The Best Under-$300 Designer Bags That Don’t Sacrifice Quality for Cost

Whether you keep up with the fashion market or not, you probably know designer handbag costs are soaring (think Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermès). These luxury brands seem to be playing hard to get, and we often can’t justify spending much of our paychecks on them. The good news? Mid-range brands are recognizing the demand for designer bags under $300.

Today, designer handbags under $300 are the perfect pieces for those who want the look and feel of a high-end purse but are on a slightly more affordable budget. These accessories don’t sacrifice quality for cost and remind shoppers that “you should always make your purchases based on quality and design rather than a brand name,” says Alexa Eshaghzadeh and Jordan Gross, celebrity stylists and co-founders of Alexa Jordan Curations. “While there are definitely higher priced bags that we would encourage clients to invest in, there are many attainable designer bags that marry a high-quality look and an affordable price, and we always recommend them to our clients.”

Wondering where to find these bags? “Those looking for designer handbags under $300 should look to brands like St. Agni, Flattered, Masur Gavriel, and Loeffler Randall,” notes celebrity stylist Zoe Gofman. “These designers craft high-quality bags, from tote bags to gym bags and crossbody bags, with durable fabrics and various color choices.”

Keep reading because we’ve rounded up the best designer bags under $300 that are elevated and on par with the luxury bags on our wishlist.

Best designer bags under $300, at a glance

• Fréja Caroline Bag, $258
• Staud Carmen Beaded Box Bag, $295
• Behno Elizabeth Baguette Bag, $295
• Loeffler Randall Billie Flap Bag, $295
• Tory Burch Mesh Tote, $248
• Ganni Small Shopper Tote, $195
• Mansur Gavriel Large Tote, $235
• Simon Miller Lopsy Bag, $295
• Manebi Raffia Bag, $205
• St. Agni Mini Bon Bon Bag, $210
• Dragon Diffusion Pom Pom Bucket Bag, $265

What to consider when shopping for a designer handbag

Colorway

A designer handbag in neutral colors is always a good choice. These hues are the most versatile, able to be paired with other neutrals, pops of color, and prints alike. Gross and Eshaghzadeh agree that a simple black, brown, or tan is a safe way to invest in an expensive bag. However, they recommend bold colorways for trendier, less expensive bags, as they don’t have to be as adaptable to all seasons and outfits.

Quality

The saying “quality over quantity” holds true when it comes to owning designer handbags. That is because the higher the quality is, the less likely you will have to replace it. “You also always want to make sure the quality of a handbag is good,” says Gross and Eshaghzadeh. “When doing this, examine the hardware, stitching, and materials. Bags with strong stitching are usually less likely to tear and have a longer lifespan. We also always encourage our clients to invest in bags with metal hardware.” Metal can withstand heavy loads and wear and tear, so you can feel comfortable that your bag can hold anything hefty you throw in it. If you’re looking for more education regarding which designer handbags are worth your dollars, check out Tanner Leatherstein, an internet personality who distinguishes between goods made with quality leather and quality craftsmanship and those that cut corners.

Size

Before purchasing a designer bag, consider how big or small you want the bag to be based on what you will be using it for and what you will be carrying in it. “For an evening bag, we will always push for something smaller as our clients typically won’t want to carry a large bag on a night out,” says Gross and Eshaghzadeh. “For a daytime bag, we encourage bigger bags that will fit everything you need for the day.” If a client or customer is looking for a trend-forward or seasonal bag, Gross and Eshaghzadeh recommend spending less on those designs as they won’t be worn often. “For example, we’ve been loving the ALC Simone Raffia Bag for summer,” says Gross and Eshaghzadeh. “It is a lower price point and chic for the summer, rather than spending over $1,000 on a designer raffia summer bag as it likely won’t be used as the season changes.”

Versatility

“When considering versatility in a designer handbag, think about when and where the bag will be used,” says Gross and Eshaghzadeh. For example, when shopping for a day-to-day handbag, you’ll want to ensure it fits everyday necessities. You also want to make sure it’s easy to carry throughout the day and has features like a soft strap that rests comfortably on the body and pockets that allow you to organize your goods.

Personal style

Gofman notes that your style is the most important thing to consider whether you’re shopping for a $250 or an over-$1,000 designer bag. “Since my style tends to be more classic and simple, I love sprucing up my look with a colorful bag or something a bit louder,” she says. While there is always a time and place for a minimalist bag and outfit, choosing a bag with more personality can help counterbalance a simple outfit and make it visually intriguing.

Shop the best designer bags under $300

Why are designer handbags so expensive?

While it’s not entirely black-and-white, the high cost of designer handbags can be justified by several factors. Designers take into account the cost of materials and craftsmanship, as well as supply and demand and inflation. Brands aim to maintain exclusivity by setting higher prices, as the more expensive a handbag is, the more difficult it is to obtain, leading to increased demand.

“Designer handbags have higher price tags because brands want to keep their customer base exclusive,” notes Eshaghzadeh and Gross. “The higher the price of a handbag, the harder it is to obtain, increasing demand.

The rising cost of designer handbags is also influenced by brand value. As a company’s value and reputation grow, the prices of its products tend to rise. This ties in with exclusivity, as brands may limit their inventory when they receive a lot of buzz to maintain their prestige.

“While some designer price tags may be getting out of hand, I think more times than not, it’s worth your dollars,” says Gofman. “Of course, there are more amazing options under $1,000 each season, but these bags will not hold the same value as designer handbags. Ultimately, when you spend more, you may get more value because the bag typically lasts longer and is more versatile.”