10 Best Designer Bags under $1,000

It can be such a challenge to find designer bags for an affordable price these days, and I think it’s safe to say that the recent wave of luxury brand price hikes are to blame for this. But with that said, it’s still totally possible to grab yourself a designer bag that doesn’t cost you an arm and a leg – you just need to know what the best ones are and where to find them. If you don’t want to spend a fortune or scour the internet high and low for an affordable designer bag though, don’t worry, I’ve done the work for you! Keep reading for 10 best designer bags under $1000.

1. Tory Burch Ella Nylon Tote ($248)

Who doesn’t love a good tote – they’re comfortable, lightweight, and have space for all your belongings without weighing you down. The Tory Burch Ella Tote is always a popular choice, and they’ve recently released a new version which is a take on the classic tote but made with high-quality nylon, which is durable, strong and easy to clean. This tote is perfect for either everyday wear or as a work bag, and includes a handy laptop pocket with ample space for much more. It comes in many colors to suit your style, including black, navy and green. If you have a smaller budget, you can pick this stylish and durable tote up for the super affordable price of $248.

2. Ateliers Auguste Monceau Crossbody (from $367)

The Ateliers Auguste Monceau Crossbody is a beautiful, classic bag for everyday wear and more. It’s timeless, elegant box design makes it a great alternative for the Celine Box Bag, which is now being discontinued (click here for my full review of the bag). The bag features a compact silhouette making it easy to carry while still providing space for all your belongings. Prices start at $367 for the mini size, but I absolutely love the slightly more expensive sleek, stylish Monceau Crossbody Gold Edition in black for $525. Crafted from premium Italian calf leather, it includes the signature clasp covered in three microns of gold, bringing you that real touch of luxury for well under $1,000.

3. Marc Jacobs The Leather Medium Tote Bag ($450)

This Marc Jacobs tote is a real IT-bag of the season right now. It’s super popular on Instagram and is without a doubt one of the most sought-after affordable designer bags around. The Marc Jacobs Medium Leather Tote Bag is recognizable for the words ‘The Tote Bag’ embossed across it above the brand name. You could say that functionality is in style, because while this bag may not be the most elegant on the list, it’s certainly both versatile and practical. Wear it crossbody with the removable strap, fit your laptop easily and safely with its sturdy design and handy zip closure, and don’t forget your water bottle!

4. Longchamp Small Box Trot Crossbody ($590)

Longchamp is known for their Le Pliage tote, but I really like this new style. The Longchamp Small Box Trot Crossbody is perfect for the modern woman as it was designed to celebrate the ‘independent, dynamic and bold’. It’s a simple yet stylish rework of the flap cross-body bag, with an extra stylish touch with clean lines and a compact style. It’s small enough to not weigh you down but roomy enough to fit your everyday essentials. Made from smooth calfskin leather with pale gold metallic hardware and a split velvet cowhide lining, it takes its name from its box silhouette and features the brands logo with a rider on a medallion. The main compartment features a zip closure to keep your belongings secure, as well as inside and exterior zip pockets to keep everything organized.

5. Mansur Gavriel Mini Leather Bucket Bag ($595)

A truly iconic bag from Mansur Gavriel and a staple in many fashionista wardrobes, the Mini Leather Bucket Bag is super adorable. A smaller version of the brand’s original Bucket Bag, this one comes in at 15cm by 20cm with a depth of 10cm. The Mansur Gavriel Mini Leather Bucket bag is made from Italian leather with an adjustable shoulder and crossbody strap. Designs come in a variety of either raw or beautiful glossed colored internal linings. It’s got a gorgeous, smooth, sleek and classic style with an open, pocketless interior, and features the brand name in gold lettering as well as gold-studded hardware on the strap. I really love the fact you can tie off the drawstring closure into a cute bow.

6. Salvatore Ferragamo Gancini Mini Leather Tote ($830)

Are you looking for a designer bag under $1,000 that exudes sophistication and class? Well, the Salvatore Ferragamo Gancini Mini Leather Tote does just that. This bag arrives in luxurious, soft grained calf leather and features gold-toned hardware with a mini Gancini buckle and the iconic Gancini logo. It also comes in several different colors and has a removable, adjustable cross-body strap and includes an internal slip pocket. Don’t be deceived by the petite size of this tote though, it fits a surprising amount of stuff, including a wallet, sunglasses and a smartphone. This gorgeous bag will instantly take your style to the next level. 

7. Chloé Mini Woody Tote ($850)

Instagram lovers will know that The Chloé Mini Woody Tote is another popular favorite right now and is without a doubt one of the best designer bags under $1000. This mini tote is a compact version of the regular tote and has a top handle and a strap for shoulder or crossbody wear. Made from hardwearing cotton-canvas detailed with smooth calfskin strips and the Chloé logo ribbon, the Chloé Mini Woody Tote has a practical, modern design. I really like how it’s sturdy so it keeps its shape, and the neutral colors make it the perfect addition to your Spring and Summer outfits.

8. Stella McCartney Small Canvas Camera Bag ($950)

Looking for a designer bag under $1,000 that doesn’t compromise on luxury but is suitable for vegans? Well, British-born Stella McCartney’s designer bags are perfect for you. Instead of using leather, skins, feathers or fur in any of her designs, her bags are made from a blend of synthetic and organic fibers with vegetable coatings. The Stella McCartney Small Canvas Camera Bag is made from embellished vegetarian leather-trimmed cotton-canvas. Complete with a thick canvas strap, and a casual, boxy silhouette, this bag can be worn over the shoulder or cross-body with your everyday wardrobe.

9. Gucci Dionysus GG Supreme Super Mini Bag ($990)

The Gucci Dionysus is an iconic, timeless classic and the GG Supreme Super Mini Bag is a great choice in this range, especially if you’re a minimalist looking for an affordable designer bag. The Gucci Dionysus GG Supreme Super Mini bag features a chain shoulder strap that can be worn over the shoulder or crossbody, and includes a keyring that can attach it to another larger bag. It gets its name from the tiger head spur closure which references the Greek God Dionysus. Made from GG Supreme canvas, it can fit a smartphone, your cards and some small cosmetics – all the essentials for a night out. This mini bag may be small, but it certainly packs a fashionable punch with its bold design and signature Gucci branding.

10. Jimmy Choo Nine2Five Tote ($995)

You just can’t go wrong with a tote, so to wrap up I bring you another fabulous option – the Jimmy Choo Nine2Five Tote. Jimmy Choo named this tote after Dolly Parton and her famous hit ‘9 to 5’. The Jimmy Choo Nine2Five tote is a great carry-all for everyday wear or work, and perfect if you’re always on the go and need more than just the basics. The tote features two main compartments, spacious enough to hold a laptop, notebooks and plenty of other items. The bag interior is lined with suede and has a handy zip pocket for organization, as well as a dual top handle with detachable branded tab, and an open top with snap closure and gold-toned hardware. A perfect bag for the modern woman who values style and functionality with timeless elegance.

Would you add any of these bags to your collection? Let me know in the comments below!