Whether you’re after a bag for work, everyday use, or an evening out, a designer bag is definitely an investment and needs to be something you’ll use for many years to come. If you’ve been thinking about what bag is next to add to your collection, or you’re in the market for your first designer bag, look no further – I’ve rounded up the best designer bags to invest in in this post.
High-end bags from iconic brands like Chanel, Hermès, Dior, and Gucci are crafted with exceptional materials and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring durability and timeless appeal. These bags often appreciate in value over time, especially classic styles that remain perennially in demand, making them the best designer investment bags.
If you’re wanting to know more about some of these bags, I’ve also done a few reviews over on my Instagram. I also have a few What’s In My Bag videos so you can see exactly what fits inside them!
From work totes to cross body bags, below are some of the best 2024 designer bags that are worth the investment.
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Best Designer Bags 2024
Chanel Classic Flap bag
You really can’t go wrong investing in a classic Chanel Classic Flap bag in a neutral colour. Chanel bags are great investment pieces to add to your designer bag collection as their prices on classic styles should only go up. I have a dedicated post on the best Chanel bags to invest in 2024.
The Chanel Classic Flap Bag is one of the best designer bags to invest in due to its timeless elegance, impeccable craftsmanship, and enduring value. Introduced by Coco Chanel in the 1950s and later reimagined by Karl Lagerfeld, this iconic bag features the signature quilted leather, interlocking CC logo, and versatile chain strap, making it a versatile and stylish accessory that complements any outfit.
Its high-quality materials and meticulous construction ensure longevity, while its perennial popularity and limited availability contribute to its steady appreciation in value over time. Investing in a Chanel Classic Flap Bag is not just a fashion statement but also a wise financial decision, as it remains a coveted piece in the luxury market, often increasing in worth with each passing year.
Read the full Chanel Classic Flap bag review here (which includes details on all the sizes and prices).
Chanel bags can definitely be expensive so look out for some pre owned styles that are in a good condition. I’ve linked some below!
HERMES BIRKIN
One of the most timeless bags and a true investment piece is the Hermes Birkin. They are expensive and hard to buy if you’re buying one new, but f you can get your hands on one, they usually go up in value over time.
Each Birkin bag is meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans in France, ensuring that every detail, from the stitching to the selection of the leather, meets the highest standards of quality. This dedication to craftsmanship not only makes the Birkin incredibly durable but also adds to its allure and prestige. The bag’s classic design, with its elegant lines and iconic silhouette, makes it both timeless and functional.
One of the key factors contributing to the Birkin’s status as a top investment piece is its exclusivity. Hermès strictly controls the supply of Birkins, making them notoriously difficult to acquire. This scarcity, combined with high demand, has created a thriving secondary market where Birkins often sell for prices significantly higher than their retail cost. Furthermore, certain limited editions and rare materials can appreciate dramatically over time, turning a Birkin into not just a fashion statement but a valuable asset. The Birkin’s enduring popularity and the brand’s strategic control over its availability ensure that it remains a coveted item, making it one of the best designer investment bags.
Acquiring a Hermès Birkin requires patience, strategy, and sometimes a bit of luck. The most traditional way to buy a Birkin is directly from an Hermès boutique, but this is easier said than done. Prospective buyers are often placed on a waitlist, and the process can take months or even years. Building a relationship with an Hermès sales associate by purchasing other items from the brand can improve your chances of being offered a Birkin.
Alternatively, the secondary market offers another route, with numerous reputable luxury resale websites and auction houses specializing in Hermès bags. While this option often comes with a premium price, it provides immediate access to the bag. Regardless of the method, ensuring authenticity through thorough research and buying from trusted sources is crucial when investing in a Birkin.
Chanel Wallet on Chain (WOC)
The Chanel Wallet on Chain (WOC) is one of the best designer bags to invest in due to its timeless style and versatile functionality. Its compact size makes it one of the Best Designer Crossbody Bags to Invest In. It’s a bag that goes with anything, and seamlessly transitions from day to night, making it perfect for a variety of occasions.
Crafted with Chanel’s renowned attention to detail, the WOC features the iconic quilted leather, CC logo, and chain strap, embodying the brand’s classic aesthetic. Its practical design includes multiple card slots, a zipped compartment, and enough space for essentials, ensuring both fashion and function. Chanel bags historically hold their value well and often appreciate over time, making the WOC not only a chic accessory but also a savvy investment.
The Chanel WOC is one of the lower prices pieces from the brand, so it’s a great choice if you’re buying your first Chanel bag. I’ve linked some of the best preloved Chanel WOC bags below.
Read the full Chanel WOC bag review here (which includes details on all the sizes and prices).
Dior Lady Dior bag
The Dior Lady Dior bag is one of the best designer investment bags due to its timeless elegance, iconic design, and exceptional craftsmanship. Introduced in 1995 and famously carried by Princess Diana, the Lady Dior quickly became a symbol of sophistication and style. Its distinctive cannage quilting, structured silhouette, and dangling letter charms are instantly recognizable and have remained consistently fashionable through the years.
SAINT LAURENT CHAIN WALLET
It’s hard to go wrong with a classic Saint Laurent bag! The YSL WOC is one of the Best Designer Bags Under $2,000 to Invest In. It comes with a detachable chain so you can wear it as a clutch for the evening or a crossbody bag for running errands during the day. Read the full Saint Laurent WOC review here (which includes details on all the sizes and prices).
The leather is very durable and can easily be wiped clean if it does get dirty. I’ve had mine for years and it still looks almost as good as new. It’s a designer bag that will last you for a long time so it’s definitely on my list of the best designer handbags to invest in 2024! I have an Instagram reels video on what fits inside the YSL Chain Wallet if you’re wanting to know what it fits.
I also love the Saint Laurent Kate Bag – it’s another really classic and durable style. If you don’t think you’ll want the option of using a bag as a clutch definitely check out this style as well – more on this one below! The two bags are quite similar in terms of what they can fit inside and the overall look so I would suggest just getting one.
Gucci Dionysus Bag
The Dionysus is a style from Gucci I still really love! Introduced by creative director Alessandro Michele, the Dionysus features a striking double tiger head closure, inspired by the Greek god Dionysus, symbolizing power and mythic allure. The bag’s blend of classic Gucci motifs, such as the GG Supreme canvas, with modern elements like embroidery and embellishments, creates a unique aesthetic. Its versatility, available in various sizes and materials, allows it to transition effortlessly from day to night.
If you’re into the slightly edgy hardware definitely check this bag out. The Dionysus comes in a great size range, so there’s a size that will suit every outfit, from evening wear through to those days in the office. I have the small size and also the WOC size. The small size is a really good size for every day use. It fits enough for me to take it to work but is small enough that it’s also great to take on weekend outings.
One of my favourite smaller bags is definitely the Gucci Dionysus Mini Chain Bag (I talk about it in my post on the Best Designer Crossbody Bags to Invest In). It goes with almost everything and has an edgy look which I love. This is definitely a bag for those times where you don’t need to carry much with you though as it doesn’t fit a whole lot. I go through what can fit inside over on my Instagram.
Read the full Gucci Dionysus bag review (which includes details on all the sizes and prices).
Celine Triomphe Bag
The Celine Triomphe bag is one of the best designer investment bags due to its blend of understated elegance, high-quality craftsmanship, and timeless design. Introduced by Hedi Slimane, the Triomphe bag quickly became a symbol of the brand’s refined aesthetic, featuring a sleek silhouette and the iconic Triomphe logo, inspired by the intricate chains surrounding the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
Its minimalist yet sophisticated design ensures it remains versatile and suitable for various occasions, making it a staple piece that transcends seasonal trends. Crafted from luxurious materials with meticulous attention to detail, the Triomphe bag is built to last, retaining its value over time. Its growing popularity and the prestigious reputation of the Celine brand further enhance its status as a smart and stylish investment for fashion connoisseurs.
Read the full Celine Triomphe bag review (which includes details on all the sizes and prices).
Celine Luggage Bag
My Celine Mini Luggage bag was one of the first designer bags I ever purchased and I still love it just as much today (although the nano size is now my favourite)! Structured and classic, the Celine Luggage tote is one of the most iconic Celine bags, and for a good reason. It comes in 3 sizes (Nano, Micro and Mini) and various colour ways. Read the full Celine Luggage review here.
These bags are great because they have one large compartment so they fit a lot (even the nano size!). They also have a couple of leather options depending on what style you prefer – smooth or drummed leather. I own the smooth calfskin in both the Mini and the Nano sizes – it does scratch more than the drummed leather but it’s supposed to hold its shape better over time.
The Mini is the largest size and is perfect for work or travel – it can easily fit your essentials and a laptop (and basically your entire life inside – it’s huge!) and I talk about it in my post on Stylish Work Bags that Fit a Laptop. The only con with the Mini Luggage is that it’s quite heavy (definitely heavier than the Belt Bag), and doesn’t have a shoulder strap. Despite the weight, I still love this bag, and the size makes it perfect for traveling with too. To see exactly what can fit inside the Mini and Nano sizes head to my Instagram and check out my reels.
The Celine Nano Luggage is one of my favourite designer bag purchases. Even though it’s a mini bag, it fits so much inside! It can definitely carry all my day to day essentials so it’s a great everyday bag, and I like wearing it cross body so I can be hands free. It also looks super cute carried by the top handles.
You can find some pre owned styles at really good prices if you’re not wanting to spend the money on a new one. I’ve linked some options below!
SAINT LAURENT KATE BAG
Another great little Saint Laurent bag, this one is larger and fits a tiny bit more than the Wallet on Chain, but can still definitely be worn cross body, along with on the shoulder. I talk about it in my post on the Best Designer Crossbody Bags to Invest In. The leather is also really durable and it’s a bag that really does go with anything, day or night! I have a full review post on the YSL Kate Bag, which covers everything from sizes, prices, and different leathers and hardware options.
CELINE BELT BAG
The Celine Belt Bag is such a classic Celine style and it’s a bag I still get so much use out of. I’m wearing the Micro (middle) size in the above picture, but the Mini (large) size is also one of the Best Designer Work Bags to Invest In.. The bag closes via the top flap and also has an inside zipper.
Opening and closing it does take some getting used to at fist. I’ll usually just leave the inside zipper open and close it via the flap to make accessing what’s inside a bit easier. The leather on this is quite durable and it’s a nice subtle but stylish bag that’s great for work as well as casual looks. I go through what can fit inside over on my Instagram reels.
Read the full Celine Belt Bag review here.
PRADA CAHIER BAG
This is one of my favourite smaller bags right now – I just love the hardware and edginess of it so much! Although it’s a bit bulkier, it can still be worn cross body if you don’t want to carry it on your shoulder.
If the look is a bit bulky for you, I’ve linked some of the smaller sizes below too. To see exactly what can fit inside the Prada Cahier bag, head to my Instagram and check out my ‘Bag’ story highlights.
If you’re working with a specific budget in mind, check out the Best Designer Bags Under $2,000 to Invest In, and if your budget is a little lower, the Best Designer Bags Under $1,000.
It’s important to note that storing your designer bags properly will help keep them in their best condition for longer, and help prevent them from losing their shape over time. Make sure you check out our post on How to Store Designer Bags.
I hope this post helped you choose the next designer bag to add to your collection or wishlist! Feel free to DM me over on my Instagram if you have any bag questions, I always love chatting all things bags with you guys!
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LOve these picks that you have chosen! You have to invest in what’s best for your wardrobe and what you’re going to get your cost per wear down with
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Ellie xx
Author
So true! Glad it helped! Xxx
The Chanel wallet on chain has been on my list for years but I’ve never gotten around to pulling the trigger. I ended up purchasing a Delvaux Tempete and jumbo flap bag lol. Your collection is definitely goals for me, although I know which bags will work for my lifestyle and which ones won’t
Author
It’s a beautiful bag! Hope this post helped xx