9 Midrange Bags That Look 5 Times More Expensive Than They Are
One is $48. It might be our favorite.
Image: Marcella
by The Candidly Team
We won’t deny that every once in a while we fall in love with a designer bag with a big, bold label. But more often than not, we prefer a more “quiet luxury” bag. A bag that remains timeless and chic so we can carry it forever.
And this is true no matter what we’re spending on said bag.
Shiny logos and loud prints can feel dated after a year and end up being among the things we regret having splurged on. And we aren’t exactly on a budget to replace a Louis Vuitton every season.
Needless to say, we’ve been on a mission to find our favorite midrange and budget bags that not only look as luxe and beautiful and expensive as designer but that make everything else we wear look more luxe and beautiful and expensive when we carry them.
And here are those 9 bags:
1. The Gorgeous Throw Everything In And Go Bag
Anthropologie The Love Knot Slouchy Bag: Buckle Edition*
We have this little thing called a “purse bin” where we dump all our essential bag contents. We keep it by the door so anytime we head out, we just throw whatever we need into whatever bag we’re carrying - never losing our keys or a beloved lip gloss in some clutch we used 8 weeks ago. The point is, there are few things more satisfying than tossing those items into this divinely slouchy, casual-chic bag. The vegan leather looks soft and textured and therefore, real.
Price: $98
2. The Most Perfect Messenger Bag
Marc Jacobs Groove 2.0 Mini Messenger Bag*
Ok fine, this one is actually designer but at a remarkable price. We’ve personally dreamed of owning a messenger bag in this shape ever since we saw THIS look on Jennifer Aniston. But something about the way it crosses your body makes even our laziest sweat sets look chic.
Price: $220
3. The Chic Woven Bag
Quince Italian Leather Convertible Crescent Handwoven Shoulder Bag*
Quince makes bags in buttery, genuine leather with details that make them look 5x more expensive than they are. This one might be our absolute favorite. The weaving is stunning. The black makes a perfect dress-up bag, but it’s actually such an incredible price, we’re thinking of getting it in cognac as well.
Price: $130
4. The Everyday Statement Bag
Sézane’s bags are like little pieces of wearable art. If you’re someone who craves a non-sleepy but still elegant bag that gives every outfit more oomph, look no further.
Price: $250
5. The Suede Shoulder Bag
Madewell The Sculptural-Buckle Shoulder Bag in Suede*
With a gorj sweater, our best coat, and jeans, we’re pretty sure we’ll have mastered the season of fall. The shape is perfect. The suede is real. And so is the price.
Price: $158
6. The Slouchy Oversized Tote
Again this is 100% real Italian leather, subtly pebbled so it looks like we could have spent 2-3x as much on it. The size and shape strongly appeal to the slobby little hoarders we are inside, and yet nothing makes us look chicer than toting this bag. It comes in 7 colors, 3 of which we have in our carts at any given moment, but the bone pebble is a game-changer.
Price: $179
7. The Petite Patterned Bag
BAGGU Small Nylon Crescent Bag
A wee bit sporty, but picture this tossed over your softest, tucked white tee, a cropped pair of jeans, white sneaks, and maaaybe even a cashmere baseball cap and poof, you’re chic! With zero effort.
Price: $48
8. The Soft Leather Sling Bag
Finally, a crossbody sling bag that actually fits our crap. Another bag that turns clothes into outfits. And that comes in too many colors we want.
Price: $98
9. The Suede Saddle bag
Quince Italian Suede Saddle Bag*
We end on what might be our favorite. A genuine suede saddle bag that always keeps its perfect shape and makes every outfit 17x more put together.
Price: $120
At The Candidly, we try a lot of stuff so you don’t have to. We only recommend things we truly love, and that we think you’ll love, too. All products are chosen independently by our creative team, and all details reflect the price and availability of products at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to, The Candidly may earn a commission.
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