(Image credit: Chloé; Givenchy; Prada)
I love nothing more than when a friend comes to me for shopping advice, especially about an investment purchase. The other day, I was thrilled when my friend shared that she had been saving and was ready to invest in a designer bag.
Immediately, I took it upon myself to help her find her dream bag. I spent hours researching and meticulously analyzing the market to compile a comprehensive list of the best bags available. I established specific criteria, focusing on timeless designs, quality construction, high resale value, and the reputation of luxury brands renowned for their quality and demand. After sifting through over 150 designer bags, I narrowed the selection to 27 fail-safe investments. I made sure to include a diverse range of options from esteemed designers such as Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, and Prada as well as emerging brands like Aesther Ekme and Bevza. The curated edit features a variety of styles, including slouchy shoulder bags, structured bowler bags, and elegant evening clutches.
Want to see the styles I recommended? Keep reading because I’ve highlighted 27 investment-worthy handbags below, all for your shopping pleasure. Even if you’re not currently looking for a new bag, the handbags below are worth adding to your wish list.
prada
Medium Leather Tote Bag
One of Prada’s newest additions to its collection, the Medium Tote has quickly become a standout piece for Who What Wear editors. It’s elegant and timeless with clean lines and refined details. Plus, the size is just right for everyday use—not too large, not too small.
KHAITE
Simona Snake-Effect Leather Shoulder Bag
If you’re not ready to fully embrace the snakeskin fashion trend, you can start by incorporating snakeskin accessories into your wardrobe. A snakeskin handbag like this popular one from Khaite will instantly make you look like a fashionable person. Plus, it acts as a neutral, so it’s highly versatile.
TOTEME
Belted Croc-Effect Leather Tote
If you’re looking for a stylish daytime bag that can accommodate a small laptop, look no further than this bag. It features a croc-effect leather composition and a tonal belt that cinches the shape for modern appeal.
Bottega Veneta
Lauren 1980 Mini Clutch With Chain
Bottega Veneta is currently excelling in the handbag market. If I had to suggest one, it would be the Lauren 1980 Mini Clutch. The reissued style features the iconic intrecciato woven design that Bottega Veneta is known for, and it comes with a detachable chain strap, allowing you to wear it over your shoulder or as a clutch.
coach
Soft Empire Carryall Bag
Coach’s Empire Carryall is a beautifully crafted, structured leather tote that has garnered attention as a standout piece in Coach’s latest collection. It is available in navy, black, burgundy, and brown leather and has a capacious design that can hold all your essentials and then some.
Ferragamo
Hug Colorblock Leather Clutch Bag
Oversize clutches have proven to be fail-safe investments over the past few seasons. If you’re looking for one that can be worn any season or taken from day to night, Ferragamo’s Hug Colorblock Leather Clutch Bag is the best option.
SAVETTE
Florence Mini Embellished Leather Tote
Savette’s latest offering, the Florence bag, is inspired by the craftsmanship of Florence and the modernism of New York. The minimalistic design has fashion people coveting it.
ALAÏA
Le Teckel Small Leather Shoulder Bag
East-west bags are the talk of the town right now, and chief among them is Alaïa’s Le Teckel Bag, unquestionably the hottest buy of 2025. Stylish celebrities like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Margot Robbie are huge fans.
The Row
Dalia Leather Baguette Shoulder Bag
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen know a thing or two about designing chic investment bags. The Dalia—with its slim, structured, and timeless profile—is the perfect example.
I tried the Bobbi Bag in Khaite’s East Hampton store and immediately fell in love with it because of its minimalistic design and lightweight feel. While it comes in six colors, the luxurious navy suede is my favorite. It would look chic paired with an LBD or a denim-on-denim look.
MÉTIER
Private Eye Suede Tote
How could you not love this rich-looking navy suede tote bag? It’s the perfect piece to carry to the office or take on an airplane for a getaway.
Loewe
Medium Puzzle Fold Tote
As a fashion enthusiast, you’ve likely encountered Loewe’s Puzzle Fold Tote. What you might not have seen is the latest iteration, which features striking brown, tan, and green color-blocking. This new color scheme adds a fresh and captivating dimension to the bag, making it more visually appealing.
BALLY
Belle Small Leather Tote
Last month, I finally decided to invest in the bag I had been eyeing for a while, and I’m thrilled that I did. The bag’s beautifully durable and structured design exudes a sophisticated, classic appeal. What I love most about it is its perfect size. Despite its compact dimensions, it offers ample space to accommodate all of my daily essentials without feeling bulky or weighing me down.
I’m calling it now: Chloé’s Camera Bag from its F/W 24 collection will be the bag of the season. Fashion people already love the utilitarian-inspired pockets and vintage-like, worn-in design.
JIL SANDER
Goji Pillow Textured Leather Shoulder Bag
This bag exudes a ’90s vibe with its vintage clasp closure, rectangular shape, and distressed leather. I love it so much I want to buy 10 of them.
If there’s one bag you buy from this list, make it Gucci’s Jackie bag. The style was designed in 1961 but remains as popular as ever in the new and secondhand markets, a testament to its enduring appeal.
Lately, I’ve been looking for an evening bag with an elegant chain strap that I can confidently flaunt at a black-tie wedding or a Michelin-starred restaurant. This exquisite Saint Laurent bag ticks all the right boxes. It features a satin finish and a versatile chain strap that can be discreetly tucked into the bag, allowing a seamless transition to a chic clutch style.
The Row
’90s Leather Shoulder Bag
If there’s one bag that all your favorite style muses own, it’s The Row’s ’90s Leather Shoulder Bag. This iconic bag features supple leather, a sleek ’90s-inspired silhouette, an adjustable shoulder strap, and a spacious interior to keep your essentials organized.
Proenza Schouler
Silo Textured-Leather Shoulder Bag
This elongated cylinder-shaped bag is a versatile accessory that can complement any outfit, whether you’re wearing a winter-white look or a white maxi dress in the summer.
Aesther Ekme
Midi Suede Shoulder Bag
Aesther Ekme’s bag is for someone who wants to invest in a designer bag but also spend less than $1000. I love the suede composition and compact design, allowing it to be dressed up with a slip skirt and blazer or down with baggy jeans and a sweater.
Ever since I saw this stunning bag on the runway, it has been living rent-free in my mind. How it effortlessly drapes over one’s shoulder exudes an air of elegance, and the meticulously crafted structure and exquisite gold details are so sophistication. It’s as if every element of the bag has been carefully designed to create a timeless and luxurious accessory that demands attention and admiration.
The Row
Sofia 11.75 Leather Tote Bag
This classic bag is simple and elegant, and it can see you through an endless range of fall and winter events in style.
Givenchy
Voyou Small North-South Tote Bag
The belted-bag trend is every fashion person’s new favorite buy, and we just can’t get enough of Givenchy’s iteration. The bag comes in three sizes (small, medium, and large) and various materials such as leather, suede, and canvas—ensuring that this bag works for your everyday life.
Miu Miu’s Aventure Bag is a versatile piece that effortlessly embodies the latest handbag trends—slouchy totes and vintage-inspired designs.
Tod’s
Darsena Medium Leather Tote Bag
Here’s a bowler bag that has caught the attention of fashion people from Paris to New York, and for good reason. With its practical, structural, and sophisticated silhouette, it embodies a lifestyle of timeless elegance.
Coperni
Logo Leather Shoulder Bag
This bag is edgy but classic, and it’s the perfect piece to accompany you, whether you’re going on a date or grabbing dinner with friends.
Neous
Phoenix Leather Top Handle Crossbody Bag
Who What Wear fashion editors love the Italian brand Neous for its classic and ageless accessories.
