The Best Designer Bags Under £1000

With luxury brands’ prices on a seemingly perpetual rise, it can so often feel like starting, or growing, your designer bag collection is destined to be an impossible pipe dream. But I’m a firm believer that a luxury handbag is one of the best investments for your wardrobe. So I’ve done the hard work for you guys and set myself the task of digging out the best designer bags under £1000. I’ve broken things down by brand and some of my favourite vintage deals have earned a spot too. So let’s get started! 

This cult accessories brand is one of my newer discoveries. It’s the brainchild of a former accessories designer for The Row and Khaite, and rather conveniently occupies a lower price point than these labels. In the five years since Savette’s launch, multiple brand classics have emerged, perhaps most notable is the Symmetry Pochette. There’s a Wallet on Chain option of this popular style available for under £1000. 

Venturing beyond the fan-favourite Symmetry collection, the Tondo top-handle bag is a worthy mention. It’s made from mesh with a leather trim and top handles to give it a robust structure, making it an ideal compact everyday style to carry the essentials as you’re running from A to B. 

I know what you’re thinking, The Row has bags for under £1000?!? The Row, the brand behind the cult-favourite Margaux ‘It’ bag costing thousands has affordable (ish) finds??? Well, yes! Don’t get me wrong, styles for under £1000 don’t make up a huge part of The Row’s legendary bag offering, but they do exist. My absolute favourite being The Row’s Bindle tote – a slouchy suede style that’s shaped like a sack to give it a coveted boho feel (it’s perfect for the return of boho chic). There’s also a chic satin shopper that champions the label’s signature minimalist aesthetic. 

YSL is another brand known for its pricier designs. But if you dig a little (with this kind of incentive, you guys know I’ve done the work), then there are treasures under £1000 to be uncovered. From timeless Wallet on Chain styles to simple leather totes like the Shopping Toy bag (seriously underrated, if you ask me). YSL’s Cassandre bags are also a great option, with a simple envelope style that’s super classic. 

In recent years, DeMellier has become THE go-to bag brand offering a mid-range price point. Spacious totes like the Hudson and New York styles are certified brand classics and make great options for work bags at very reasonable prices. Plus, many of the label’s smaller options get their names from some of my most favourite fashion cities, like the Tokyo clutch and Paris crossbody. The latter is a great alternative to much pricier styles like the Hermès Constance and Celine Garance. 

We often get lost in the magic of Jimmy Choo shoes (who can blame us), and in the midst of ooooing and ahhhing at the encrusted jewels and glossy finishes, Jimmy Choo’s bags can get overlooked. In the past few years, I’ve had somewhat of a love affair with several Jimmy Choo bags, from brand classics to newer favourites like the Jimmy Choo Cinch. In terms of styles under £1000, the iconic Jimmy Choo Bon Bon bag is a great pick, it’s mini and is great for completing party looks. For something more practical that you can use everyday, the Nine2Five East-West tote gets my vote. 

I’ve recently written about my love for Stella McCartney bags in my review of the enduringly popular Falabella design. It’s made from a leather alternative so it makes sense why it has a more affordable price tag than competitor styles touting a similar level of prestige. The small and mini versions typically come in at around the £900 mark and the quality is truly incredible. If you want to switch things up or need something a little bigger, the Stella McCartney Logo tote makes a cool choice. 

There’s always vintage gems to be found on the luxury resale market, but it can take some time to unearth the particular kind of diamond you’re looking for. Just because vintage designer bags are pre-loved, they’re not immune to the crazy price increases that have become pretty common within the luxury industry. In terms of finding the best deals, I always recommend true classics over trending styles. Canvas bags from Louis Vuitton and Prada are great options. And who doesn’t love an ultra-rare discovery? This Gucci bag made from velvet and lizard-embossed calfskin is super unique. 

Can you pick a favourite designer bag under £1000?