As a fashion editor, I naturally tend to rack up a pretty lengthy list of things I want to buy at any given moment. Most of the time, that list consists of basics and a few trendy thrills, but it also includes a few key luxury buys—specifically, designer bags. Let’s just say that if money were no object, I’d have a closet full of serene and minimalistic pieces from brands such as The Row, Khaite, and Totême. But since I do, in fact, have a cap on my shopping budget, I’m looking to emulate this goal aesthetic on a slightly more affordable budget.
Enter what I’m calling the best midrange designer bags. Before I can genuinely afford to purchase a bag from the designers mentioned above, I’m eyeing a number of bags from contemporary labels such as Manu Atelier, Staud, and BY FAR that are more comfortably within my budget. Ahead, discover the 10 mid range designer bags I’m seriously considering investing in becuase they look ultra elevated and happen to be within my budget (nothing tops $900 here, which is honestly pretty good as far as designer bags go). With that, continue on to see the carryalls I’m eyeing.
Manu Atelier’s Three Zipped Baguette Bag is a social media favorite, earning fans from Jen Caballos to Elsa Hosk. It’s also a personal favorite, too. It has cool asymmetric zippers and a slouchy shape that offers a hint of edge. At $500, it’s a quarter of the price of any higher-end designer bag on my wish list.
If we’re talking designer bags in the mid-price range, we can’t skip BY FAR. I honestly had a hard time narrowing down its selection to just one, but if I had to, it would be the Miranda shoulder bag. Sleek and retro-inspired but just the right amount of hardware, it looks so elevated and on par with designer bags that are double its price.
Meet the “quiet luxury” bag that fashion insider can’t stop talking about: the Polo ID by Ralph Lauren. It’s crescent shape, barely-detectable logo, and refined hardware give it an elevated feel that’s akin to any bag from The Row or Khaite.
When I say I’m on a “Staud budget,” this is exactly what I mean. Staud’s bags are shockingly priced for how much style they bring to the table. They’re also practical, which I can’t always say about other designer bags. Of all the Staud styles on offer right now, the asymmetric Acute bag is topping my list for its cool but understated vibe.
If this is the first time you’re hearing of Dragon Diffusion, let me introduce you to your next bag obsession. Founder Craig Wright launched his accessories line in 1985, but the label has recently gained traction with a new generation thanks to the likes of Jeanne Damas and Ashley Olsen. I’m partial to its Santa Croce bag which features a curved trapezoidal shape that lends a fresh feel to its timeless woven leather.
Banana Republic is usually synonymous with standard workwear, but its latest release, the Vida Bag, is a minimalist’s dream with its large bucket size, supple suede, and thick strap. I’m swooning hard.
Ree Projects is relatively new on my radar, yet everything it’s making is really doing it for me. I can’t get over how effortlessly cool the Helene Twist Bag is with its soft shape and chic leather finish. Clearly, my fellow WWW editors are also fans.
If you know me, you know that I have a thing for Mansur Gavriel, and the brand’s latest launch, the Mini Cloud Clutch, is no exception. It’s big enough to fit all the essentials but has the right details to make it exciting to grab as an evening clutch or daytime crossbody bag.
Demellier London is a trove of elevated and minimal bags of all shapes. The New York tote, in particular, is logoless, comes in range of chic neutral hues, and features the most beautiful gold hardware.
I spotted my colleague Eliza wearing a style from NYC-based label Freja and immediately had to know more. The retro bowling-style shoulder bag reminded me of one from The Row, albeit at a fraction of the cost.
