6 Affordable Purse Brands That Straight Up Look Like Luxury

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(Image credit: @aimeesong)

As much as I wish I could get my hands on every new designer bag (I'm talking about you, Prada Cleo), it most certainly isn't in my budget right now. But just because I can't spend too much doesn't mean I can't add an A+ bag to my collection. There are a variety of bags in all price ranges, and if you're looking for luxe bags at a more affordable price point, then you've come to the right place. These brands are better than your average fast-fashion selects but still less than some contemporary brands on the market.

Below, you'll find six handbag brands that Who What Wear editors love and are constantly featuring in our stories. The best part? The options below are all mostly under $250, which you won't believe when you see how good they look.

1. JW Pei

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(Image credit: @laurenegg)

I own a few of JW Pei's bags, and people never believe me when I tell them how much they were. They design fashion-forward bags that are perfect for the girl who likes to change it up often when it comes to accessories.

2. Mango

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(Image credit: @aniyahmorinia)

We already know Mango is the best location for trend-forward items and luxe-looking basics, but their handbag selection is worth looking at. Editor-approved and under $150. What more could you want?

3. House of Want

When my fellow editors told me about this brand on Shopbop, I thought it was too good to be true. Turns out it is, and the brand's bags are elevated pieces that you can constantly turn to in your outfit rotation.

4. Ganni

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(Image credit: @ganni)

When Ganni started to release handbags, I had high expectations considering its clothing falls into the category of my top favorites. Ganni exceeded the expectations, putting out bags that blow me away when it comes to silhouette, colorways, and design.

5. Charles & Keith

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(Image credit: @aimeesong)

Back when I was in college and used to read Who What Wear on the daily, I discovered Charles & Keith. This brand is perfect for those with a minimal aesthetic as their designs include unique but simple elements that draw attention like gold accents and asymmetrical shapes. 

6. Anthropologie

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(Image credit: @cleobella)

I used always keep Anthropologie hand in hand with the bohemian aesthetic, but their latest selection of bags says otherwise. While you'll still find bags within that look, you'll also find a great collection of timeless and trend-forward bags to peruse from.

Next, I Have a $150 Nordstrom Gift Card—These Are the Best Items to Buy

Associate Fashion Editor
Yusra Siddiqui is an editor who resides in New Jersey but bounces between the suburbs and NYC. (She's a Jersey girl at heart.) After interning at Who What Wear in 2019, she found her way to the team after graduating from LIM College in 2022 with a fashion media degree. She's also spent time writing and working for publications such as Fashionista, Coveteur, and Nylon, but she always knew that Who What Wear was where she was meant to be. When she's on the job, she's perusing runway shows, analyzing the latest thing fellow Gen Zers are up to on the internet, and sharing what she can about the modest-fashion market. You can also catch her dabbling in entertainment, talking about the costume choices of the latest Netflix series or diving deeper into how the plotline affects the viewers in a myriad of ways. Lastly, she likes to create content for Who What Wear's TikTok. Her personal time is spent doing similar but also different things—deep diving into almost every new TV show (Bridgerton, Gilmore Girls, and Stranger Things are favorites), planning her next local getaway (whenever that may be), and reading the latest Emily Henry or Sally Rooney novel in one sitting.