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Womens/Accessories/Bags & Wallets/Shoulder & Crossbody Bags

Top 10 Designer Handbags Under $500

Looking For An Entry-Level Designer Bag? Here Are The Most Loved Styles Under $500

Image credits: mansurgavriel

If you’re in the market for a new designer handbag, let us let you in on a little secret: you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars in order to find one you’ll love and want to carry every day. In fact, we’re confident that there’s an affordable designer purse out there for you, because we’ve done our research and found 10 stunning options, each with a price tag under $500.

Now that’s not to say that’s an insignificant amount of money, but when you think about the years (sometimes decades) of use you can get out of a quality handbag, it’s suddenly not so unreasonable to shell out for one you’ve fallen in love with. And with options from brands like Coach and Staud that range from trendy to timeless, we have a feeling there are some promising prospects listed ahead.

How We Found The Best Affordable Designer Handbags

There’s nothing worse than buyer's remorse, and that’s especially true when it comes at a significant cost. In order to help you avoid that experience, we enlisted the help of our data-powered ranking algorithm. Unique to Rank & Style, this tool factors in information such as reviews, best-seller lists, and social buzz in order to determine which products deserve to be called the crème de la crème. So without further adieu, we’d like to introduce you to this season’s 10 best entry-level designer bags.

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September 18, 2023

Written By:Sierra Rogers

Product Expert:Georgia Jones

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Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.

The Rankings


10
Image credits: neimanmarcus
Rank & Style Approved

neimanmarcus

Marc Jacobs The J Marc Mini Bag

Overall Score

4.5

10

Marc Jacobs The J Marc Mini Bag

4.4

5 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

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Best Under-$500 Mini Designer Bag

LOVEABLE DETAILS
Simple and chic, the J Marc Mini Bag is proof that you don't need to rock a large, vibrant colored bag to make a statement. The gold magnetic closure, stylish straps, and high-quality leather construction make an impact that will level up your outfit every time.

MUST-KNOW INFO
The J Marc Mini Bag comes with a detachable gold chain and grosgrain logo strap, which makes it super easy to switch up your look in seconds. 

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Kurt Geiger Mini Kensington Leather Crossbody

Overall Score

4.55

09

Kurt Geiger Mini Kensington Leather Crossbody

4.8

38 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Under-$500 Crossbody Designer Handbag

LOVEABLE DETAILS
With quilted leather detailing and the iconic Kensington eagle charm embellishment on the front, Kurt Geiger's Mini Kensington Leather Crossbody bag has eye-catching details that are hard to miss but so easy to love. 

MUST-KNOW INFO
At $215, this bag is the most affordable designer handbag on this list. Plus, it comes in three shades: Black, Camel, and Red. 

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Tory Burch Small Fleming Quilted Convertible Shoulder Bag

Overall Score

4.55

08

Tory Burch Small Fleming Quilted Convertible Shoulder Bag

4.8

234 User Reviews

2.7

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Under-$500 Convertible Designer Handbag

LOVEABLE DETAILS
The Tory Burch Small Fleming Convertible Shoulder Bag is loved for its bold yet refined details. The embossed Double T, diamond quilting, and soft leather construction bag lends itself as a stylish, everyday accessory or a statement bag.

MUST-KNOW INFO
The Tory Burch Convertible Shoulder Bag comes in four shades: Cloud Blue, New Cream, Dessert Dune, and Black. 

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Senreve Aria Belt Bag

Overall Score

4.6

07

Senreve Aria Belt Bag

4.87

200 User Reviews

2.6

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Under-$500 Designer Belt Bag

LOVABLE DETAILS
Attitude: that’s what this bag is giving. With a pebbled calfskin leather exterior, gold hardware, and a buckle closure, this handbag is equal parts classic and grungy. But it’s also designed to be used, with an interior micro-suede lining and multiple pockets to securely store your things in.

MUST-KNOW INFORMATION
The removable strap on this bag adds to its versatility. You can wear it as a belt bag or crossbody purse, or you can sling it over one shoulder for an extra casual carry.

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Coach Tabby 26 Leather Shoulder Bag

Overall Score

4.6

06

Coach Tabby 26 Leather Shoulder Bag

4.6

100 User Reviews

2.5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Under-$500 Designer Shoulder Handbag

LOVEABLE DETAILS
You'd be mistaken if you thought Coach's only It-bag was the Pillow Tabby. The Tabby 26 is a modern take on the archival 1970s Coach design, and oozes It-Bag potential thanks to its signature hardware and sleek pebbled leather design. 

MUST-KNOW INFO
The Tabby 26 features two straps to carry by hand, style as a short shoulder bag, or wear as a crossbody.

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Staud Shirley Mini Leather Tote Bag

Overall Score

4.6

05

Staud Shirley Mini Leather Tote Bag

4.8

4 User Reviews

2.1

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Under-$500 Designer Tote Bag

LOVABLE DETAILS
Attitude: that’s what this bag is giving. With a pebbled calfskin leather exterior, gold hardware, and a buckle closure, this handbag is equal parts classic and grungy. But it’s also designed to be used, with an interior micro-suede lining and multiple pockets to store your things in securely.

MUST-KNOW INFORMATION
The removable strap on this bag adds to its versatility. You can wear it as a belt bag or crossbody purse, or you can sling it over one shoulder for an extra casual carry.

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Mansur Gavriel Mini Mini Leather Bucket Bag

Overall Score

4.7

04

Mansur Gavriel Mini Mini Leather Bucket Bag

4.7

43 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Under-$500 Designer Bucket Bag

LOVABLE DETAILS
Bucket bags make for great entry-level designer purses because of their accessible shape and (typically) adjustable straps. And this Mini Mini Leather Bucket Bag from Mansur Gavriel is made to hold just the essentials, which makes it ideal for daily use. 

MUST-KNOW INFORMATION
According to Nordstrom, the vegetable-tanned Italian leather this purse is made from will develop a patina over time. Who doesn’t love a designer bag that ages gracefully?

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Mansur Gavriel Mini Soft Lady Bag

Overall Score

4.7

03

Mansur Gavriel Mini Soft Lady Bag

4.7

65 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Under-$500 Designer Backpack

LOVEABLE DETAILS
Mansur Gavriel has delivered yet another great mini bag option with just enough room to hold your daily essentials. The Mini Soft Lady Bag is the compact version of the iconic Lady Bag with the same minamalist sophistication and Italian craftsmanship we've grown to love from the Italian luxury brand.

MUST-KNOW INFORMATION
The bag is crafted from a soft calf leather and has an adjustable and removable shoulder strap.  

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Clare V Moyen Messenger Bag

Overall Score

4.75

02

Clare V Moyen Messenger Bag

0

0 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Under-$500 Designer Messenger Bag

LOVABLE DETAILS
Not to knock the size of the other handbags on the list so far, but it's a breath of fresh air to see a purse with a little extra room—especially considering the affordable price this designer handbag is available for. It features a woven cowhide body, gold hardware, and a slouchy silhouette.

MUST-KNOW INFORMATION
The Moyen Messenger comes with multiple straps, so you have the option of carrying it as a crossbody or shoulder bag.

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Staud Tommy Beaded Bag

Overall Score

4.8

01

Staud Tommy Beaded Bag

4.4

10 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Under-$500 Designer Handbag Overall

LOVABLE DETAILS
Intricately beaded, Staud’s Tommy Bag takes a simple silhouette and freshens it up with endless detail and color. There’s no doubt in our mind that you’re sure to collect compliments by the dozens with the Tommy Beaded Bag on your arm, and with seven different versions to choose from, you can pick the style that best speaks to your preferred form of self expression.

MUST-KNOW INFORMATION
This designer handbag offers everything you could want or need from a purse at an affordable price: an interior zip pocket, leather trim, and a fold-over flap with a convenient magnetic closure.

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