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While it's always nice to treat yourself by splurging on a new designer bag, it's not always feasible or practical. The good news is that you don't need to break the bank to keep up with current trends, as the likes of Sofia Richie Grainge, Julia Fox, and Olivia Rodrigo have been embracing more affordable brands as of late. Labels including SimonMiller, Aupen, and Brandon Blackwood are all making handbags with a price point under $500 but major style appeal, meaning that carrying a coveted statement has become more accessible than you might think. Ahead, see 13 affordable handbag brands that celebrities and it-girls carry on repeat, complete with a few of our favorite styles from each.
Aupen
Emerging brand Aupen has only been around since late 2022, but it's already launched several of today's most buzz-worthy handbags, with Gabrielle Union, Hailey Bieber, Taylor Swift, and countless others embracing various styles. The bags' aesthetic is minimalist yet instantly recognizable thanks to a signature asymmetrical silhouette on many top styles, and the label works to embody conscious luxury, with attentiveness to fair wages and working conditions for its production teams as well as an emphasis on sustainable materials. Aupen has studios in Brooklyn and Singapore, crafting timeless pieces designed for longevity.
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Mansur Gavriel
Mansur Gavriel burst onto the scene 2013, when it started with two iconic handbag silhouettes: a bucket and a tote. From there, the brand has expanded to offer a whole range of high-quality yet accessible bags and shoes, with some of the most popular styles being its range of ballet flats and iconic cloud clutch. The designs focus on timeless pieces with a modern approach, so you can easily find a piece that feels special but will last you for years to come. The likes of Katie Holmes, Margot Robbie, and Priyanka Chopra have all tried styles at one point or another, solidifying the brand's cool status.
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Staud
Ready-to-wear brand Staud has "cool girl" energy at the heart of its design, and while you can shop everything from dresses to swimwear to shoes, the bags are some of our favorite pieces (and the likes of Camila Mendes, Bella Hadid, and Jordan Alexander would agree). Staud's accessible handbags feel on-trend yet stand the test of time, so you'll be making a worthwhile investment while staying budget-friendly.
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Ganni
Scandinavian brand Ganni—which has an array of playful pieces across ready-to-wear and accessories—has earned a dedicated high-profile following over the years, with celebrity fans including Beyoncé, Dakota Johnson, and Gigi Hadid. The label creates luxury-quality pieces at a fraction of the cost of most designers, and we love how the fearless color and prints upgrade classic wardrobe staples.
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SimonMiller
SimonMiller is the epitome of playful luxury. The brand—founded by Chelsea Hansford—takes a lighthearted approach to fashion, with bold, timeless pieces that have a modern edge and confident wearability.
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By Far
If there's one brand you've most definitely spotted on every fashion it-girl from Matilda Djerf to Zaya Wade to Nina Dobrev, it's By Far. The brand's aesthetic is rooted in "childhood experience," focusing on whimsical, fun, and expressive pieces that will withstand the test of time. Whether you're looking for a classic, everyday bag or a trending piece with a pop of color, you'll find it at By Far.
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Coach
Founded in New York in 1941, Coach is a global fashion house crafting pieces made to last. The brand offers a range of accessories and ready-to-wear, but its leather goods are the true standouts, with bags that only grow better with wear and beloved by countless insiders. My first designer bag was a Coach bag that I still wear today, over 15 years later (now I'm aging myself).
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Cuyana
Women-founded bag brand Cuyana creates timeless essentials to fit a modern lifestyle, and it's ideal to shop if you're looking for quality leather goods (like leather totes) or thoughtfully designed minimalist neutrals. The products, spotted on the likes of Meghan Markle and Jessica Alba, have exceptional longevity and wear at an affordable price tag.
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Brandon Blackwood
Brandon Blackwood is a luxury fashion house founded by Black fashion designer Brandon Blackwood. His collection features ready-to-wear as well as shoes and accessories, with the bags being one of the brand's top offerings. There's truly a Brandon Blackwood bag for everyone, with accessible styles in a multitude of colors and designs.
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Marge Sherwood
Marge Sherwood is a contemporary, Korean-founded line by designer duo Sungeun Um and Soonyoung Kim. The brand's designs have major '90s energy, featuring sophisticated and fun designs for minimalists and playful fashion fans alike. The brand—which Celine Dion has worn before—is available at top retailers including Farfetch, Luisaviaroma, and SSENSE.
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Tory Burch
Ever since founding her eponymous label in New York City in 2004, Tory Burch has worked to support women entrepreneurs and epitomize classic American style. Countless celebrities and it-girls, including Camila Morrone, Alexa Chung, and Danai Gurira, have proven to be fans of the brand. If you love color with an emphasis on unique detailing, you've come to the right place.
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Mango
Mango is a hotspot for affordable, luxe-looking items, with celebrity fans of the Spanish label including Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Kaia Gerber, and Cara Delevingne. Stay up-to-date on the latest styles with the brand's trend-forward bags, which will run you less than $250.
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Telfar
Over the past few years, the Telfar shopping bag has become an affordable it-bag with major staying power. The brand's styles—available in creative hues like corned beef, greenscreen, and painter's tape—are constantly selling out and have been spotted on the likes of Zoë Kravitz, Megan Thee Stallion, and Dua Lipa. Designer Telfar Clemens continues to innovate with new silhouettes as well as collaborations with the likes of Ugg and Melissa, plus if Beyoncé loves the bags enough to name-drop them in her song "Summer Renaissance," we're sold.