Curating your own designer wardrobe isn’t cheap—they are considered luxury items, after all! You’ve probably made a list of must-have bags from popular fashion houses like Bottega Veneta and Hermès, only to give up on starting your own collection upon seeing the six-figure price tags. While it’s completely normal to lust over this generation’s it-bags, it’s a lot more practical to invest in a mid-range arm candy first, especially if you’re a newcomer to the world of designer fashion.
Ahead, we’ve listed 10 classy entry-level designer bags that look and feel expensive despite retailing for under P35,000. Scroll to update your wishlist and add to cart!
SHOP: The Best Mid-Range Designer Bags
1. By Far
Crafted with brown calf leather, this embossed shoulder bag can instantly add that cool-girl edge to any plain OOTD.
Crocodile-Effect Bag, $304 (approx. P17,754.36), BY FAR, farfetch.com
2. JW Anderson
Since puffy bags are all the rage right now, consider jumping on the trend with this JW Anderson piece. Beyond its knitted construction, this tote bag’s roomy interior is ideal for fashion lovers who are always on the go.
Popcorn Basket Tote Bag, $505 (approximately P29,493.26), JW ANDERSON, farfetch.com
3. Telfar
Telfar’s Shopping Bag is a cult-fave for a reason: It’s sleek, versatile, and super spacious. Plus, the medium size only costs a little over P10,000!
Medium Shopping Bag, $202 (approx. P11,503), TELFAR, telfar.net
4. Poléne
You can never go wrong with any leather bag by Poléne. Our personal pick is the Numéro Dix, which also happens to be a favorite among budding style stars like Kyline Alcantara and Alexa Ilacad.
Numéro Dix, $580 (approx. P33,872.87), POLÈNE, polene-paris.com
5. Staud
The Moon Bag by Staud offers a unique yet practical design that won’t break the bank. This statement piece also comes in a wide variety of colorways and sizes to suit your preferences.
Moon Bag, $295 (approximately P17,228.44), STAUD, staud.clothing
6. Kate Spade
When in doubt, go for a classic crossbody from Kate Spade. Inspired by the '90s, their new Morgan Crossbody can fit all your daily essentials without looking bulky.
Morgan East West Crossbody, P17,450, KATE SPADE, trunc.ph
7. Coach
Designed as a convertible crossbody bag, Coach’s Tabby Chain Clutch can suit dressy and casual looks alike. Fun fact: This is actually a modernized take of a classic Coach design from the 1970s.
Tabby Chain Clutch, SAR 1,705 (approximately P26,523.23), COACH, coach.sa
8. Strathberry
For an understated option, invest in the Nano Tote Top Handle Bag by Strathberry. A must-have for all minimalist dressers!
Nano Tote Top Handle Bag, P25,543, STRATHBERRY, zalora.com.ph
9. Furla
Although available for less than P20,000, Furla’s best-selling Diamante Mini Shoulder Bag is hand-made with the finest materials and craftsmanship. Its sophisticated shape is guaranteed to withstand trends and time!
Diamante Mini Shoulder Bag, P12,675, FURLA, rustans.com
10. Ganni
With its braided top handle and hexagonal silhouette, the Bou bag is an unmistakable design that exudes class and modernity.
Black Small Bou Bag, €445 (approx. P26,737), GANNI, ganni.com
11. Longchamp
A classic tote always makes the perfect first designer investment, and it's easy to see why Longchamp's Le Pliage shoulder bag has become a go-to option among fashion folks. Constructed with durable nylon and accented by sturdy leather handles, this spacious carryall is as functional as it is chic, fitting all your essentials in one go.
Le Pliage Original Shoulder Bag M Navy, P9,800, LONGCHAMP, rustans.com
12. Lacoste
Aside from its stylish line of everyday apparel, Lacoste equally excels in the leather goods department. Their handbags, like the Daily City Purse, offer a mix of timeless style and functionality at an accessible price point. Case in point: the Daily City Purse, a sturctured mini top handle bag that can seamlessly transition from day to night.
Daily City Purse in Taupe, P11,950, LACOSTE, lacoste.com
13. Freja New York
Looking for the perfect east-west bag? Look no further than the Caroline bag by Freja New York. Compact but spacious, it comes with a magnetic flap closure that makes going through your essentials so much easier. The best part? It's fully handmade from vegan leather too.
Caroline Bag in Oat, P15,400, FREJA NEW YORK, frejanyc.com
14. Tory Burch
Tory Burch’s spin on the bucket bag is petite, classy, and all kinds of chic. With its embossed monogram detailing all-over, brown leather straps, and gold hardware accents, this bag can easily dress up any look in an instant.
Mini T Monogram Perforated Leather Bucket Bag, P29,250, TORY BURCH, toryburch.ph
15. A.P.C.
A well-rounded designer bag offers versatility, timeless appeal, and durability, and the Sarah bag from A.P.C. checks out all the boxes. With an adjustable leather strap and a sturdy top handle, it can be worn crossbody or over the shoulder. Perfect for casual off-duty outfits or your next getaway, this bag’s spacious interior holds all your essentials while seamlessly complementing any look.
Sarah Shoulder à Strap Mini bag, $590 (approximately P34,443.61), A.P.C., apc-us.com
Products recommended on our websites are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, Summit Media may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Links are updated regularly and as much as possible, but note that products can run out of stock, discounts can expire, and listed prices can change without prior notice.
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