In today’s market, handbags are assets. Take it from the ultrawealthy, whose megaclosets tout the holy designer resale trinity: Hermès Birkin walls (or vaults) alongside limited-run Louis Vuitton and Chanel bags. When luxury consignment sites like Rebag chart returns—the rare Birkin Sellier retained 226% of its value on average as recently as 2022—they can be savvy investments. Secure that bag!
Still, many of us have been priced out of an increasingly inaccessible market, where a 2.55 Chanel bag is, according to Sotheby’s, now a five-figure expenditure. (Every day I curse my Mother for not buying one in the 70’s, back when, she tells me, rent on her one-bedroom Manhattan apartment cost only $250 a month.) So for those without loose purse strings, heretofore known as novice fashion investors, here are 10 entry-level (read: under $1,000 investments) handbags with the best ROI. Well, for your wardrobe—I’m no financial advisor.
Polo ID Herringbone Mini Shoulder Bag
A traditional silhouette from Ralph Lauren makes, as always, for a standby classic for years to come. Polo’s equestrian house codes can be seen through the ID bag’s saddle-like silhouette, marked with stamped hardware akin to identity tag bracelets. I own an ID mini in another colorway—now I’m coveting this textured herringbone—and can vouch for the style’s ability to pair with an array of outfits. Brown’s also a huge neutral right now, and this catchall bag can only appreciate over time as oft-underutilized chocolatey colors show up again and again this winter.
Small Lee Radziwill Double Bag
From a structured satchel comes Tory Burch’s newest brand of everyday heritage chic: the undone Double Bag. A slouchy version of the label’s closed-up Cat Eye, this tricolor top-handle makes for a rather sophisticated staple. This purse says, “I have it all figured out, now let’s have fun.” By association, the wearer of said bag is also lent the good taste of the storied socialite it’s named for: Lee Radziwill. What could be more worth investing in than that?
Bumper-15 Leather Shoulder Bag
JW Anderson’s Bumper bags became a modern must for editors everywhere when they hit for Spring/Summer ’22. Soon this tubular tote—with its futuristic rounding, effortless white-and-black colorway, and slim patent leather strap—worked its way into my wardrobe. Per Harper’s BAZAAR, there’s no indication of the shoulder bag’s prowess slowing short of full-blown ‘It’ bag status, either. My fashion forecast? The ROI will be high here.
Round Circle Bag
The next status symbol from Telfar, following the sold-out, cult buy Shopping Bag—or “Bushwick Birkin”— is the Circle Bag. I love the idea of wearing it as a clutch. Plus, as Rebag’s 2023 Clair Report denoted, Telfar bags appreciated over twice their original retail price last year. (228% average retention!) Few bags under $1,000 ever become this buzzy. So, buying this bag, especially in snowy white? A chic, smart investment.
Long Evening Bag
There isn’t anything about this I don’t love about this evening bag. Another fashionable feat from Brandon Blackwood—a twist on a classic—chicly modernizes heritage house lines and vintage shapes. Blackwood doesn’t believe in big retail markup, either: “People have been so conditioned to buy something that costs maybe $150 to make for $1500, but we don't play that game,” the designer toldInStyle. So, you’re saving money buying this bag, which can then be used to accrue other fashion capital. It’s simple math.
Black Mini Chain Pouch
There’s something cool (to me) about owning bags from ready-to-wear labels that aren’t known for their accessories. Not only will fewer people have it, making it very IYKYK, but it’ll probably be more accessible. (Admittedly, $950 is a significant sum, but other “stealth wealth” brands like The Row will easily charge more.) From the gold chain detail, which immediately looks expensive, to the shoulder strap, this foldover clutch is sure to polish off any outfit. I’ll be buying in before the stock explodes.
Botsy Small Satchel Bag
If Ralph Lauren is the horse girl of fashion, could Isabel Marant be coming for his blue ribbon? Maybe, with this bag, anyway: An everyday satchel bag that puts practicality back in the saddle. I’d wear this with a peacoat—so preppy—or for pared-down bohemia, with a peasant blouse. This is an investment bag in its truest form, the well-made kind that’s never out of style.
Tommy Beaded Bag
Staud is known for its continual offering of stylish bags that won’t set you back too much. Enter: the Tommy—no exception to the brand’s style manifesto. I love a beaded bag, especially in this shiny metallic. Why not diversify your portfolio with gold?
Rola Bag
First of all, the Rola is a stunning bag, like something of a bygone era yet modern. The cylindrical box, the gold plating, the feet? I liken this to art. And isn’t art a good investment?
Tall Sprout Tote
It’s always a good idea to get in on the ground floor of an up-and-coming pre-order style. This Little Liffner bag is a safe stock for fashion investors, too—a mix of slouchy hobo and structured holdall. Can’t you see it being the tote you throw your life into? For the money, this classic style is sure to pay dividends for years to come.