Fashion trends often appear to be entirely obsolete nowadays. This may not be entirely true, but the urge to have the latest “it” bag has subsided, especially because we’re are not spending much time in the real world. Even still, the feeling of wanting to put on genuine clothing with real accessories is natural, whenever we’re spending those few moments outside — and a bag for daily outings that seems “of the moment” remains a wardrobe necessity.
Thankfully, you don’t have to spend three or four figures on a handbag to make it feel unique; a lot of beautiful handbags under $100 exist in the market that are both on-trend and timeless.
We inquired from five fashion professionals for their go-to inexpensive handbag selections of the season, including Aemilia Madden, senior fashion editor at The Zoe Report, and Kylie Nakao, founder and designer of NYC-based jewelry company Tarin Thomas. Check out the best budget handbags of the season ahead, from a double handle baguette bag that’ll take you back to the ’90s to a small quilted mini bag that’ll allow your hands freedom.
1. Double Handle Baguette Bag by Mango
“This is an incredibly sleek and stylish long-handled baguette –a spin on the traditional ’90s form,” Madden adds.
2. Floral Beaded Mini Bag
“This little beaded purse can instantly enhance your mood,” Madden says, adding, “The concept of putting more color to a more neutral attire with a vibrant accessory is welcomed.”
3. We Fashion Small Shoulder Bag by House of Want
Information from our inside sources is that ‘this 90s-inspired shoulder bag features an acetate chain strap, which is a huge spring 2021 trend.
4. Aqua Large Woven Tote
According to Naer, this “Aqua’s woven leather tote bag is a twist on Bottega Veneta’s Flower Basket tote (and it’s a Bloomies exclusive).”
5. Arizona Love Two-Tone Bag
“I adore the splash of color this traditional and exciting tote bag gives as we head towards spring,” Nakao adds.
6. Luna Baguette Bag by Urban Outfitters
This cow print purse, according to Nakao, is a striking accent to any costume. Combine it with a classic moto jacket and a maxi dress in a fun clashing pattern.
7. Kory Faux Leather Tote by Who What Wear
“A terrific daily bag that can contain all my important stuff while still appearing sophisticated and elegant with the deep brown embossed finish,” says Nakao.
8. Marc Jacobs the Magda Clutch
“If you want to get a little meta,” Madden adds, “this portable bag would be the great selection for containing small accessories,” adding that she’d slip it inside a bigger tote, like the Clare V design above, to make everything “streamlined and easy.”
9. Kofi Mini Bag by Daily Paper
“With this bag made by Daily Paper, buyers can accept the baguette trend that existed since the early 2000s in a way that appears modern for the new season,” says Shelby Hyde, Harper’s Bazaar contributing fashion editor. According to Gale, this purse would look great with an all-white outfit.
10. Nunoo Helena Bag
“One of the aspects of Nunoo’s Helena bag that I cherish is that it’s as utilitarian as it is stylish,” Hyde adds. “The multicompartment design of the bag helps to augment the space and size it lacks.”
11. Filet Knit Shoulder Bag by Longchamp Le Pliage
“People that love Longchamp’s nylon bags will adore the netted design just as much,” adds Hyde, who recommends it for weekend trips to the farmers market.
12. Petite Sandy Tote by Clare V
This woven bag, according to Madden, is a great alternative to the typical tote. “I wouldn’t put something too little in it (my keys might fall through),” she adds, “but it’s wonderful when going to the beach or grocery shopping.”
13. Weave Faux Leather Tote by Topshop
“For someone who prefers wearing mostly neutrals, this Topshop bag offers a wonderful means to gradually add [green] into my wardrobe,” Hyde adds, noting that the hue is likely one of the season’s most outstanding color trends.
14. Mango Oval Handbag
Ryan Gale, a freelance stylist and owner of By Colby, a vintage clothes curation, says, “The oval form and wine color of this bag are the outstanding features to me.” “Distressed jeans, a vintage T-shirt, and mules make for a full elegant combination.”
15. H&M Straw Shopper
Straw totes aren’t only for the beach anymore. Our experts say that this H&M choice is the ideal alternative for your everyday bag.
16. Mode Femke Quilted Mini Bag by A.W.A.K.E
“I’m no longer carrying any type of beverage.” “I’m going to delegate all of the carrying to this A.W.A.K.E. portable bag,” Gale says.
17. H&M Belt Bag
A belt bag offers the classic ’90s throwback, and H&M’s $20 version is the ideal low-cost option for experimenting with the style.
18. Mango Pleated Bucket Bag
Our inside experts say that this pleated bucket bag is the ideal complement to any minimalist attire.