decorating expert for Lifetime TV, Galtime and Country Woman Magazine.

Her book spent time at #1 on Amazon’s Home & Garden Topseller List in 2002.

Published or featured in numerous national publications, including:

Country Sampler’s Decorating Ideas magazine, Woman’s Day magazine, HGTV, The Wall Street Journal, CBS Marketwatch, Decorating Solutions magazine, Decorating Ideas magazine, The Seattle Times, Chicago Tribune, Kansas City News, The Oklahoman, Akron Beacon Journal, Pensacola News Journal and The Telegraph.

1 Comment

  1. Denise Thornton
    March 20, 2021 / 6:07 pm

    Loved your blog On 12 must have designer handbags you can afford. This is a blog I can get behind! I like the Dooney & Bourke and the Kate Spade bags. I will check them out and make a decision.

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