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    1. Fashion

    The chicest handbags under £500, handpicked by a fashion editor

    These are worthwhile investments.

    Zoe Anastasiou's avatar
    By Zoe Anastasiou Contributions by Sunil Makan, Ana Ospina
    Published 25 May 2023 In Buying Guides

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    Handbags Under £500
    (Image credit: Future)

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    • Everyday Bags
    • Statement Bags
    • Evening Bags
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    There is no denying that a handbag can be one of the most utilised purchases in your wardrobe. Day-in-day-out, handbags act as the ultimate companion to accompany you wherever you go. And while investing in a designer handbag can come with an eyewatering price point, these days there are definitely luxurious options around that sit within a more attainable range. 

    Enter our edit of designer bags under £500. From Coach to Cult Gaia, Jacquemus to Max Mara, so many coveted brands are creating affordable carryalls you’ll want to wear on repeat. Between everyday options in shades of tan, beige and black and statement makers in bold hues of pink, blue and green, below we have investment items for all occasions. 

    If sustainability is on your mind, we have that covered, too. Mashu is an eco-conscious handbag brand making its vegan products from apple, pineapple and grape leather. While Coach’s new Coachtopia range embraces a circular fashion philosophy, utilising offcuts and leather scraps (which would previously have been discarded) in the creation of fun new styles. 

    From everyday to evening, keep scrolling to shop our edit of the best handbags under £500. 

    Everyday Bags

    Handbags Under £500

    (Image credit: Future)

    When it comes to worthwhile investments, there’s nothing quite as useful as an everyday bag. Where price-per-wear is concerned, everyday bags might just be some of the most cost-effective items you ever own. In terms of trends, recently designers have been championing crescent and oval shapes, with rounded silhouettes becoming the look du jour. Sleek, ‘90s-inspired shoulder bags are still as popular as ever, as evidenced by the prominence of Jacquemus’ new Le Bisou. 

    ANINE BING MINI LUNA BAG

    Anine Bing Mini Luna Handbag
    £‌305 AT ANINE BING

    MM6 Maison Margiela Mini Japanese grained leather bag

    MM6 Maison Margiela Mini Japanese grained leather bag
    £ 370 AT LUISAVIAROMA

    JACQUEMUS Le Bisou Perle leather shoulder bag

    Jacquemus Le Bisou Perle leather shoulder bag
    £495 AT SELFRIDGES

    J&M DAVIDSON NANO QUIVER BUCKET

    J&M Davidson Nane Quiver Bucket Bag
    £495 AT J&M DAVIDSON

    Aspinal of London Hobo Crescent hangbag

    Aspinal of London Hobo Crescent Bag
    £450 AT ASPINAL OF LONDON

    Ami de Coeur Lunch Box Bag

    Ami de Coeur Lunch Box Bag
    £440 AT AMI PARIS

    Statement Bags

    Handbags Under £500

    (Image credit: Future)

    If you’re looking for a bag that’s going to stand out in the crowd, then look no further than the edit above. Coachtopia’s bright, patterned bags made from recycled materials will certainly be a fun purchase you can feel good about. While Cult Gaia has added the green Gia bag to its ever-growing collection of in-demand accessories. We’re also loving the summery hues available at Hogan and sustainable label, Mashu. 

    handbag Hogan Bag H-Bag Mini Light Blue

    Hogan Bag H-Bag Mini Light Blue
    £390 AT HOGAN

    handbag CULT GAIA green

    Cult Gaia Gia embellished satin shoulder bag
    £445 AT NET-A-PORTER

    COACHTOPIA Checkered pink handbag

    Coachtopia Checkered leather shoulder bag
    £350 AT SELFRIDGES

    handbag COACHTOPIA yellow

    Coachtopia Sequin Ergo leather shoulder bag
    £350 AT SELFRIDGES

    Philippa 2 Lilac mashu handbag pink

    Mashu Philippa 2 Lilac Bag
    £295 AT MASHU

    Hogan Bag H-Bag Mini Orange

    Hogan Bag H-Bag Mini Orange
    £390 AT HOGAN

    Evening Bags

    With summer event calendars getting busier by the minute, you might be on the lookout for an evening bag to accompany all your outfits. Clutches have historically been the most popular style when it comes to event dressing and there are plenty of options around this season from Max Mara to Cult Gaia. Though, if you’re looking for something a little more unique, brands like Lulu Guinness are creating distinctive sculptural accessories this season, like the cute flower pot bag below. 

    Handbags Under £500

    (Image credit: Future)

    MAX MARA Medium Pasticcino Bag in nappa leather

    Max Mara Medium Pasticcino Bag
    £350 AT MAX MARA

    LULU GUINNESS BROWN GERANIUM FLOWER POT BAG

    Lulu Guinness Flower Pot Bag
    £325 AT LULU GUINNESS

    Max Mara Small leather Lizzie bag

    Sportmax Small Leather Lizzie bag
    £465 AT SPORTMAX

    CULT GAIA JAYA CLUTCH

    Cult Gaia Jaya Clutch
    £210 AT CULT GAIA

    Max Mara Medium Pasticcino Bag in nappa leather

    Max Mara Medium Pasticcino Bag
    £460 FROM MAX MARA

    Handbags Under £500: Octavia Rose The Tequila Sunrise Pussy Cat Bag

    Octavia Rose The Tequila Sunrise Pussy Cat Bag
    £295 AT OCTAVIA ROSE

    Marie Claire Newsletter

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    Zoe Anastasiou
    Zoe Anastasiou
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    Fashion Editor

    Zoe Anastasiou is a Fashion Editor with over eight years of experience working across digital publications in New York, London and Australia. She has contributed to publications including Harper’s BAZAAR and ELLE Australia, and was the Fashion and Social Media Editor at Who What Wear UK before joining Marie Claire. 

    With contributions from
    • Ana Ospina Senior Art Editor
    • Sunil Makan Editor
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