Chanel Handbags Worth Buying in 2021
In the context of the huge price hikes that Chanel handbags saw over the last year, many Chanel lovers are moving away from shopping in boutiques to shopping pre-loved. Does it even make sense to purchase the Classic Flap new in 2021? With a current price tag of $7,400, the Chanel Jumbo compares to the price of the Hermes Mini Kelly. Which bag would you rather go for?
Truth to be told, out of all Chanel handbags impacted by the recent price hikes, the Classic Flap was impacted the most. While I wouldn’t necessarily consider buying the Classic Flap directly from the boutique anymore, I would still buy other styles that remained somewhat reasonably priced even after the price hikes. Without any further ado, here are the 5 Chanel handbags that I’d consider purchasing even at the current prices.
1. Chanel Rectangular Mini
A Chanel Mini is never to go out of style. This is why I believe that this bag is worth buying even at its current price point. Particularly, the Chanel Rectangular Mini is like a scaled-down version of the Chanel Classic Flap and not only is this bag super adorable, but it’s also really practical.
At first glance, it may seem that you won’t be able to carry that much in the Chanel Rectangular Mini. However, don’t let the size of this bag deceive you. Despite its petite proportions, the Chanel Rectangular Mini effortlessly fits in such essentials like a phone, keys, a wallet and some make-up, which makes it an excellent bag for both everyday wear and formal events.
If you like the look of the Classic Flap, but aren’t willing to pay the extortionate price tag, the Chanel Rectangular Mini is the way to go. At $3,800 retail, even after all the recent price hikes, the Rectangular Mini remains considerably more affordable than the Small Classic Flap, which at the time of writing this blog post (April 2021) retails for $6,200.
2. Chanel Coco Handle
Another Chanel bag that I believe is worth buying even at its current price point is the Chanel Coco Handle. Strikingly similar to the Chanel Classic Flap, the Chanel Coco Handle is pretty much like the Classic Flap, but with an addition of a top handle.
First introduced in Chanel’s Pre-Fall/Winter 2015 collection, the Coco Handle features all the Chanel style codes we know and love: the diamond quilting, the interlocking CC logo with a twist clasp, the flap closure and of course, the chain strap.
If you like the Chanel Classic Flap, but would prefer to have the hand held option, the Coco Handle is the bag for you. Another reason to love the Chanel Coco Handle is it’s price tag. The Chanel Coco Handle is still considerably cheaper than the Classic Flap, even after the recent price hikes. The Chanel Coco Handle Bags currently range in price from $3,900 to $4,300, while the Classic Flap is anywhere from $6,200 to $8,000.
3. Chanel Gabrielle Hobo
One Chanel Bag that is currently in my wishlist is the Gabrielle. Particularly, the Gabrielle Hobo in the small size. Surprisingly enough, the Chanel Gabrielle line hasn’t been impacted too much by the recent Chanel price hikes. Sure enough, bags from the line still went up in price for several hundreds of dollars, but the increases here were way more reasonable if compared to the price hikes on the same Chanel Classic Flap.
Ever since the Chanel Gabrielle Hobo was first released in 2017, I immediately became a fan. The bag takes inspiration from virtual reality glasses and the binocular cases. While featuring all the classic Chanel style codes, the Chanel Gabrielle Hobo gives away a very cool and laid-back vibe.
If you are looking for a casual alternative to the Chanel Classic Flap, the Chanel Gabrielle Hobo is the bag to go for. The bag comes with an adjustable strap which lets you wear it many different ways, while the top zip closure provides easy access to your belongings at all times.
4. Chanel 2.55 Reissue
If you are a fan of the classic Chanel, the 2.55 Reissue bag is a must-have in your collection. The true timeless classic, the Chanel 2.55 was debuted by Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel over 60 years ago. It was in 2005, when Karl Lagerfeld brought back the 2.55 and this time, it isn’t going anywhere.
Through Reissue and the Classic Flap are very similar in design, one particular detail will make you instantly differentiate one from another. It is the Mademoiselle Lock. The Chanel 2.55 Reissue comes with the original Mademoiselle Lock, designed by Coco Chanel herself. In fact, the Mademoiselle Lock was the standard for Chanel bags before the CC logo was introduced in 1980’s.
Even at the current price tag, the Reissue makes a worthy investment. The bag is almost always included in the yearly Chanel price increases, which means that it will only continue going up in value.
5. Chanel 19
Wrapping up the list of the Chanel bags that are worth buying even at the current prices with the latest addition to Chanel’s classic range – the 19 Bag. With the release of the Chanel 19 bag, Chanel has proven yet again that even a new design can turn into a classic. The 19 has been around for just 2 years, but it’s already nearly as coveted as Chanel’s Classic Flap and the 2.55 Re-issue.
Just like the 2.55, the Chanel 19 was named after the year it was released. However, the similarities don’t end here. Just like the 2.55 and the Classic Flap, The Chanel 19 is a flap bag. In fact, many Chanel lovers call the 19 the relaxed version of the Classic Flap!
If you don’t like the overly classic appeal of the Chanel Classic Flap, the Chanel 19 is a bag for you. Featuring puffy leather exterior with an enlarged CC logo and contrasting hardware in both gold and ruthenium finishes, the Chanel 19 is the new age classic from the House of Chanel.
*Disclaimer: prices in this blog post are listed for information purposes only. Actual prices in boutiques may vary.
