Best Bags Under £500
Must-have arm candy does not mean breaking the bank. Contemporary and heritage brands offer high quality craftsmanship at affordable prices, designed to go the distance in your sartorial world. Here are ten of the best …
The Everyday Tote
Demellier New York Midi Tote Bag; £465
Most fashion editors are either wearing or wanting this bag. That’s what my research tells me. Coffee runs are photographed on social media with this very bag tucked into the crook of many a fashionable girl’s arm. Crafted from beautiful croc-effect leather but at a price that’s within reach, Demellier has carved out a niche as a go-to brand that checks all the boxes.
The Minimalist
Cos Swing Crossbody Bag; £110
Phone, keys, makeup, card-holder and book? Check! This bag works hard while looking oh-so-good in buttery leather in a range of colours. Often compared to The Row’s Banana Bag, this crossbody has earned some serious street-cred and comes at a fraction of the price. No bells and whistles here; no shouty logos or hardware. Just a beautiful and functional design that deserves its place on this list.
The All-Rounder
A.P.C Demi-Lune Bag; £460
A.P.C’s Demi-Lune bag has design and functionality covered. Two zippers, a unique shape and classic Parisian style, all that’s left is to decide which colour to go with.
The Bucket Bag
Sezane Marcel Bucket Bag; £330
Forgive me for wanting all three neutral colour ways to be mine in the Marcel Bucket Bag from French brand Sezane. They’re that great!
The Summer Icon
Loewe Basket Bag; £450
If you know, you know … and if you don’t, I’m happy to say this bag is worth the hype. The tan version is definitely the most popular colour but the white goes with everything in my wardrobe. Either way, she’s a must-have.
The Woven Wonder
Dragon Diffusion Egola Bag; £338
I’m a huge fan of Dragon Diffusion and the happy owner of the Nantucket in forest green. The Egola (pictured above) has a more structured silhouette and can be paired with more refined looks. Hand-woven leather detail in a range of desirable colours, this brand is Olsen Twins approved so there’s also that!
The Grab and Go Bag
Staud Moon Bag; £285
Featured in the stunning wardrobe of Hannah Waddingham on the AppleTV series, Ted Lasso, it’s all in the details with this beautiful bag. Guaranteed to elevate your look, just grab and go!
The Viral Bag
Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag; £14.90
Sometimes simple is best. Pack all your essentials and then some, for a day out. Copycats have been warned to cease and desist. It’s viral for a reason!
The Party Bag
Aupen Purpose With Chain Bag; £161
A supermodel favourite. Aupen makes beautiful and affordable arm candy. That’s all.
The Perfect Pouch
Saint Laurent Uptown Pouch; £460
Who says luxury isn’t affordable? The perfect pouch from a heritage brand that needs no introduction. Thank you Saint Laurent!
