Best Designer Handbags under $500

The only thing under my eyes are the designer bags. I have a confessed addiction to bags. I am always on the lookout for the next handbag purchase. More than the bag itself, I believe the thrill of the hunt for the next buy and finding it for the best possible price is what excites me. As much as I love handbags, I do not have unlimited funds to buy that $2000 bag all the time. Hence, I am always on the lookout for the Best Designer Handbags under $500.

Handbags are not just about the design but also the quality of the leather and functionality. I treat my handbag like my jewelry and like to go for brands that provide longevity. To a lot of women, a bag is not just an accessory but a statement of personal expression.

I personally like to carry bags which are not very big in size. I carry only a few essentials in my bag including a wallet, sunglasses, house keys, and now hand sanitizer. You would barely catch me carrying a compact, moisturizer or hand creams. So small sized bags have never been an issue for me. But with that being said, I totally realize that different people have different needs. A lot of people like to carry more medium sized and large bags to carry more than just essentials. So let’s go over my list of Best Affordable Designer Handbags under $500:

Best Designer Handbags under $500

Danse Lente mini Phoebe cross body bag

If you are looking for a cute weekend bag then this Danse Lente bag is what you need. I remember I saw this bag almost 2 years back on some influencer and immediately fell in love with it. However, The bag was sold out everywhere and I had to be waitlisted for it. The bag is not super huge but it does hold up my iPhone 12 Max, my house keys, wallet, and sunglasses without the case. Its depth is 4.7 in, height is 5.9 in, and handle drop is 18.9 in. The bag comes with cross body strap.

Mansur Gavriel Mini Bucket Bag

It would be probably unholy to talk about Bucket bags and not mention Mansur Gavriel. Mansur Gavriel did not invent the bucket bag but they definitely gave a new lease of life to them. At a time when everyone thought that bucket bags have come to their eventual end, Masur Gavriel introduced their ever famous vegetable-tanned leather bucket bag. The bag features a contrasting interior in multiple color choices and a drawstring closure. It has been my go-to office bag for years now and still holding strong. Its depth is 34.75 in, height is 8.25 in, and strap drop is 21.25 in.

The StrathBerry Nano Tote

Strathberry is an Edinburgh-based brand specializing in luxury leather goods. The brand made famous by Meghan Markle seems to be the celeb’s go-to choice when it comes to affordable handbag picks. The handbag features Strathberry’s signature bag closure. The bag is quite structured and has a luxurious look to the leather. The bag is handmade in Spain and features an interior pocket and a detachable chain shoulder strap. Its depth is 3.1 in, height is 6 in, and handle drop is 2 in.

Staud Mini Shirley Leather Tote

Remember the times when every influencer was carrying the Staud Mini Moreau bag? The brand has definitely come way ahead from those times by inventing some unique shapes. I love the creativity that Staud presents with its handbags. While the quirky shapes might not be everyone’s cup of tea but the price is way below $500 on the handbags that are definitely worth trying out. One of my favorite bags from the current season is the Mini Shirley tote.

There might be nothing groundbreaking about this bag but it shouts as quintessential summer bag to me. It would look super cute with breezy sundresses or a stroll by the boardwalk. The bag also comes in a large size but I like the mini version for ease of carrying around. The bag also comes with an inner pouch to hold your essentials. Its depth is 3.6 in, height is 7.5 in, and strap drop is 3.1 in.

Cuyana Classic Structured Leather Tote

If you are on the lookout for your next work bag then you are pretty sorted with this Cuyana bag. The bag comes in few neutral shades and will go perfectly with all the outfits. The bag is roomy enough to also serve as a baby bag or a beach bag. With a price point much lower than $500, the bag is a top choice for affordable handbags. The bag is made up of smooth Italian leather in a woman-owned factory in Turkey. The bag is LWG Silver certified, ensuring the leather is tanned responsibly. Its depth is 6 in, height is 13.25 in, and handle drop is 8.87 in.

Senreve Aria Belt Bag

Senreve is a fairly new brand but has gained popularity fairly quickly due to its sturdy quality and multi-usage bags. Jumping on the belt bag bandwagon, Senreve’s latest bag gives you an option to be hands-free. The bag can be worn as a belt bag, a sling bag, a crossbody, and a clutch. So basically you are getting 4 bags for the price of one making this bag one of the best choices for the Best Designer Handbags under $500.

Furla Metropolis Bag

Furla Metropolis bag is the perfect example of how one can look chic without spending thousands of dollars. The bag has a structured square look to it and exudes classic vibes. The bag also features a metal clasp and a gold chain which is detachable. With the variety of colors and prints available, the bag will pair well with your little bag dress. Its depth is 3.25 in, height is 6.25 in, and chain drop is 22 in.

BY FAR Cush textured-leather shoulder bag

By Far has become another celeb go-to brand for affordable handbag. Seen on the likes of Hadid sisters, Irina Shayk and Priyanka Chopra, the bag has clearly become the next ‘IT’ thing. Designed in Australia and handmade in Bulgaria, the bags are a head-turner. I personally like the Cush textured bag due to its slouchy shape and ease to get things in and out of it. The bag also comes in neutral as well as bright colors suited to your style. Its depth is 34.3 in, height is 5.1 in, and handle drop is 3.5 in

The Marc Jacobs J Link Twist Bag

The name Marc Jacobs needs no introduction. The designer has been the name behind some of the most successful designs by Louis Vuitton. However, over the past few years, the designer has moved away from the luxury house and started his own label. I specifically like the J Link Twist bag from the brand’s latest collection due to the unique clasp design and the rope details on the handle. I have had a few Marc Jacobs bags in the past and the quality of the leather has always been impeccable. Its depth is 3.5 in, height is 6.9 in, and strap drop is 20 in

Frame Les Second Medium Tote

Frame is an American fashion brand. It is renowned for its collections in denim, cotton, leather, and cashmere. The Les Second Medium Tote makes for the perfect office bag or carry-on for those of you always on the go. The minimal and structured design is crafted in leather with a buttonhole in the handles to adjust the length. The bag is very functional for everyday design making it a winner to be in the top 10 list of designer handbags under $500. Its depth is 5.9 in, height is 11 in, and handle drop is 8.7 in

These were my picks for the top 10 Best Designer Handbags under $500. I have compiled the above list based on personal use along with what is popular at present and several reviews posted by different people. If you enjoyed the post then do not forget to pin the below image. Also, with warmer weather approaching, do check out my post on white dresses for summer.

xo, Pavneet