Prada, Gucci, Valentino, Dior, and more! If these labels make your heart flutter and you want to splurge on something special for yourself, buying a designer bag is a great choice. Investing in a luxury bag is a fun way to treat yourself, whether you’re looking for a reward for a major accomplishment or something “just because!”
With so many stunning options out there from coveted brands, the only tricky part is narrowing down which bag you want to buy. We chatted with Krystina Smith of the luxury resale boutique Mine and Yours for a Q&A on her insider advice on treating yourself to a designer handbag.
What Should You Look for When Buying a Designer Bag?
Choosing a luxury bag to buy can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t need to be! Whether you’re a handbag aficionado or a first-time buyer just dipping your toe into designer accessories, there’s something for everyone. Let’s dig into how to approach your purchase.
Style Nine to Five: Where should someone begin when they’re looking for a designer bag, and what factors should they keep in mind while browsing their options?
Krystina: There are plenty of factors to consider when searching for your first designer bag! I always start by asking, ‘Does this bag fit my personal style?’ If you’re after something for daily use and durability, a super mini bag might not be the best choice!
Versatility is also crucial—can you imagine yourself wearing it for multiple occasions and different outfits? I also consider durability for a first bag; you want something that ages well with wear. A perfect example is Louis Vuitton, whose bags often develop a beautiful patina over time. I actually prefer an aged Louis Vuitton bag over new!
Last but not least, you need to be excited to buy it! Did you get little butterflies when you saw the bag for the first time? That’s always a great sign it’s meant to be!
Which Designer Bags Make the Best Investments?
Some people buy bags based on fashion math, considering their long-term value, future resale options, and which pieces make the best collector’s items, while others simply follow their hearts. The good news is that there’s no wrong way to treat yourself to a luxury bag! Here’s what we learned about crunching the numbers on designer handbags.
Style Nine to Five: Are there certain bags that are a better investment than others? And should we shop for a designer bag with long-term value in mind or pick a piece that we’re drawn to?
Krystina: When it comes to long-term bag investments, you can’t go wrong with the classics. I like to call them the holy bag trinity: Hermès Birkin, Chanel Classic Flap, and Hermès Kelly. Birkin, for instance, has had an average annual price increase of 14% over the last decade, outpacing traditional stock market returns!
The Chanel Classic Flap sees price increases multiple times a year, while the Hermès Kelly can resell for up to three times its original retail price. The quickest way to get your hands on these bags is to buy them secondhand. The resale market lets you skip the long retail waitlist Hermes is known for!
That said, I also truly believe the best investment bags are the ones you actually wear! Great style is all about investing in pieces you love and wear often. So if there’s a bag you’ve been dreaming of, and you find yourself reaching for it multiple times a week, that’s the ultimate investment!
My favourite way to shop for a designer bag is definitely through resale! It lets me explore a variety of brands and styles all in one place, often at a better price point for more coveted pieces.
Which Designer Bag is Right for You?
The smartest high-end handbag purchase is buying a piece that you love to wear. Krystina shares her easy criteria for picking a bag that fits seamlessly into your wardrobe and lifestyle.
Style Nine to Five: Choices, choices! How do we narrow down our options to choose a bag that’s a personal match made in fashion heaven?
Krystina: The best way to pick a bag for your personal style is to picture it with what you already own! My rule of thumb: if you can pair it with at least five outfits easily in your closet, it’s a winner.
You want a bag that slides effortlessly into your life—one that’s easy to style but still elevates your wardrobe. Don’t forget to think about how you’ll actually use it: is it your daily go-to or a statement bag, and which one is more important to your lifestyle right now? Both have a spot in your wardrobe, but being clear on the vibe you’re going for is essential to finding a bag for your personal style!
Designer Handbag Picks for Your Style Personality
Your style is yours and yours alone, so you’ll want to buy a designer bag that lets your fashion personality shine. We’ve rounded up some tips for finding a bag you love based on your personal style and handbag needs.
For the Fashion Girlie
Are you the one that all your friends call on when they need to know what to wear? Do you live for fashion month? If you’re a fashion lover through and through, you’ll need a designer bag that can strut down the catwalk of life with you. Turn to buzz-worthy brands like Jacquemus, Loewe, JW Anderson, or Miu Miu and keep an eye out for the hottest shades (think chocolate brown or burgundy for FW 2024, or get ahead of the game and snag a butter yellow bag to fit right in for SS 2025) and silhouettes.
For the Career Gal
Working women on the go need a boss-worthy bag that can keep up with a busy lifestyle. Look for a roomy tote that can fit your laptop and daily essentials, and choose a classic hue like black or camel that pairs well with any of your office attire. Brands like Bottega Veneta, Celine, Longchamp, and Louis Vuitton are known for totes with serious style.
For the Minimalist
If logos, embellishments, and extras just aren’t your thing, opt for a handbag with a quiet luxury sensibility. A sleek silhouette that’s free from exaggerated texture and hardware is your best bet, and you’ll find stunning options from brands like The Row, Khaite, and Toteme.
For the Maximalist
Style icon Iris Apfel famously said, “More is more, and less is a bore.” If you live by those words, a fun, trendy, over-the-top designer bag is just right for you. Choose a bold, playful hue like bubblegum or electric green, and look for tons of texture, including fur, sequins, or embellished straw. Brands like Moschino, Staud, Fendi, and Alaia are winning picks, and don’t restrict your choices to daytime bags only—a clutch or micro bag for a night out might be just what you need to add even more dazzle to your extra style.
The Bottom Line
All that’s left to do now is start shopping! Whether you’re just starting your search or already have your sights set on your dream bag, splurging on a luxury accessory is an exciting adventure. A special thanks to Mine and Yours for sharing their expert advice. Happy shopping!
Jeanine Gordon is a freelance content marketer passionate about creating stellar strategies for global brands and small businesses alike, specializing in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle.