In recent years, luxury fashion has become very, expensive, meaning many who could once afford a Loewe or Bottega Veneta bag to mark an important career or personal milestone are priced out. Sharp increases in shipping costs, materials, and manufacturing, along with a laser focus on targeting high-net-worth customers whose shopping habits are less impacted by economic turbulence, have all caused the price of luxury handbags to escalate to dizzying heights. One brand that has seen this steep inflation is Chanel – a quilted flap bag now costs twice as much as it did five years ago.
In a landscape where a designer It-bag can easily set you back £4,000 (at least), the contemporary handbag market is flourishing – there are a number of affordable designer bag brands that still have a focus on beautiful craftsmanship and design, without ever tipping over the £1,000 mark. The likes of Coach and Longchamp are household names that are traditionally known for their democratic pricing, but there are some lesser-known labels that are also worthy of your consideration.
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When it comes to a do-it-all work bag, Liffner’s suede Mega Sprout has achieved cult status, and has a simple enough construction to ensure it will go the distance in your wardrobe. London-based brand Demellier, meanwhile, will appeal to those who like something polished and structured – with high-quality materials and elevated design that give a refined finish. Manu Atelier is another label that has been generating much applause within fashion circles – the buckled Du Jour totes in particular are ideal for those who would love a Margaux, but don’t have a The Row budget.
Whether you’re looking for a new work bag or to mark a special occasion with a designer purchase, below is the guide to the best designer bags for under £700.
The Best Affordable Designer Bags And Brands, According To British
Liffner had a successful rebrand at the end of 2024, which helped to solidify the Scandinavian brand as a go-to for minimalist designs that will still garner a stream of compliments despite the simplicity. The Mega Sprout suede tote bag is regularly spotted in the offices in London and New York, while sightings on Jennifer Lawrence, Kendall Jenner and Taylor Swift have all helped solidify its reputation in the accessories world.
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Longchamp’s practical folding totes, Le Pliage bags, were an emblem of “scruffed-up prep” that swept through collegiate universities in the Noughties, but in recent years the brand has welcomed a Gen-Z audience who regard it as a “beginner designer bag”. Although Le Pliage is a consistent best-seller for the house, there are many other leather handbags for those who want something a little more structured – see our comprehensive guide to Longchamp’s handbag offering for more guidance.
With its structured silhouettes and focus on timeless design, it’s no surprise that London-based Demellier caught the attention of members of the royal household and has been worn by the Princess of Wales and Meghan Markle. It also prides itself on its sustainable and ethical practices, and all of the label’s bags are crafted in family-run factories in Europe, made using LWG-certified leather. Its website explains that “each creation is a little piece of art, taking anywhere up to 35 artisans and 50 individual pieces to make one bag”.
The Stockholm Large Leather-Trimmed Suede Tote
X Rebecca Donaldson The Stockholm Shoulder Bag
Last year, reported how “even the most loyal Birkinists are abandoning their beloved Hermès bag for new equivalents” – and the Turkish label Manu Atelier has found monster success with one of these belted bags. The piece notes that Katie Holmes has adopted the Le Cambon 40 “as her emotional-support tote”. The brand’s creative directors, and sisters, Beste Manastir Bagdatli and Merve Manastir explained that leaning into heritage has paid dividends, crediting the “fusion of old-world charm and modern-day practicality” as the key to their aesthetic. Its belts are now a lasting design signature.
Le Cambon East West Bag
Tote Du Jour Tote Bag
For Meghan Markle’s very first royal outing, she carried a burgundy Strathberry Midi Tote with the signature bar hardware, bringing a surge of traffic and attention to the Edinburgh-based leather brand, which was founded by husband-and-wife duo Guy and Leeanne Hundleby in 2013. It prides itself on craftsmanship, with the design team in the Scottish atelier working closely with Spanish artisans in Ubrique, Andalucia. The brand doesn’t play into the trend cycle, but focuses on timeless, heritage designs, with structured shapes and gold finishes.
Elleme was founded in 2015, and despite having an impressive roster of celebrity wearers, sits firmly in the if-you-know-you-know bracket. That in many ways only adds to the appeal of its handbags, which are discreet and unbranded – two characteristics that are now favoured in the designer bag world, in which The Row’s minimalism reigns. The Boomerang, with its gold sculptural strap and curved body, is our current favourite. Plus, it’s Parisian.
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Among the best-selling bags on Vogue Shopping, from The Row to Saint Laurent, you’ll often find Dragon Diffusion’s woven handbags. Founded in 1985 by Craig Wright, traditional basket weaving techniques are used to create leather totes that are handwoven by artisans in India and all cost under £500. I rarely go to a fashion event without seeing at least one Dragon Diffusion, and Ashley Olsen is even a fan of the Nantucket bag.
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Small Leather Woven Santa Croce Tote Bag
Bamboo Triple Jump Big Woven Leather Tote
Coach bags were once the ultimate entry-level bag purchase and emblem of mall fashion, but in recent years they have had an almighty comeback, with clever marketing, new styles and an increased demand for Noughties originals on resale sites driven by a new Gen-Z customer base. Creative director Stuart Vevers, who has repositioned this New York brand, has seen almighty success with the Brooklyn bag – endorsed by Bella Hadid. Other A-list fans include Emily Ratajkowski, Laura Harrier, Charli XCX and Olivia Rodrigo.
Aspinal of London is an accessories brand that stands for British craftsmanship and heritage design, so it’s not surprising that the Princess of Wales has made the Mayfair bag one of her royal style trademarks. While this boxy, structured top-handle bag is the star of the line-up (and a paparazzi mainstay), there are more relaxed, slouchy styles too that might not instantly scream “Aspinal” to you – the newly launched Bella Hobo and Hudson bowling bag are two particular standouts.
While Veronica Beard is perhaps best known for its ready-to-wear, its handbags offering is well worth a look, too. Expect the same quietly luxurious approach to design, with practical, considered shapes. Our favourites this season are the Dash clutch and the Prism, both of which come rendered in playful zebra print for autmn/winter 2026 (which happens to be one of the season’s trending textures). With minimal hardware, quality leather and timeless design, Veronica Beard’s is well worth considering for an accessories refresh.
Founded by Danish sisters Amalie and Cecilie Moosgaard, Lié Studio has quickly become an editor favourite because of its less-is-more approach to accessories. Its bags are an extension of the brand’s pared-back Scandinavian aesthetic – think clean lines, sculptural shapes and little embellishment. The Norma is a softly curved shoulder style that comes in seasonal suede, while the Grace has just the right amount of slouch for a roomy workbag to carry all your possessions. If you’re after a designer-looking bag that feels quietly distinctive rather than instantly recognisable, this is one to know.
