Splurging on a designer bag is a big deal. It’s a bit of a high stakes purchase given how much you’re likely going to spend with most designer bags hovering around four figures. Also, as you’re paying quite a bit of money you want your purchase to go the distance and not be a one season wonder. The upside of investing in a designer bag is that generally the materials and craftsmanship involved mean they’re built to last, so if you choose wisely you really will have a bag that you’ll be carrying around for years to come.
So, what should you look for when it comes to a designer bag that’s built for longevity?
Think about how you use your bag
If you have an endless bag budget then have fun and try out a bunch of different styles. Most of us however, will think long and hard about how much money we want to spend and what we want to buy, so my approach is generally to go for a bag that is going to suit your lifestyle. Do you tend to use your bags to carry around a lot of stuff? Then it’s likely a teeny tiny bag isn’t really going to get much use in your world and you might be better suited to a tote. If you like to go unencumbered then a crossbody bag that leaves you handsfree is going to be better for you than a top handle bag that requires you to carry it around. Make your bag work for you.
Keep it simple
Generally the more out there the design, the less likely you’re going to be able to use your bag for years to come (unless you decided to archive it and wait for it to come back in style again). So the best approach is to pick something quite pared back, with a minimalist style to ensure that your investment will work for many seasons. This applies to embellishments, hardware and colours — go as simple as possible and you’ll likely end up with a style of bag that won’t date.
Consider colour
As I mentioned above, colour is really important. Hues like black, tan, grey and beige are the kind of colours that you’ll be able to wear for different occasions. They will also work well with most things in your wardrobe compared to brighter colours which takes a little more consideration when it comes to what you’re able to pair them with.
If you’re currently on the hunt for a designer bag to splurge on, here are a few that are worth considering…
The Row N/S Park Textured-Leather Tote
The Row has become synonymous with quiet luxury with their sleek, understated designs, which makes them the perfect investment piece. This tote for example has a simple silhouette that makes it a classic piece that will last for years to come. It also has the right amount of slouchy giving it an effortless vibe that makes it the ideal everyday tote. There’s also very minimal branding which makes it an ‘if you know you know’ type bag.
Bottega Veneta Mini Wallace Leather Tote
The intreccatio weave that is synonymous with Bottega Veneta makes this identifiable as designer, without having to go over the top with logos. The shape is quite versatile so it could be worn dressed up or down and the simple handle adds an elegant touch. This comes in black and brown — two hues with definite longevity.
Loewe Puzzle Bag
The Loewe Puzzle bag is actually being discontinued so get it while it’s still here! The panelled design adds just the right amount of interest but the overall shape, plus the fact you can wear it on your shoulder or using the handle, is quite simple making it easily wearable for many different occasions.
Saint Laurent Manhattan Leather Shoulder Bag
I like the fact this bag is almost unidentifiable as Saint Laurent, and it’s more about the classic design. It’s ultra elegant and refined, with the structured shape and the simple hardware. A definite must.
Prada Leather Shoulder Bag
You can always rely on Prada to do a bag design that’s meant to go the distance. While the brand definitely has its own bold designs this has an ultra classic feel to it that gives it longevity. You could wear this design in years to come and it would still look very current.
Gucci Jackie 1961 Small GG Supreme Leather Shoulder Bag
It’s important to be quite considered when it comes to a bag involving anything with a monogram. There’s a fine line between timeless and being too trendy. With a heritage brand like Gucci, their monogram is tasteful and elegant and has been around for years giving it a very classic, almost vintage feel. I have this bag in the mini version and love how versatile it is. This size would be quite practical as it fits most of your day-to-day essentials, but it has a very high fashion feel.
Saint Laurent Shopping E/W Leather Tote Bag
A good roomy tote is always a worthy addition to any wardrobe and this style by Saint Laurent is quite spacious so it fits quite a bit but doesn’t look clunky or cumbersome. It also comes in a variety of classic colours which makes it a design worth considering if you want a carryall that has a refined, timeless feel.
