While some of the best designer handbags can go in and out of style, there are a handful of silhouettes that will always stand the test of time. Similar to a black blazer, white T-shirt, or pair of jeans, the right bag doesn’t just complete an outfit – it anchors it, working across occasions, seasons and personal style evolutions.

Finding the one, however, is rarely straightforward. Before making a considered investment, it’s worth asking yourself a few key questions – particularly when the right designer handbag can hold, or even increase, its value on the resale market. What purpose does your bag need to serve? Are you going for plain, patent or suede leather – or avoiding leather altogether? Is it heritage or contemporary designers that you’re drawn to? Are you looking for a zingy style to grab attention or a quietly elegant companion? Then, there’s the question of budget. In the luxury market, there’s essentially no limit to how much you can spend – though, we recommend setting your price point before you start looking.

’s edit of the best designer handbags

The Row N/S Park Medium Suede Tote

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Chloé Paddington Embellished Leather Tote

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Minimalist fans should consider The Row their first port-of-call for designer bags with pared-back appeal, from the brand’s cult Margaux bag to its newer “cousin”, the top-handled Marcel. After an archive hit? Look to Fendi’s Baguette, which was famously carried by Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City, Kate Moss’s beloved Balenciaga Le City, or Chloé’s Paddington – revived by current creative director, Chemena Kamali, on the autumn/winter 2025 runway. As for newer bags destined for potential heirloom status? Bottega Veneta’s Andiamo, Toteme’s T-Lock and Loewe’s Puzzle bag, introduced by former creative director, Jonathan Anderson.

“What stands out for 2026 is the return of bags with a very clear design point of view,” says Erica Wright, founder of Sourcewear. “Matthieu Blazy’s Chanel is naturally driving a lot of interest, particularly the Maxi Flap in leather and suede, the XL Shopping Tote and the croc-embossed styles. The suede duffel from Resort 2027, recently seen on Kendall Jenner, is already generating requests too.” She also notes that The Row’s Marlo is one of the most requested newer bags on Sourcewhere, while at Celine, Michael Rider’s Envelope “already feels like a new signature for the house.”

Alexa Chung with a Chloé Paddington.

Photo: Courtesy of Getty Images

From elevated carryalls to structured styles, fun-sized to functional (pretty doesn’t have to mean impractical), here’s our guide to standout handbag silhouettes and styles. Scroll on to see our line-up of the best designer handbags to invest in.

The true icon: Gucci Jackie

Few bags can claim the cultural legacy of the Gucci Jackie. First introduced in the 1960s as the Constance, the bag was later renamed after Jackie Kennedy, who famously carried it throughout her lifetime. Its curved silhouette and piston clasp have become unmistakable signifiers, and across decades, the Jackie has been subtly reworked by successive creative directors, yet never strayed too far from the original. Denma’s debut for the house opened with slouchy, supple and oversized versions of the iconic bag, which can only mean it’s on course to be an It-bag to watch in 2026.

Despite its relative youth in the luxury handbag market, The Row has secured its place in the fashion hall of fame, thanks to its immaculately-crafted, pared-back creations. The brand’s Margaux has become a cult item – and signifier of quiet luxury – which has been in and out of stock since its release.

Now, for a designer bag that will serve you from desk to dinner. Savette’s Symmetry Pochette takes on the shape of a classic vanity case, meaning it’s perfect for carrying a tight edit of essentials. Realised in an east-west silhouette, with a flap closure, metal hardware and a single top handle, it makes for an elegant companion.

The structured tote: Mulberry Bayswater

2023 marked the 20th anniversary of Mulberry’s Bayswater bag – the original “ludicrously capacious” tote carried by Kate Moss and co in the Noughties. It remains a hallmark of British design, and is available in a range of colourways and finishes. Several seasons ago, London-based brand Stefan Cooke dipped into the Mulberry archive and revived its key vintage styles (all of which were limited edition), including the Bayswater.

The newcomer: DeMellier New York

DeMellier has seen remarkable success since launching in 2017, with beautifully crafted minimalist handbags for under £1,000. “Customers are increasingly discerning and want to understand how pieces are made, who is making them, and what a brand stands for beyond the product itself,” Mireia Llusia-Lindh, creative director and founder of DeMellier previously explained to . The New York, which launched in 2022, is one of its best-selling silhouettes, with a distinctive belted detail below the handles – it’s the perfect work bag.

The New York Large Leather-Trimmed Suede Tote

The carry-everything bag: Métier Private Eye

Métier is a London-based label that was founded in 2017, with the aim to create beautifully crafted, simple designs where functionality is just as important as the aesthetic. The Private Eye has become something of an if-you-know-you-know purchase, thanks to its subtle diamond clasp and distinctive top-handle silhouette. It continues to be its signature best-seller and is available in several colourways and finishes – opt for the large if you’re looking for a laptop bag.

A New York moment: The Row Marlo

The Row’s Margaux has had a huge amount of hype with the internet christening it the “new Birkin,” however its sister handbag, the Marlo, is an ideal option if you want something more discreet. The design is even more pared-back and minimalist than the Margaux, without the side buckles or any other adornments or obvious features.

The sling-on-your-arm bag: Chloé Paddington

Chloé’s urrent creative director Chemena Kamali revived the house’s beloved Paddington for autumn/winter 2025, carried nonchalantly by models clad in her boho ready-to-wear offering. Kamali’s version didn’t stray far from the original, retaining the same slouchy shape and iconic metal hardware, including a padlock and key. The fact that it’s made a stealth comeback twenty years on from its original debut is testament to its timeless appeal.

Paddington Bag in Tweed & Grained Leather

The Mombasa was first released by Tom Ford for spring/summer 2002, however the current creative director Anthony Vaccarello has revived the It-bag from the archives for spring 2026, with the same distinctive crescent silhouette as the original design.

Mombasa Panelled Leather Shoulder Bag

Mombasa Panelled Leather Shoulder Bag

First introduced in 2004, the Campana was revived at Louise Trotter’s debut collection for Bottega Veneta. Named for its gentle, bell-like curve – a soft arc created by a continuous panel of woven i leather – the bag epitomises Bottega Veneta’s quiet mastery of form and craftsmanship. The new iteration arrives in small, medium and large sizes, and is crafted in a spectrum of shades in both leather and suede.

The do-it-all mini bag: Miu Miu Wander

First launched in the autumn/winter 2022 collection, Miu Miu’s Wander bag has already secured its place in the designer bag hall of fame, thanks to its distinctive matelassé detailing and compact size. Beloved by the likes of Emma Corrin, Alexa Chung, Gigi Hadid, Hailey Bieber and Jaime Xie, to name but a few, its appeal shows no sign of fading.

The cult archive bag: Dior Lady Dior

Another iconic bag named after another iconic woman, Dior’s Lady Dior bag was a direct result of the Princess Diana effect. Originally called the Chouchou, the boxy top-handle bag was gifted to Diana by the First Lady of France in September 1995, and after being recommissioned in blue by the royal, it was renamed the Diana in 1996. It remains one of the brand’s most popular bags.

The illusion bag: Loewe Amazona 180

After a stellar run of accessories ideated by former Loewe creative director Jonathan Anderson, new appointments Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez were faced with quite the task. But their new bag proposition, the elegantly undone Amazona 180, seen on their spring/summer 2026 runway, lived up to the task. It revisits the archive Amazona shape, in a boxy silhouette with a single top handle and a clever internal closure that makes it appear open while the main compartment is, in fact, closed.

The east-west bag: Alaïa Le Teckel

When a trusted brand such as Alaïa takes on a trend like the east-west bag, we pay attention. With its approachable design and sculptural yet understated shape, Le Teckel comes in suede and textured leather in a number of neutral and pastel shades, so finding one that complements your wardrobe is easy. Fun fact: “teckel” means dachshund in French – a playful nod to the bag’s elongated shape.

Le Teckel Flat Medium Leather Shoulder Bag

The Noughties throwback: Balenciaga Le City

Balenciaga’s Le City bag was a favourite of Noughties It-girls – think the Olsen twins, Nicole Richie and Lindsay Lohan – and Demna, the brand’s former creative director, brought it back in all its Y2K glory. Pierpaolo Piccioli also revived the Le City bag in his debut for the brand. While there are plenty of fashion lovers reaching for the new models, which come in a range of colourways, there are others, including British ’s Naomi Smart, who are securing theirs second hand on preloved sites such as eBay.

Le City East/West Suede Shoulder Bag

It could be argued that Matthieu Blazy’s most enduring legacy at Bottega Veneta is the Andiamo. From the moment it debuted on the runway, it sent front-row guests reaching instinctively for their iPhones. Available in multiple sizes and crafted in a range of fabrications, including the house’s signature weave, the silhouette offers a modern, elevated take on an everyday tote. Aptly named after the Italian for “let’s go,” the Andiamo is for someone who’s going places.

The utilitarian investment: Prada Route

You might have spied Prada’s new Route bag on the Instagram feeds of content creators, featured in unboxing videos and outfit pictures. But it first captivated the fashion crowd’s attention when it appeared on the spring/summer 2026 runway, styled with perfectly-distressed leather jackets, nylon field coats and rompers. The utilitarian pockets and use of contrast leather set it apart from other styles on the market – it’s also similar to the brand’s Tessuto, launched in the 1980s.

The XXL tote: Khaite Lotus

Khaite is renowned for its arsenal of timeless, investment-worthy accessories. The brand’s Lotus tote is the perfect balance of slouchy and sturdy – it’s inspired by the fluid silhouette of a scarf – ready to house everything you may need on the go.

The work-ready tote: Givenchy Antigona

Givenchy’s Antigona tote first graced the brand’s runway for the autumn/winter 2010 season and was quickly embraced by the It-girls of the moment: from Kate Moss and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley to Irina Shayk and Lily Aldridge. A chic option for those looking for a more structured bag for work, the bag comes with a trapezoid shape, boxy-yet-roomy interior and sturdy top handle.

The sculptural style: Loewe Puzzle

The Loewe Puzzle was Jonathan Anderson’s debut bag as creative director. Over the years, it has been heralded by fashion insiders for both its form and function – at the time of release, its dramatic geometrical design was like nothing any other brand was offering. The Puzzle now comes in a plethora of shapes and colourways, but we’ll always have a soft spot for the classic full-size Puzzle in black or beige.

The timeless icon: Hermès Birkin

Is there any handbag more iconic that the Hermès Birkin? Created in 1984, the bag was named after fashion icon and actor Jane Birkin, who, after finding herself sat next to Jean-Louis Dumas, CEO of Hermès, on a flight, famously sketched the design on a sick bag. The rest, as they say, is history. Notoriously hard to get hold of, it can take years on waiting lists to get your hands on a new one, but pre-loved versions can be found on multiple resale sites. This is a purchase that will last a lifetime – and then some.

The everyday tote: The Row N/S Park

Many of the most storied It-totes posses several similar traits, including landscape proportions and top handles. The Park N/S tote, released for spring/summer 2021, defies the trad blueprint with its portrait design and single strap, delivering the same functionality as a classic style but with new energy and intrigue. Remarkably simple – and in-keeping with the label’s “quiet luxury” house codes – it’s become a key player in the wardrobes of fashion editors and celebrities alike.

The round-the-clock bag: Saint Laurent Le 5 À 7

A brainchild of Anthony Vaccarello and released for spring/summer 2021, the Le 5 A 7 riffs on 1950s bag shapes, with a slightly slouchy body, short shoulder strap – which makes it easy to carry on your arm – and a motif clasp. Fittingly, its name translates to “five to seven”, referring to its versatility to be carried all day, everyday, for whatever activity is required. Though, we’d argue it could be worn well into the night. (There’s also a tote version, which is great for if you’re taking more on the go.)

Le 5 À 7 Leather Shoulder Bag

The historic hero: Dior Saddle

Few bags have stood the test of time quite like Dior’s Saddle. Debuted by John Galliano for spring/summer 2000, it has since become a well-loved classic among fashion insiders and celebrities – and has been reinterpreted by the designer’s successors, across both men’s and women’s. From monogrammed to camo-print, plain leather to denim, there are multiple finishes and colourways available to shop on the vintage market, while newer takes can be found in the original curvaceous silhouette and messenger versions on Dior.com.

The fits-more-than-you think bag: Louis Vuitton Speedy

The Speedy reentered the spotlight when Louis Vuitton’s creative director of menswear, Pharrell, presented his own take on the house’s iconic bag at his debut show, rendered in yellow with a gold chain and diamond-swathed padlock. Originally debuted in 1930 as the “Express”, the Speedy was first made available in a 30cm size, then in 35cm and 40cm as demand spiked, and then in 25cm proportions following a personal request from Audrey Hepburn. It was one of several bags that Marc Jacobs reworked as part of his collaborations with legendary artist Takashi Murakami, who emblazoned the Louis Vuitton monogram with cherries and cherry blossom.

The new hit: The Row Marcel

Clean lines, exquisite materials and an almost monastic approach to branding make The Row’s Marcel an instant favourite among those who value subtlety. While still relatively new, the Marcel already feels destined for long-term status: it’s yet another piece in the brand’s line-up that proves its ability to set the tone for modern luxury – and, inevitably, the wider market.

The quiet luxury companion: Toteme T-Lock

“T-Lock has a certain ease and energy about it,” Toteme co-founder Elin Kling previously told British of Toteme’s minimalist, curvaceous bag, which resonates with the pared-back overall aesthetic of the brand. “It is precise but not so precious. That’s what I love about it.”

The slouchy crossbody: Lemaire Croissant

Lemaire’s signature Croissant bag is, as the brand describes it, “supple yet resistant”. As its name suggests, the bag is inspired by the curved shape of a pastry, which makes for a unique, playful silhouette.

The archive revival: Prada Re-Edition 2000

As Noughties mania crept into the fashion crowd in 2019, Prada reprised two of its beloved bags – the Re-Edition 2000 and the Re-Edition 2005. Instantly recognisable for its nylon outer and triangular insignia, it quickly became a celebrity favourite, spotted on the likes of Hailey Bieber and Sofia Richie. The Y2K fever might have slowed, but this shoulder bag remains a timeless investment.

The offbeat bag: JW Anderson Loafer

As its name suggests, JW Anderson’s Loafer bag is inspired by the details found on a classic Penny loafer. The top-handle style features a topstitched front panel that echoes the upper of the shoe, with a slouchy silhouette, zipped closure, leather inner pocket and detachable crossbody strap. While it’s available in various fabrications and colourways, the suede has proven particularly popular.

The party bag: Fendi Baguette

When Carrie Bradshaw slung a whipstitched Fendi baguette over her shoulder in the TV series, she launched a worldwide sellout. And while the style has never really gone away, it has seen a serious renaissance over the last decade, with a new generation discovering its Noughties charm.

The holdall: Coach Brooklyn

Coach released its Brooklyn shoulder bag in summer 2023, and it quickly became a hit after it was spotted on Bella Hadid. The appeal of this popular style lies in its marriage of style and accessibility – its sleek design and mid-level price make it hard to ignore. Opt for the larger 39 model for daytime and the more compact 28 for evenings.